By OUR STAFF REPORTER
DEHRADUN, 17 Sep: Optical Coherence tTmography (OCT) is a method of obtaining tomographic images of a human organ based on the coherence of light. OCT was initially applied in the clinical setting in the ophthalmology field in 1996 and is now widely used to assess retinal diseases and other conditions. In cardiology, OCT is an optical analog of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) used to examine the heart arteries. Ultrasound employed for IVUS examination is replaced by near- infrared light with a wavelength of about 1,300 nm, which is absorbed by red blood cells, water, lipids, and protein at relatively low levels. Through a rotating glass fiber-optic system, coherent infrared light can be directed and reflected within the tissue to create a detailed tissue image with extraordinarily high resolution OCT is a novel, promising imaging modality with characteristics that differ from those of traditional modalities, such as IVUS, because OCT has a high resolution, it can provide detailed information about the vessel that cannot be obtained with other modalities. The Hospital held a live workshop on “Use of OCT in Complex Angioplasty”, recently. Information provided by intracoronary imaging during angioplasty helps us in providing best results of coronary stenting. lt helps to diagnose artery blockage characteristics like calcium, clots and dissections. During Procedure it guides for correct stent implantation technique with use of imaging techniques risk of future complications like recurrence of blockage or clot formation in stent can be minimized in complex coronary procedures. OCT is an imaging modality that can be expected to become increasingly popular in the future for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with symptomatic/asymptomatic coronary artery disease.
