Optical coherence tomography (OCT) in secondary revascularisation: Stent and graft assessment

Optical coherence tomography is a recently introduced intracoronary imaging modality with higher spatial resolution than intravascular ultrasound. For this reason, it is increasingly applied to investigate the characteristics of vulnerable atheromatous plaques and the result of stent implantation, struts coverage and restenosis, as well as in procedural decision-making. OCT is also useful in the field of secondary revascularisation, particularly in assessing implanted stents, evaluating relevant technologies like biodegradable stents, and in studying surgical grafts. In this article we perform a review of current developments and evidence in this area.