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Plaque and thrombus evaluation by optical coherence tomography

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Abstract

Intravascular Optical Coherence Tomography has been explored as an imaging tool for vessel wall and thrombus characterization. OCT enables a high resolution arterial wall imaging, and light properties allow tissue characterization. It has been proved one of the most valuable imaging modalities for the evaluation of vulnerable plaque and thrombus. OCT has a unique capacity in volumetric quantification of calcium, and unlike ultrasound, light can easily penetrate calcified plaques. Finally, this review paper will address aspects of the validation method of plaque characterization and potential pitfalls and put in perspective new approaches that may help the evolution of the field.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan

    Takashi Kubo

  2. Lightlab Imaging Inc., Westford, MA, USA

    Chenyang Xu

  3. Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA

    Zhao Wang

  4. Harrington-McLaughlin Heart and Vascular Institute, Cardiovascular Imaging Core Laboratory, University Hospitals Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA

    Nienke S. van Ditzhuijzen & Hiram G. Bezerra

Authors
  1. Takashi Kubo
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  2. Chenyang Xu
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  3. Zhao Wang
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  4. Nienke S. van Ditzhuijzen
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  5. Hiram G. Bezerra
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Hiram G. Bezerra.

Additional information

Hiram G Bezerra received honoraria grant from St. Jude Medical.

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Kubo, T., Xu, C., Wang, Z. et al. Plaque and thrombus evaluation by optical coherence tomography. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 27, 289–298 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10554-010-9790-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10554-010-9790-1

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