Coronary intravascular imaging are advanced diagnostic techniques that provide detailed insights into the structure and function of coronary arteries, enhancing the management of coronary artery disease (CAD). Intravascular imaging involves using specialized catheters equipped with imaging technology to visualize the inside of blood vessels. Two commonly used methods are intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). IVUS uses high-frequency sound waves to generate cross-sectional images of the arterial walls, helping to assess plaque composition, artery diameter, and lesion severity. OCT, on the other hand, uses light to capture high-resolution images of the vessel lining, providing even finer details of the plaque and arterial structures.
These imaging techniques are crucial in guiding coronary interventions such as angioplasty and stenting, allowing cardiologists to assess lesion morphology and optimize the placement of stents. Intravascular physiology, which includes techniques like fractional flow reserve (FFR) and instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR), measures the pressure drop across a coronary lesion to assess its physiological impact on blood flow.