Our initial experience in optical coherence tomography in peripheral vasculature: A pictorial essay

Background: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been a cornerstone for intracoronary interventions for substantial years. The extrapolation of the benefits of this cutting-edge technology to the peripheral vasculature is still in its nascent stage. This pictorial essay was an endeavor to exhibit the role of OCT as a tool for visualization of peripheral vasculature. Aim: To ascertain adjunctive use of intravascular imaging through OCT of in vivo peripheral human arterial vasculature and to distinguish between lipid-rich, fibrous, and calcified atherosclerotic plaques and other lesions of peripheral vasculature. Subjects and Methods: OCT imaging was performed with commercially available OCT system which is a short mono-rail design with a fiberoptic imaging core integrated into a catheter. The optic imaging core rotates at a rate of 100-180 revolutions/s. OCT pull backs were performed in an automated fashion with simultaneous flushing of iso-osmolar contrast (Visipaque) and normal saline. The visualization of different lesions of peripheral human vasculature through the eye of OCT is presented here as a pictorial essay. Results: OCT has an evolving potential as a tool for monitoring, lesion characterization, assessment of retrogression, progression, and disease stabilization in peripheral vasculature. The technique provides optimal high-resolution lesion characterization akin to an optical biopsy. Conclusions: OCT as a tool for in vivo analysis of human peripheral vasculature provides superlative results. Larger studies will be required to validate a protocol for optimal usage in the peripheral human arteries.