Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) technique a boon for patients of heart attack
Doesn’t every patient deserve to have stents tailor-made for his/her arteries?
What is Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)?
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is an intravascular imaging modality similar to Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS). However, it makes use of light waves instead of sound waves for image acquisition; providing the quantum leap in coaxial resolution and generating high-quality images of inner vessels of arteries consequently.
Established 20 years ago to examine the retina, OCT is coming to full use today in cardiology. It offers clear and photographic quality images, as opposed to the lower-resolution IVUS images.
With its precision and efficiency, OCT provides significantly better outcomes in patients undergoing coronary angioplasty. Its 3D viewing capacity provides an inside view of vessels thereby reducing procedural complications and makes it the perfect guide for taking decisions on Percutaneous Coronary Interventions (PCI).
According to Dr. Rajat Arora, Director & Interventional Cardiologist, Yashoda Group of Hospitals, Delhi-NCR, “We are proud to have this ultra-modern, state-of-the-art technique at Yashoda Hospital & Research Centre, Nehru Nagar, Ghaziabad. It is extremely significant for optimal stent placement also. With its novel technology, it will enable us to view the heart much better. This will go a long way in improving patient outcomes.”
This technique has made the viewing of the minutest blockages in thrombus and thin-cap atheroma much easier. According to Dr. Alok Sehgal, Senior Cardiologist, Yashoda Hospital & Research Centre, “This technique uses intravascular imaging. It provides high-resolution images of the insides of the arteries. Earlier, though we could detect blockages via angiography, we couldn’t detect how big the blockage was. But now, with the knowledge of the size of the blockage, the stents can be tailor-made for arteries which will aid in the reduction of post-operation complications. Moreover, any possibility of having blockages in the artery upon stenting will be reduced to a bare minimum.”
He also said that in the present clinical practice, the use of OCT can help in safeguarding against any major medical quandaries. “This life-saving technology has eased very complicated matters of the heart. Not just this, it will prevent unnecessary expenses on the part of patients and avert the need to go for major surgery,” added Dr. Sehgal.
