Visualization of neointima formation by optical coherence tomography

Abstract

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has recently been proposed as a high-resolution imaging method. Our male patient, who had been treated with a coronary stent, died due to acute leukemia. Coronary artery images using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and OCT were obtained postmortem. We also compared the image of neointima formation after stent implantation evaluated by histopathological examination with that evaluated by IVUS and OCT. OCT visualized well-apposed stent struts and neointima formation, which could not be visualized completely by IVUS. OCT may be useful for monitoring structural changes after stent implantation. Copyright © 2005 by the International Heart Journal Association.