Optical coherence tomography to guide percutaneous coronary intervention

Coronary artery imaging

Imaging is used before and after procedures on the coronary arteries supplying blood to the heart to guide decisions about treatment (for example, by identifying narrowed or blocked areas) and to check whether treatments have worked. Current imaging methods include coronary angiography, in which contrast (a dye visible on X-ray) is injected into the arteries to obtain images, and ultrasound of the inside of the arteries.

NHS Choices (www.nhs.uk) may be a good place to find out more.

NICE has looked at using optical coherence tomography as another imaging option to guide treatment. Click on to the next page to find out more.