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Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Looking Inside the Artery

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What is Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and how can it benefit patients having interventional procedures?

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Current Postings on This Page (5):

• Mrs. Davis -- One OCT device was approved by the FDA in May 2010 (see "LightLab Imaging Announces FDA Clearance of C7-XR(TM) Coronary OCT Products in the United States"). LightLab is now part of St. Jude Medical and there are centers in the U.S. utilizing this technology. In fact we recently asked Dr. Marco Costa (University Hospitals Case Medical Center in Cleveland) if his lab has been using OCT to see if patients' stents have "healed" and he said "absolutely".
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, October 1, 2010

• Wondering if anyone has traveled overseas to get an OCT? If so what medical facility and how would one make medical arrangements to do so? Thank you.
Mrs. Davis, Quinlan, Texas and Caldwell, Kansas, USA, September 19, 2010

• Thanks you for your quick response. Yes, this is what I am talking about. I will read the other forum. In June 09 I had two XIENCE V stents out in P LAD and M LAD. About 70+ blockage. Never a smoker, not over weight, blood numbers outstanding, very active. In my case i guess it was very mild hypertension and genetics.My heartburn started about two months ago mostly while being active (running, biking) training for a tri. My doctor did a nuclear stress test and i am fine. He suggested PIP but my research shows they interfere with the plavix. I am trying H2 blockers and today started on my second type to see if it helps. I am thankful for my doctor and my health but feel it is important I take charge and do my part. I appreciate your your help and this forum.
Tim, Virginia, USA, February 9, 2010

• Tim -- I think you are referring to OCT, so we have started this new thread on the subject. You can find out more detail about OCT imaging by clicking the "Related Topics" at the top of the right-hand column. This imaging modality is not yet approved in the U.S., but it is used in research and clinical trials. In Europe and Japan it is being used much more widely (Dr. Guagliumi of Bologna is one of the leaders in this field). OCT is an over-the-wire imaging system. It is an invasive procedure which can be done in the cath lab, as part of an angiogram or angioplasty. Its use as a "check" on stent strut coverage is not proven clinically yet -- but the results from the ODESSA trial were very interesting indeed. The Endeavor DES from Medtronic had the most complete coverage (almost 100%) at 6 months, even better than a bare-metal stent. These, and other studies, are part of the basis for a couple new studies being done about optimal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (Plavix and aspirin) with the Endeavor stent -- they are testing both 6 month and 3 month duration. We will be reporting on these studies as they progress. As for the acid reflux, have you discussed the use of H2 blockers or PPIs with your cardiologist? There is some concern that one or more PPIs may inhibit the action of Plavix, but your cardiologist can guide you here.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, February 8, 2010

• Recently read about an imaging device or test that checks to see if a medicated stent has endothelium safely layered. I am 51, very active and Plavix is causing acid reflux. Want to quit plavix but not die because i am too rash. DO you have info on this test? Thank you
Tim, Virginia, USA, February 8, 2010

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