Does Optical Coherence Tomography Optimise Results of Stenting

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a recent imaging modality that yields cross-sectional images with a resolution 10 times greater than that of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). OCT uses a near-infra-red light source to obtain images of the interior walls of the coronary arteries and is increasingly used to evaluate vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques and assess placement and response to stenting. - To date, no study has evaluated whether optical coherence tomography (OCT) contributes to optimizing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and stenting. The DOCTORS study is a randomized, open label study to evaluate whether OCT-guided angioplasty would provide useful clinical information beyond that obtained by angiography, and whether this information would subsequently modify physician behavior and treatment choices. In particular, we will evaluate the impact of changes in procedural strategy resulting from the use of OCT on the value of fractional flow reserve (FFR) obtained after angioplasty and stent implantation of a lesion responsible for non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndromes.