In Vivo Assessment of High-Risk Coronary Plaques at Bifurcations With Combined Intravascular Ultrasound and Optical Coherence Tomography

Abstract

Objectives: This study sought to evaluate the in vivo frequency and distribution of high-risk plaques (i.e., necrotic core rich) at bifurcations using a combined plaque assessment with intravascular ultrasound-virtual histology (IVUS-VH) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Background: Pathological examinations have shown that atherosclerotic plaque rich in necrotic core is prone to develop at bifurcations. High-risk plaque detection could be improved by the combined use of a technique able to detect necrotic core (IVUS-VH) and a high-resolution technique that allows the measurement of the fibrous cap thickness (OCT). Methods: From 30 patients imaged with IVUS-VH and OCT, 103 bifurcations..