Low-coherence interferometry in coronary arteries.

Abstract

LCI is an emerging intravascular diagnostic imaging technology. An LCI system could have a much higher resolution than intravascular ultrasound and may be capable of providing adequate diagnostic information about both geometry and morphology of diseased vessels. Soft plaque identification, thrombus detection, and assessment of the fibrotic cap covering the lesions may be possible. Fiber optic and micromechanical technologies involved in LCI provide an opportunity to build a very low-profile imaging catheter that can be incorporated into a guide wire and provide high-resolution imaging of the site of intervention before, during, and after intervention. Intravascular LCI is currently at a developmental stage with regard to its technology; so far no in-vivo measurements have been reported. It seems likely that the technical limitations can be overcome and that this will be an extremely useful diagnostic procedure in the future.