[Optical coherence tomography for coronary visualisation].

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a novel intracoronary imaging technique with an extremely high resolution, which is superior to any current modality in visualising the coronary anatomy. Clinical applicability includes 1) the study of vulnerable plaques and evaluation of the effect of medical and interventional treatment here on, 2) guidance of coronary interventions and study of the clinical importance of intervention-related pathology, and 3) evaluation of long-term safety of coronary stents. Drawbacks include the need to interrupt blood flow and a limited tissue penetration.