[The non-occlusive modality of optical coherence tomography image acquisition: a new concept for wide clinical application].

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a novel intravascular imaging modality, based on infrared light emission. This technique enables a high resolution arterial wall imaging but requires a complicated image acquisition process. The aim of this review is to describe a new non-occlusive modality of OCT acquisition, developed by our group, which does not require balloon occlusion of target artery, and to point out its safety and efficacy, describing the required steps to generate good quality images. In the article we referred to previous experimental studies conducted in animals to identify the solution to be used to acquire images of good quality with least adverse effects. Iodixanol 320 was found to have the best image quality/side-effect ratio and enabled the study of long arterial segments. The same solution was then tested in humans, on a large patient population, having either acute coronary syndromes or stable angina. OCT imaging by means of this non-occlusive modality proved to be successful in the vast majority of patients, enabling in over 95% of cases the comparison of the lesion with a reference site. Vessel interrogation was found to be fast and safe. The nonocclusive modality of OCT image acquisition is safe and effective and promises to simplify the complex current occlusive technique, leading to a marked reduction of procedural time.