Optical coherence tomography: basics, current application and future potential.

Optical coherence tomography is a relatively novel imaging modality that utilizes light to generate high resolution images of intravascular structures. As result, OCT has rapidly become a preferred modality for imaging intracoronary structures such as coronary plaques and coronary stents. OCT is increasingly being utilized to further our understanding of intracoronary pathology and the effects of therapies both pharmacologic and procedural on the coronary vasculature. This review is intended to give an overview of the current investigational uses of OCT and its potential roles as the technology matures.