Multimodality Optical and Ultrasound Intravascular Imaging for Stent Optimization and Atheroma Assessment

Plain-language summary

This investigation is to see if the new Novasight Hybrid imaging catheter can safely and accurately provide two different types of images (IVUS and OCT) of the inside of heart vessels at the same time. The images will be compared against one type of image (IVUS) to see if providing two, improves identification of different types of plaque (fatty substances) and informs better treatment. Atherosclerotic coronary artery disease is the name given to the development of plaques in the heart vessels. The plaques can cause narrowing in the vessels which may cause chest pain. Sometimes, plaques completely block the vessels causing a heart attack. This type of disease is the main cause of death worldwide. Research shows that when the type of plaque causing problems is known, it can help understanding of which narrowing may get worse and cause a heart attack. This information can also help with deciding when and which treatment to provide. Intravascular imaging is a way to assess the inside of the heart arteries. It involves passing a narrow catheter into the heart vessels. The catheter has a probe on its tip that emits light or an ultrasound signal. The signal is reflected by the vessel wall, back into the probe. A computer program interprets the signals and creates images of the inside of the arteries. There are two types of imaging catheters. One uses sound (Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS)) and one uses light ((OCT) Optical Coherence Tomography) to produce different types of pictures of the vessels and plaques. The images produced by each type do not provide a full picture of the plaques on their own. A new hybrid imaging catheter has been developed which has two probes at the tip, an IVUS probe and an OCT probe and can produce both types of images at the same time. It is likely that having both types of images is better for finding high-risk plaques and should lead to better, more specific treatment. 50 heart attack patients who need an angiogram will have images of their vessels taken during their treatment. Once the imaging is complete the patient will continue with their routine planned care. The information from the images will be used to see how safe and accurate this new hybrid catheter is compared with the separate IVUS and OCT catheters, and also check to see if it is easier to identify plaques that might cause future problems. The study also aims to develop new ways to process and use the images from the hybrid catheter to better treat the plaques that cause the heart attack.

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