Optical coherence tomography in neurovascular intervention: Technical aspects and emerging directions - 01/05/26
, Giovanni J. Ughi f, g, h, Maxime Baudouin c, d, i, Romain Chauvet c, d, j, Kévin Janot d, k, Jonathan Cortese d, l, Charles Roux d, m, Francesco Diana d, n, o, Nicolas Dubois c, d, Nicole M. Cancelliere e, Charbel Mounayer c, d, p, Vitor M. Pereira e, Aymeric Rouchaud c, d, pHighlights |
• | The use of intravascular optical coherence tomography (OCT) has become a cornerstone of contemporary preclinical research, demonstrating excellent concordance with vascular histomorphometric findings. |
• | Initial first-in-human study using dedicated neuroOCT technology has provided evidence supporting its clinical safety. |
• | Incorporating neuroOCT into clinical workflows highlights an evolving paradigm centered on precision-guided endovascular treatment. |
• | Future clinical studies are needed to define the role of neuroOCT in interventional neuroradiology and to develop evidence-based recommendations. |
Abstract |
Since its initial introduction to interventional cardiology over two decades ago, optical coherence tomography (OCT) has emerged as a powerful tool in neurovascular intervention. This intravascular imaging modality uses near-infrared light to provide cross-sectional visualization of the vessel wall with a resolution approaching 10 μm. The resolution of OCT far surpasses that of other imaging techniques. This higher resolution enables radiologists to directly assess arterial wall disease, including atherosclerotic plaque, aneurysm, and thrombus, as well as the interaction between therapeutic devices and the arterial wall in real time, providing actionable information during neurovascular interventions. The growing reliance on endovascular approaches to treat intracranial aneurysms and ischemia underscores the importance of precise vessel evaluation during treatment to provide accurate imaging guidance. However, digital subtraction angiography and cone beam computed tomography angiography often fail to reveal underlying arterial disease and other key features, such as the presence of thrombi, dissections, and malapposed stents, that could lead to incomplete treatment and acute and chronic complications. By enabling direct visualization of these microstructural details, OCT may overcome some of the most persistent challenges in neurovascular practice, ultimately improving diagnostic accuracy, procedural safety, and long-term patient outcomes. Nevertheless, integrating OCT into neurovascular settings remains challenging. There is still a lack of large-scale clinical validation, and existing coronary devices are not suitable for reliable use in tortuous intracranial vascular circulations. To overcome the technical limitations of current technologies, neuroOCT technology was designed specifically for neurovascular use and was evaluated in a first-in-human study. This technology will enable future clinical studies to investigate using neuroOCT to guide and optimize neurovascular treatments. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive perspective on the potential of neuroOCT in neurovascular practice. It highlights the technology's technical principles, current applications, limitations, and prospects for reshaping vascular imaging and therapy in the brain.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Keywords : High-resolution imaging, Infrared light, Interventional radiology, Intravascular imaging, Optical coherence tomography, Stroke, Vessel
Abbreviations : CBCT, CT, DSA, ICAD, OCT, MT, MRI
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