Stent thrombosis

Abstract

The occurrence of stent thrombosis (ST) is rare but it remains one of the most dreadful complications following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), due to the possible risk of death and extensive myocardial infarction. OCT contributes critically in the assessment of ST with substantial clinical implications through: (1) a better mechanistic understanding of the different processes involved; (2) the identification of surrogate markers anticipating the risk of ST; (3) a tailored and more effective approach for the acute treatment of ST. The high level of accuracy in the measurements and separation of the plaque and thrombus components along the entire vessel, and in the fine details on tissue coverage at the stent strut level, makes OCT a unique intracoronary imaging modality for assessing stent failures and guiding appropriate interventions during ST.