May 8, 2008 – The first human procedure using the Volcano OCT imaging catheter, which uses optical coherence tomography (OCT) designed to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of coronary and peripheral vascular disease, was performed by Patrick Serruys, M.D., at the Thoraxcenter, in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Volcano’s OCT imaging platform provides reportedly high-resolution images in the 10-15 micron range, opening the door for new applications to complement both IVUS and angiography. OCT may have the potential to identify thin-cap fibro-atheromas, highlight intraluminal thrombus and assess the complete healing of novel drug-eluting stent designs.
Volcano OCT will complement its existing line of IVUS imaging catheters and pressure guidewires used for coronary imaging and lesion assessment.
Volcano acquired the OCT technology through its purchase of CardioSpectra at the end of 2007. As the company strives to be the leader in intravascular imaging, it is currently working on offerings that incorporate OCT functionality into our s5i IVUS platform, as well as standalone OCT systems.
Dr. Patrick Serruys, commented, “The Volcano OCT Imaging Catheter is another step closer to delivering interventionalists with the true cath lab of the future. To better serve my patients, I want the flexibility to select from an array of different tools, quickly interrogate the vessel, and immediately process the information. Having these various technologies, including IVUS, OCT and FFR, all integrated into the lab, with a common user interface, review points, data storage and staff training provides this flexibility.”
For more information: www.volcanocorp.com