Observational Study of OCT in a Patients Undergoing FFR

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an imaging modality that uses near-infrared light to produce high resolution, real-time images that are clearer and more quickly produced than those produced by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). OCT imaging is performed utilizing an imaging catheter with a single optical fiber core that both emits light and records its reflection while simultaneously rotating 360° during continuous pullback within the coronary artery. Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) is a pressure-derived, lesion-specific, physiological index determining the hemodynamic severity of intracoronary lesions. FFR is measured by placing a pressure guidewire across the lesion of interest and pharmacologically inducing hyperemia. The ratio of distal to proximal pressure allows the physician to physiologically determine if the narrowing is the cause of ischemia. the goal of this study is to define new parameters for stent optimization, benefitting from the unique Fourier-domain (FD-OCT) capabilities. This stage I study will identify the parameters which will be prospectively tested in a second stage II protocol. In hospital, 30 day, and 12 month outcomes data will be correlated with OCT baseline findings in order to identify optimal stent implant parameters.