OCT & FFR

OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY (OCT) GUIDED ANGIOPLASTY

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a diagnostic procedure that is used during cardiac catheterization. It is a new, non-invasive imaging technique that generates volumetric angiography images in a matter of seconds.

OCT uses light and with OCT, doctors can obtain images of the blood vessels that are about the same as if they were looking under a microscope.

HOW DOES OCT WORK?

OCT uses near-infrared light to create images of the inside of the coronary arteries. The technique delivers very high-resolution images. In fact, OCT allows cardiologists to see the inside of an artery in 10 times more detail with 3D image than traditional angiography with 2D images.

BENEFITS WITH OCT

OCT also lets cardiologists clearly see the plaque inside an artery, find out how much fat or clot is inside an artery, and take precise measurements before and after placing stents.

FRACTIONAL FLOW RESERVE (FFR)

Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) is a procedure to determine if a cardiac patient really needs a stent or bypass surgery or can be kept only on medicines avoiding any procedure. FFR technology not only saves lives while avoiding unnecessary surgery but also helps patients to save cost.

HOW DOES FFR WORK?

A very thin guide wire is inserted through a standard 4F or 5F diagnostic catheter during an angiogram. Because of the smaller size catheter necessary, this can be done as an outpatient procedure.

The special guide wire crosses the lesion and is able to measure the flow and pressure of the blood, after infusion of a hyperemic agent, such as adenosine. Results are displayed on a special monitor (left) along with the “FFR value”. [Source: PTCA.ORG]

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Ever got a knife cut on your finger or a blade’s cut while shaving? When that happens, a blood clot saves the day as it quickly stops bleeding. Proteins and particles in your blood, called platelets, stick together to form the blood clot. after it has done its job, it breaks up.

Though sometimes things can go wrong. The blood shouldn’t clot when it’s just moving through the body. If blood tends to clot too much, it is referred to as a hypercoagulable state or thrombophilia. They can be dangerous and lead to serious medical conditions.

They are most likely to affect a leg, when you sit for long durations.
You also get a clot in your arteries, which carries oxygen in your blood from your heart to all the cells of your body. The result can be really serious and cause a life-threatening emergency, like a heart attack or stroke.
You could also get a clot in the veins that carry blood back to your heart.

We have listed out a few warning signs. Scroll down to learn more and you’ll know when to get a medical help.

ARMS & LEGS

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) – is when a blood clot forms in one of the deep veins in your arm or leg. This is dangerous and this clot could travel to your heart. Get medical help right away if you notice any of these symptoms:

• Arm or leg swelling
• Change in colour – red or blue tinge
• Dull ache to intense pain
• Trouble breathing
• Lower leg cramp

HEART

A blood clot around your heart may cause a heart attack. Watch out for these symptoms:

• Sweating
• Severe pain in your chest
• Trouble breathing

LUNGS

A blood clot in your lungs usually starts with a clotting in your arm or leg, which travels to your lung. This is extremely dangerous condition, so get medical assistance if you:

• Feel short of breath
• Pain in your chest
• Cough
• Sweating
• Dizziness

BRAIN

Blood clots here may be caused by fatty deposits in the walls of the blood vessels that bring blood to your brain. In other cases, it can also be occurred when a clot that starts out in a different part of your body, like your chest or neck, enters your bloodstream and move to your brain, where it can cause a stroke.

Watch out for these symptoms:

• Seizure
• Feeling weakness
• Vision problem
• Speech problem

OTHER AREAS

Belly – Blood clots can happen in the veins that drain blood from your intestines. They can be caused by conditions like diverticulitis or liver disease, or even by birth control pills.

Kidneys – A blood clot there can keep them from removing waste from your body. That can cause high blood pressure or even kidney failure.

It’s important to call or contact cardiologist right away if you have any symptoms of a blood clot. Getting prompt treatment will help prevent any potential complications.