High-Definition Intravascular Ultrasound Versus Optical Coherence Tomography: Lumen Size and Plaque Morphology

Overview

Percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) rely heavily on intravascular imaging for precise assessment of coronary anatomy, plaque morphology, and stent optimization. Two primary imaging modalities, high-definition intravascular ultrasound (HD IVUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT), have been widely utilized. HD IVUS offers deep tissue penetration and high contrast for vascular structures, while OCT provides superior spatial resolution, crucial for detailed plaque characterization.

The efficacy of complex percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) depends significantly on obtaining precise intravascular imaging to make informed clinical decisions and improve overall procedural outcomes. This discussion will review the current landscape, practice gaps, and educational needs in the field of coronary imaging.

Faculty and Agenda

	Daniel Chamié, MD, PhD Moderator		Yiannis S. Chatzizsis, MD, PhD, FSCAI Presenting Author
	Tom Johnson, MBBS, FSCAI Panelist		Natalia Pinilla, MD, PhD, FSCAI Panelist
	Evan Shlofmitz, DO Panelist

Acknowledgement of Commercial Support

This activity is supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Boston Scientific Corp.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this initiative participants will be able to demonstrate the ability to: 

Understand the impact of vessel size on the accuracy of HD IVUS and OCT measurements, with particular attention to how these imaging modalities perform in larger coronary arteries.
Analyze the ability of HD IVUS and OCT to detect fine coronary wall structures, including thin fibrous caps, dissections, and stent struts, and the clinical relevance of these findings for complex percutaneous coronary interventions.
Interpret the results of this study and determine how the overestimation of lumen size by HD IVUS and the underestimation by OCT might influence clinical decision-making during image-guided PCI procedures.

Disclosures

During the development of this publication, the authors disclosed the following financial relationships with industry. All conflicts were mitigated before the start of the activity.

Planner:

Alexandra Lansky: Boston Scientific - speaker.

Faculty:

Daniel Chamié, Natalia Pinilla, and Evan Shlofmitz: No relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.
Yiannis Chatzizsis: Boston Scientific - Advisory Board, consulting.
Thomas Johnson: Boston Scientific - Advisory Board, speaker.

Reviewers:

Nkechi Ijioma and Nidhi Madan: No relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

SCAI Staff:

Amanda Pettyjohn and Kristen Perry: No relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Accredited Continuing Education Information

Accreditation Statement
The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Credit Designation
SCAI designates this enduring material for a maximum of 0.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

ABIM MOC
Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the learner to earn up to 0.25 MOC point in the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. It is the CME activity provider’s responsibility to submit learner completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABIM MOC credit.

Successful Completion
Participate in the live activties on zoom and complete the evaluation to obtain credit.

Activity Timeline
Record Date: 8/26/2025
Publish Date: 10/21/2025
Retire Date: 10/21/2028

Summary

Availability:

On-Demand

Expires on Oct 21, 2028

Cost:

FREE

Credit Offered:

0.25 CME Credit

0.25 ABIM-MOC Point

0.25 Participation Credit