When to use intravascular ultrasound or optical coherence tomography during percutaneous coronary intervention?

Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) are intravascular imaging technologies widely used in the cardiac catheterization laboratory. The impact of these modalities for optimizing the acute and longer-term clinical impact following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is supported by a wealth of clinical evidence. Intravascular imaging provides unique information for enhanced lesion preparation, optimal stent sizing, recognizing post PCI complications, and the etiology of stent failure. This review compares and contrasts the key aspects of these imaging modalities during PCI.