OCT application in diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases

Intravascular microscopy

In early October, Khanh Hoa General Hospital was equipped by the province with a coronary OCT imaging system. This device helps doctors clearly see the internal structure of blood vessels with extremely high resolution, far surpassing traditional intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) or angiography methods. Next, the hospital was honored to welcome People's Physician, Prof. Dr. Vo Thanh Nhan - Chairman of the Southern Interventional Cardiology Association to provide professional guidance. Associate Prof. Dr. Huynh Van Thuong and specialist II Pham Cong Nhut, along with a team of doctors and technicians from the hospital's Interventional Cardiology Department, received and mastered the OCT technique, officially making Khanh Hoa General Hospital the first unit in the South Central region to deploy this technique.

Associate Professor, Dr. Huynh Van Thuong checks the patient's health after being treated with OCT technique.

After implementing the technique, 2 patients were treated. Both patients had long, complex coronary artery lesions. Thanks to OCT, the team of doctors and nurses at the Interventional Cardiology Department identified the exact segment of the artery that needed a stent, the intervention was smooth and safe, the patients recovered quickly, and their health was stable. Patient Le Tran Dinh Sau (65 years old, Cam An commune) shared: “I had chest pain for 2 months, at first it was just a slight pain, then it gradually increased. When the chest pain became severe, I was hospitalized. Here, thanks to the doctors' intervention using new techniques, now my health is stable, I can walk normally. I am very grateful to the hospital's medical team.”

According to Associate Professor, Doctor Huynh Van Thuong - Vice President of the Vietnam Interventional Cardiology Association, a cardiovascular intervention expert at Khanh Hoa General Hospital, OCT is a technique that uses near-infrared light to recreate cross-sectional images inside blood vessels, helping doctors clearly see the structure of each layer of the vessel wall, determine the level of atherosclerosis, calcium, and plaque rupture. From there, the length and diameter of the stent, as well as the expansion and adhesion of the stent are selected with absolute precision. "Previously, with angiography or IVUS, we could only estimate the damage. OCT, with a resolution 10 times higher than IVUS, is considered a "microscope inside blood vessels", allowing doctors to observe the smallest structures. Doctors can detect small atherosclerotic plaques, blood clots or calcifications that other methods cannot see, helping to detect potential damage early and provide a personalized treatment regimen for each patient," Dr. Thuong shared.

Modernization of equipment in cardiovascular intervention

Khanh Hoa General Hospital is one of the leading provincial medical units in the country in investing in modern interventional cardiovascular equipment systems. The hospital currently has 2 digital DSA machines, an IVUS system integrated with artificial intelligence (IVUS AI)... The deployment of OCT helps complete the chain of advanced coronary artery diagnosis and treatment facilities at the hospital. With this device, doctors can handle complex coronary artery disease cases, limiting referrals to higher levels. "OCT not only helps with accurate diagnosis, but also shortens intervention time, reduces complications, improves safety and treatment effectiveness for patients," Dr. Thuong emphasized.

Performing coronary OCT at Khanh Hoa General Hospital.

Currently, the rate of coronary artery disease in Khanh Hoa in particular and the whole country in general is increasing, with a tendency to get younger. Therefore, Khanh Hoa General Hospital's timely investment and implementation of advanced diagnostic techniques such as OCT is of particular importance, helping people in the province access cardiovascular treatment services on par with major centers right in the locality. However, currently, OCT technique is quite new, expensive and not yet covered by health insurance (expected to be applied from July 2026). "To create conditions for people to access modern techniques, the hospital has fully supported the costs for the first two cases. We hope that in the near future, people will be able to enjoy this modern technique within the scope of insurance payment. This is the driving force for us to continue to develop and move towards becoming a specialized cardiovascular center in the South Central region," said Associate Professor, Dr. Huynh Van Thuong.

The application of OCT is a step forward to affirm the position of Khanh Hoa health care in the region, demonstrating the rapid adaptation of local health care to global trends. At the same time, it also demonstrates the province's strategic vision in investing in high-quality health care.

C.DAN

Source: https://baokhanhhoa.vn/xa-hoi/y-te-suc-khoe/202510/ung-dung-oct-chan-doan-dieu-tri-benh-tim-mach-478762d/