Advanced cardiovascular technology
PICC brings advanced imaging, coronary physiology, intracoronary imaging, and selected interventional options into the larger story of symptoms, risk, and long-term care—not simply because the technology exists.
Can noninvasive imaging show plaque, anatomy, and whether a narrowing may matter?
CCTA, AI-enabled plaque analysis, calcium scoring, and FFRCT may add anatomic and physiologic information when clinically appropriate.
Related PICC program →
Is a coronary narrowing meaningfully restricting blood flow?
FFR, iFR, and angiography-based physiology place a narrowing in functional context and can support either treatment or medical care.
Related PICC program →
What does the inside of the coronary artery look like?
Intravascular ultrasound images the artery from within and can help assess plaque, size the vessel, and optimize selected procedures.
Related PICC program →
Could microvascular or vasomotor function explain symptoms when major arteries appear open?
Coronary function testing and physiology curves, including CFR and IMR, may help evaluate persistent symptoms when appropriate.
Related PICC program →
Would carefully selected support help during a high-risk coronary procedure?
Mechanical circulatory support may be considered for selected high-risk procedures after individualized clinical assessment.
Related PICC program →
Could a procedure be considered for selected difficult-to-control hypertension?
Renal denervation is evaluated only after confirming the blood-pressure pattern and reviewing medications and secondary causes.
Related PICC program →Patient questions
These answers are general education. Your clinician should explain why a particular test or procedure is—or is not—appropriate for you.
No. A test is considered when it can answer a specific clinical question, clarify risk, or change a treatment decision.
No. Advanced imaging or physiology may support prevention, medical therapy, observation, another test, or intervention depending on the full clinical picture.
Anatomy shows the structure of an artery and plaque. Physiology evaluates whether a narrowing meaningfully limits blood flow.
Both look from inside a coronary artery. IVUS uses ultrasound, while OCT uses near-infrared light and provides very high-resolution detail. The clinical question guides the choice.
Sometimes CCTA answers the question noninvasively; other situations require invasive measurements or treatment. A clinician selects the appropriate pathway.
Each item below links to the corresponding PICC clinical program, and the Education Hub contains additional medically reviewed patient guides.
The PICC principle
Some findings support intervention. Others support prevention, medical therapy, additional observation, or reassurance. The right tool is the one that helps the patient and clinician choose the next right step.
Request an appointment →Medically reviewed by
Ankitkumar Patel, MD, MPH, FACC, FSCAI, RPVI
Last reviewed
August 22, 2026
Educational information only. It does not replace personal medical advice.