Session 2.5 | De-mystifying the Vulnerable Plaque

Chair: Ajay Kirtane

Panel: Azeem Latib; Margaret McEntegart; Joost Daemen; Valeria Paradies

Understanding vulnerable plaque is essential to advancing coronary prevention strategies. This session explores how modern imaging techniques, such as IVUS, OCT and CT, are improving identification and characterisation of high-risk plaque. Faculty will discuss the clinical relevance of vulnerable plaque features, risk stratification and the evolving role of local therapies, including drug-coated balloons and bioresorbable scaffolds.

The session also addresses the gap between imaging findings and clinical decision-making, offering practical insights into how this knowledge may translate into personalised treatment and prevention strategies in everyday practice.