Multispectral scanning time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy (TRFS) technique for intravascular diagnosis

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Optics
• Medical Imaging
• Spectroscopy

Background:

• Atherosclerotic plaques possess distinct biochemical compositions.
• Intravascular imaging requires high spatial and biochemical resolution.
• Current diagnostic methods have limitations in detailed plaque characterization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a catheter-based time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy (TRFS) system.
• To enable continuous acquisition of fluorescence emission and reconstruction of fluorescence lifetime images (FLIM).
• To assess the system's potential for intravascular detection of atherosclerotic plaque biochemical features.

Main Methods:

• A catheter-based optical probe with a rotary joint and pull-back device was employed.
• The system was designed for continuous fluorescence emission acquisition.
• Validation was performed using standard dyes and ex vivo tissue phantoms, including pig aorta.

Main Results:

• The system successfully demonstrated temporal and spectral resolution of fluorescence emission from tissue.
• Reliable resolution of fluorescence emission from multiple fluorophores within the lumen was achieved.
• The system showed potential for distinguishing biochemical signatures in simulated vascular environments.

Conclusions:

• The developed catheter-based TRFS system is capable of resolving complex fluorescence signals in a luminal environment.
• This technology holds promise for intravascular imaging and biochemical characterization of atherosclerotic plaques.
• Further development could lead to improved diagnostics for cardiovascular diseases.