Detecting vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque using a novel dual-modality ultrasound- fluorescence spectroscopy imaging technique:system design

摘要

In this article, we report the development of a novel dual-modality diagnostic system combining time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy (TR-LIFS) and 40MHz intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and propose its application in detection of vulnerable plaque. This hybrid system allows for concurrent extraction of histological features and morphological information of atherosclerotic lesions. A compact multiple-modality catheter and probe, which is the key attachment of the hybrid system, is investigated in considerable detail in this study. Both optical waves and ultrasound are expected to be simultaneously transmitted (transmit and receive) by the probe, and then the spectroscopic and ultrasonic signal can be obtained synchronously to extract useful information for vulnerable plaques detection.