Optimal wavelengths for near-infrared multispectral imaging of atherosclerotic plaque

摘要

Near-infrared multispectral imaging (NIRMSI) is a potentially effective technique for evaluation of atherosclerotic plaque. In the present study, the optimal wavelength combinations in the NIR wavelength range for detecting plaque were investigated. Atherosclerotic phantoms were observed using a NIR camera at different wavelengths in the range 1150-1790 nm. It was found that the plaque phantom could be detected using just three suitably chosen wavelengths in the neighborhood of absorption peaks due to the lipid at 1210 and 1730 nm. Although higher quality images could be obtained using the peak at 1730 nm due to the stronger absorption at this wavelength, the peak at 1210 nm offered the advantage of a larger optical penetration depth.