Researchers have developed a cutting-edge catheter-based device that merges two advanced optical techniques—fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) and polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PSOCT)—to provide unprecedented imaging detail of atherosclerotic plaques in coronary arteries. This innovative tool offers new insights into plaque composition, structure, and biochemical makeup, which could improve how cardiologists and researchers diagnose, treat, and prevent heart disease, including heart attacks and strokes. Atherosclerosis, characterized by the buildup of fats and cholesterol in arteries, can lead to these life-threatening events if plaques rupture or fragment. The collaborative project, led by Laura Marcu from UC Davis with OCT experts Brett Bouma and Martin Villiger from Massachusetts General Hospital, aims to advance clinical tools for managing atherosclerosis, the leading cause of death in Western societies.
The research, published in Biomedical Optics Express by Optica Publishing Group, introduces a flexible catheter system capable of high-resolution intravascular imaging. This system, about 1 mm in diameter, is compatible with existing coronary catheterization procedures. The device combines FLIM’s ability to detect biochemical markers, such as inflammation and extracellular matrix composition, with PSOCT’s precise structural imaging, which highlights features like plaque collagen and lipid content—critical indicators of plaque stability. Initial tests on artificial tissue and healthy pig arteries showed the device’s ability to capture detailed, co-registered FLIM and PSOCT data.
Looking forward, the research team plans to further validate this hybrid device by imaging plaques in human coronary arteries postmortem and correlating the findings with pathology reports to develop prediction models. The team is also preparing for clinical testing to ultimately incorporate this technology into patient care, enhancing the capacity for precise monitoring of plaque evolution and guiding therapeutic interventions.
