Autofluorescence maps of atherosclerotic human arteries-a new technique in medical imaging

Abstract

A new medical imaging technique for arterial walls based (in laser-induced autofluorescence spectroscopy is reported. The internal surface of isolated arteries with or without atlieroselerosis is irradiated with an argon ion laser (458 nm) and the peak intensity of the excited autofluoiescence spectrum is related to the composition of the arterial wall. The higher autofluorescence intensity in the range between approximately 480 and 630 nni for grossly calcified tissue compared to normal or noncakified atherosclerotic tissue is used to produce maps of the arterial wall. These images delineate the calcified areas of the sample with good spatial resolution. If this technique can be adapted to the endoscopic visualization of arteries in. vivo (angioscopy), it could become an important tool for the diagnosis of atherosclerosis and for the monitoring of atheroma ablation during laser angioplasty. Copyright © 1987 by The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.