Near-Infrared Spectroscopy for the Detection of Vulnerable Coronary Artery Plaques

Abstract

This review describes efforts to use near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to identify chemical components of coronary artery plaques as a means to assess vulnerability. Near-infrared spectroscopy has been well-validated by the physical sciences as a method to characterize chemical composition of various bio-materials and could be ideal to detect vulnerable coronary plaques in patients. Recent studies in aortic and coronary artery autopsy specimens have confirmed the ability of the technique to identify lipid-rich thin-cap fibroatheromas through blood. A catheter-based system has been developed to address the challenges-of access to the coronary artery, blood, motion, and the need to scan-that must be overcome for use in patients. Initial clinical experience in six patients with stable angina demonstrates that high-quality NIR spectra can be safely obtained. Additional studies are planned to validate the ability of the technique to identify lipid-rich coronary artery plaques and ultimately link chemical characterization with subsequent occurrence of an acute coronary syndrome.

Assessment of Coronary Plaque Vulnerability in Acute Coronary Syndromes using Optical Coherence Tomography and Intravascular Ultrasound. A Systematic Review

“…However, it has not been implemented on a large scale in clinical practice. 21,22 The aim of this systematic review was to perform a systematic analysis of the studies characterizing vulnerable plaque features visualized using invasive imaging methods such as optical coherence tomography and intravascular ultrasound, in order to identify the most efficient invasive technique that can be used for plaque characterization in patients with acute myocardial infarction.…”

Observation of Atherosclerotic Plaque Phantoms through Saline or Blood Layers by Near-Infrared Hyperspectral Imaging

“…The most common modalities are currently applied for clini-cal intravascular diagnostic imaging of atherosclerotic plaque [2] [3] including intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) [4], optical coherence tomography (OCT) [5], photoacoustic tomography [6], angioscopy [7], and combination of these methods [8] [9]. Spectroscopic techniques are also being applied, based on advances in spectroscopic photoacoustic imaging [10], fluorescence spectroscopy [11], Raman spectroscopy [12], and near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy [13] [14]. Such methods can provide chemical information about the artery and plaque.…”

“…NIR light efficiently penetrates biological tissues, and the NIR region contains the characteristic absorption range of lipid-rich plaques [13] [17]. Thus, NIR spectroscopy in the wavelength range of 1000 -2500 nm is being evaluated as a potential tool for identifying lipid-rich plaques [10]- [14] [17] [18].…”

Optical coherence tomography – near infrared spectroscopy system and catheter for intravascular imaging

“…Intracoronary NIRS has been developed as a standalone imaging modality [23] and is now commercially available and in clinical use [24]. The catheter device is capable of detecting lipid through blood and deep within the artery wall [25,26]. Recently, NIRS has been combined with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) to provide coregistered structural and chemical information [27].…”