Atherosclerotic plaque rupture can result in the catastrophic endpoints of thrombosis, stenosis and/or occlusion. Depending on the anatomic location of the plaque, the clinical consequences can be myocardial infarction, stroke or limb ischemia.

The objective of this project is to develop a new optical method for the diagnosis of unstable atherosclerotic lesions using time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy (TR-LIFS). Fluorescence initiated with a laser from endogenous fluorophores of arterial lesions is currently studied and developed as a practical technology for identifying lesions, which may become unstable and cause transient ischemic attacks and/or strokes. The spectroscopic results from carotid lesions, obtained ex-vivo and in-vivo using TR-LIFS, are utilized to characterize lesion composition, an important feature associated with lesion instability and rupture.

The proposed technology involves the use of fiberoptic catheters, which facilitates integration with standard catheterization techniques (angiography, balloon angioplasty, angioscopy). This project enables in-vivo research on atherosclerotic plaque formation, remodeling and rupture, obtains knowledge of cellular processes, and applies such knowledge to the development of new diagnostic techniques for cardiovascular diseases. This study facilitates translation of research findings on carotid lesions into clinical practice for identifying and treating those patients who are more likely to have an unstable plaque.