LASER-INDUCED FLUORESCENCE DETECTION OF CARDIOVASCULAR ATHEROSCLEROTIC DEPOSITS VIA THEIR NATURAL EMISSION AND HYPOCRELLIN (HA) PROBING

In order to develop a reliable laser-induced-fluorescence-guided angio plasty system, fluorescence spectra were recorded during exposure of n ormal and atherosclerotic cadaveric aortic tissue to He-Cd laser radia tion (442 nm). A characteristic increase in the fluorescence signal at 600 nm for atheromatous tissue was observed after treatment of the sa mples with hypocrellin (HA). This, combined with the spectral distribu tion of tissue natural fluorescence, allowed the development of simple algorithms, based on the intensity difference and the full width at h alf-maximum (FWHM), and a subsequent index of discrimination between n ormal and various atheromatous tissues. Our results suggest that monit oring of this index through the catheter could enhance selective ablat ion, reducing the risk of normal vessel perforation.