Single and double wavelength excitation of laser-induced fluorescence of normal and atherosclerotic peripheral vascular tissue

Laser-induced fluorescence spectra were recorded from the exposure of perip heral vascular tissue to both helium-cadmium and argon-ion laser radiation. Spectral analysis was based on simple algebraic expressions constructed us ing the intensity difference of the various spectral regions. The above met hods were developed in order to determine the degree of atherosclerosis acc ording to the laser-induced fluorescence signal. Similar results with singl e wavelength excitation were observed during in vivo irradiation of periphe ral vessels. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.