Revealing Mechanisms of Atherosclerosis and Atherosclerotic Diseases Using Angioscopy

Abstract

We have developed a non-obstructive general angioscopy (NOGA) applied for any vessel size. Frequent spontaneously ruptured aortic plaques in the aorta are implicated in organ dysfunction leading to aging. We demonstrated the progression and rupture of plaques via innate immune response involving cholesterol crystals by in situ NOGA studies. Furthermore, NOGA has advanced the identification of detailed endothelial injuries in acute aortic dissections and their application in treatment. NOGA is valuable for the assessment and new therapies for atherosclerotic disease.