Studies on the diagnosis of atherosclerosis using contact irradiating & detecting fluorescence fiber

Abstract

We succeeded in diagnosing the atherosclerotic lesions with photosensitizer using Mixed Bundle Fiber (MBF). MBF can irradiating laser and detecting fluorescence contact. Another type of catheter with square arrangement of 4 MBFs was also prepared.
Fluorescence spectrum analysis was performed in aortae of atherosclerotic rabbits, in vivo and in vitro.
Fluorescence probe (DHE, Doxycycline) made clear definition between both atherosclerotic lesions and normal walls.
MBF may be suitable to evaluate the atherosclerotic lesions and could realize auto-controlling laser angioplasty system.