Infrared Fluorescence Detection for Vulnerable Atherosclerotic Plaques
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques, such as IVUS and OCT, have limitations in resolution and suitability, making early detection of rupture-prone plaques elusive, while UV fluorescence spectroscopy faces issues with photon absorption and tissue autofluorescence.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus using infrared fluorescence spectroscopy with a radiation source and sensing device to detect atherosclerotic plaques by measuring fluorescence at different infrared wavelengths, determining a fluorescence indicator indicative of plaque presence, absence, or degree, without the need for external markers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If UV fluorescence spectroscopy is used to detect atherosclerotic plaques, then plaque detection capability is improved, but photon absorption and tissue autofluorescence cause measurement interference and reduced accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter from UV range to infrared range (specifically 785 nm excitation wavelength). This parameter change eliminates the harmful effects of UV photon absorption and tissue autofluorescence while maintaining the ability to detect plaque components through fluorescence spectroscopy of extracellular lipids and ceroids/lipofuscin.
2Measurement precision
If invasive plaque imaging techniques like IVUS or OCT are used, then some plaque features can be detected, but resolution limitations and unsuitability prevent detection of all vulnerable plaque features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses fluorescence spectroscopy as an intermediary technique that provides chemical composition information about plaque components. This complements structural imaging techniques by detecting specific molecular markers (extracellular lipids, ceroids/lipofuscin) that indicate vulnerable plaque, thereby improving the completeness of detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs infrared wavelengths (785 nm excitation) that penetrate tissue more effectively and provide different contrast mechanisms compared to UV or visible light techniques. This enables detection of plaque features that are invisible to conventional imaging modalities.
3Reliability
If multiple invasive imaging modalities are combined to detect vulnerable plaques, then detection completeness is improved, but device complexity and procedural invasiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates fluorescence spectroscopy detection capability into the existing intravascular imaging catheter system. The single catheter performs both structural imaging and chemical composition analysis, eliminating the need for multiple separate invasive procedures and reducing overall system complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate detection and quantification of atherosclerotic plaques, particularly identifying vulnerable plaques, by distinguishing stable from unstable plaques based on auto-fluorescence levels, aiding in treatment decisions.
Implementation Method 1
determines a level of fluorescence sensed by a sensing device at a second infrared wavelength in response to exposure of at least part of an artery to radiation at a first infrared wavelength
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus detects atherosclerotic plaques. The apparatus includes an electronic processing device that determines a level of fluorescence sensed by a sensor at a second infrared wavelength in response to exposure of at least part of an artery to radiation at a first infrared wavelength and determines a fluorescence indicator using the level of fluorescence. The fluorescence indicator is indicative of the presence, absence, or degree of an atherosclerotic plaque.