Remote biomedical spectroscopic imaging of human artery wall.

We discuss a general technique, laser spectroscopic imaging (LSI), remote acquisition of spectroscopic images of biological tissues and tissue conditions. The technique employs laser-induced spectroscopic signals, collected and transmitted via an array of optical fibers, to produce discrete pixels of information from which a map or image of a desired tissue characteristic is constructed. We describe a prototype LSI catheter that produces spectral images of the interior of human arteries for diagnosis of atherosclerosis. The diagnostic is based on the fact that normal artery wall and atherosclerotic plaque exhibit distinct fluorescence spectra in the 500-650 nm range when excited by 476-nm laser light; the fluorescence from blood is minimal. The catheter is composed of 19 optical fibers enclosed in a transparent, protective shield. Argon ion laser radiation is used for excitation, and an optical multichannel spectral analyzer is used for detection. Sequential sampling is used to minimize crosstalk among fibers and reduce blurring of the image. Computer-processed 19-pixel spectroscopic images are produced of fresh cadaver artery in vitro. Regions of normal tissue, plaque, and blood are identified, and the diagnoses are confirmed histologically and by direct spatial correlation. The results demonstrate the concept of using this laser catheter system for real-time imaging.