Coronary Plaque Microstructure and Composition Modify Optical Polarization: A New Endogenous Contrast Mechanism for Optical Frequency Domain Imaging.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate whether polarimetry, performed using a modified optical frequency domain imaging (OFDI) system, can improve the assessment of histological features relevant to characterizing human coronary atherosclerosis.

Background

The microscopic structure and organization of the arterial wall influence the polarization of the infrared light used by OFDI. Modification of the OFDI apparatus, along with recently developed image reconstruction methods, permits polarimetric measurements simultaneously with conventional OFDI cross-sectional imaging through standard intravascular imaging catheters.

Methods

The main coronary arteries of 5 cadaveric human hearts were imaged with an OFDI system capable of providing polarimetric assessment. Cross-sect

SUBMITTER: Villiger M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5994172 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature