Synergistic use of ultrasonography and near infrared spectroscopy for coronary imaging

A novel dual modality intravascular imaging system has been developed. The combination of near-infrared spectroscopy and intravascular ultrasound in a single catheter allows for simultaneous, co-registered compositional and structural assessment of coronary artery disease. Evidence from histology through an ex-vivo study suggests that this combination system provides an unprecedented ability to characterize coronary artery plaque.