Читать книгу Interventional Cardiology - Группа авторов - Страница 248

Atherosclerotic plaque formation is the consequence of inflammation and extracellular matrix formation as well as cholesterol deposition in the vasculature. Altered lipids attract proteolytic enzyme‐producing macrophages to their site, which engulf the lipids and leave behind a soft and unstable core that is highly abundant in foam cells and lipids. Cholesterol, whether esterified or unesterified, forms the major part of the lipid core. Histologic studies as well as studies with intravascular imaging have confirmed the association of the presence of lipid‐laden plaques with the risk of ACS and increased peri‐interventional complications. The ability to detect lipid‐rich plaques in patients is therefore of great clinical significance.

Near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is widely used in many disciplines to identify the chemical composition of unknown substances. It utilizes the absorbance and reflectance of near‐infrared light from an illuminated targeted area to derive the presence of the target substance. This method is a simple quick technique that provides multiconstituent analysis, and requires no sample preparation or manipulation with hazardous agents [121]. Studies have documented the ability of NIRS to accurately identify lipid‐core atherosclerotic plaques in animal models or autopsy specimens and finally, after in vivo and ex vivo validation studies [122,123], an intraluminal spectroscopy catheter was developed and released for clinical use.