High performance FLIm/OCT catheter system compatible for biochemical/structural evaluation of atherosclerosis

Abstract

We report a novel 355 nm multi-spectral FLIm/ 1310 nm swept-source OCT intravascular imaging catheter system with improved performance. A free-form reflective distal optics enables uncompromised UV and NIR beam focusing. Adoption of an air bearing rotary collimator (100 rps) provides stable optical coupling (single mode transmission: 70+/-2% ); the integration of solid-state multi-spectral FLIm detection within motor drive benefits both FLIm acquisition speed (30 kHz point measurement rate) and signal quality (6x reduction in lifetime standard deviation). We anticipate that this system will complement OCT’s well known capabilities with improved inflammation quantification and extracellular matrix characterization of intravascular lesions.