The first round of human cardiovascular studies using optical coherence tomography (OCT) is being conducted by LightLab Imaging at the Siegburg Heart Center in Germany.
LightLab of Westford, MA, has designed a device to acquire in vivo microscopic images of human intracoronary plaque. The OCT platform uses advanced photonics and signal processing techniques, along with a single strand of 0.006-inch optical fiber, which enables clinicians to study the plaques in vivo for the first time, according to the company.
The system, which has not yet been cleared for clinical use in the U.S., employs principles similar to ultrasound to create images, using infrared light instead of sound waves. The higher bandwidth of light enables the LightLab OCT platform to achieve image resolutions of 10-12 micrometers, versus 100 micrometers for ultrasound.
By AuntMinnie.com staff writersNovember 5, 2001
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CDT changes name to LightLab Imaging, June 8, 2000
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