Recent studies emphasize the importance of direct intracoronary imaging techniques that provide insights regarding not only lesion architecture but also plaque composition, particularly the presence or absence of lipid-core plaque (LCP). Intracoronary near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is the only validated FDA approved device for in vivo detection of LCP. A recently introduced catheter provides simultaneous NIRS spectral data coregistered with standard intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) images in a single intracoronary pullback. The present series of cases illustrates the unique data obtained by this combined NIRS-IVUS device and highlights its potential clinical applications. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.