Near-infrared Raman spectroscopy has been used in vitro to identify calcified atherosclerotic plaques in human femoral
arteries. Raman techniques allow for the identification of these plaques in a nondestructive manner, which may allow for
the diagnosis of coronary artery disease in cardiac patients in the future. As Raman spectroscopy also reveals chemical
information about the composition of the arteries, it can also be used as a prognostic tool. The in vivo detection of
atherosclerotic plaques at risk for rupture in cardiac patients will enhance treatment methods while improving clinical
outcomes for these procedures. Raman spectra were excited by an Invictus 785-nm NIR laser and measured with a fiber-coupled
micro-Raman RXN system (Kaiser Optical Systems, Inc., Ann Arbor, MI) equipped with a 785 nm CW laser
and CCD detector. Chemical mapping of arteries obtained post mortem allowed for the discrete location of
atherosclerotic plaques. Raman peaks at 961 and 1073 cm-1 reveal the presence of calcium hydroxyapatite and carbonate
apatite, which are known to be present in calcified plaques. By mapping the locations of these peaks the boundaries of
the plaques can be precisely determined. Areas of varying degrees of calcification were also identified. Because this can
be useful in determining the degree of plaque calcification and vessel stenosis, this may have a significant impact on the
clinical treatment of atherosclerotic plaques in the future.
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