Abstract

Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) has been used by several investigators to distinguish a normal artery from atheroma in cadaveric tissues,¹ motivated by a desire to produce a guidance system to direct laser ablation of atherosclerotic plaques. However, since the real time diagnostic information that tissue autofluorescence provides can easily be automated, It is well suited to screening and monitoring tasks that could be applied to a wider variety of diseases and conditions, significantly impacting on patient costs and providing basic research tools.

© 1990 Optical Society of America