Dual-Function Intravascular Catheter for Atherosclerosis Diagnostics

We herein present a novel intravascular catheter, with dual-functions of electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and flow fraction reserve (FFR), validated in live pig animal for atherosclerosis/plaques diagnostics. FFR has been the standard tool in determining plaque vulnerability yet could produce false negative results when stenosis is relatively small. Meanwhile, EIS has been demonstrated to specifically distinguish the lipid-rich pool, the signifying feature of rupture-prone plaques. The synergetic performance of these two functionalities can significantly enhance state-of-art diagnostics accuracy for atherosclerosis.