Imaging of atherosclerosis. Raman spectroscopy of atherosclerosis.

Raman spectroscopy can provide detailed, quantitative information about the chemical composition of an atherosclerotic plaque. Recent development of compact clinical Raman systems and specially developed Raman catheters allow the remote, intravascular application of the technique. This shows prospects for the detection of coronary plaques that are prone to rupture and for the quantitative study of atherosclerosis in terms of chemical composition. This review discusses the basic principles and advances of Raman spectroscopy in the field of atherosclerosis, and its future directions in cardiovascular medicine.