Multimodality direct coronary imaging with combined near-infrared spectroscopy and intravascular ultrasound: initial US experience.

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.