Malignant tumor and atherosclerotic plaque diagnosis using laser-induced fluorescence

A review of tissue diagnostics using laser-induced fluorescence is given with illustrations chosen from work performed by the authors' group. Two major topics are considered: the demarcation of malignant tumors from normal surrounding tissue and the identification of atherosclerotic regions in arteries. Specific fluorescence from injected agents and tissue natural autofluorescence are discussed. Steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence can be utilized. Original data showing immunity to blood interference in artery monitoring are presented. Imaging techniques for diseased tissue real-time visualization are discussed and illustrated.>