Researchers at the University of Adelaide have developed a 3D-printed micro-lens measuring less than 0.26 millimeters in diameter that can be used to examine blood vessels. The lens is printed directly onto an optical fiber and is designed to aid in the detection of coronary artery disease.
Schematic of the 3D-printed micro-axicon used in intravascular imaging. (Image Credit: Jiawen Li et al.)
The development team, led by Jiawen Li at the Institute of Photonics and Advanced Sensing (IPAS), created the device in collaboration with German company Nanoscribe and the University of Stuttgart. The micro-lens operates using a needle beam, also known as a Bessel beam, which maintains focus over longer distances compared to traditional Gaussian beam optics.
The new imaging device addresses limitations found in current commercially available technology. According to Li, “By overcoming the limitations of traditional optics and enables exceptional image quality, this device could provide greatly improved imaging capability of high-risk plaques that cause heart attacks.”
Testing of the device has been conducted in preclinical models, with results indicating improved spatial resolution and depth of focus compared to standard imaging probes. The micro-lens has demonstrated effectiveness when imaging inside narrow coronary arteries, offering potential benefits for detecting plaque buildup that can lead to heart attacks.
The research team is now preparing for a small clinical trial at the Royal Adelaide Hospital. The trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the 3D-printed lens in identifying high-risk patients who may require intervention to prevent cardiac events.
Source: cosmosmagazine.com
