Benefits of IVUS plus near-infrared spectroscopy in detecting and managing vulnerable plaques

At EuroPCR 2025, Nilesh Pareek and Thomas Keeble discuss the clinical value and future potential of NIRS IVUS, a dual-modality imaging system developed by Nipro that combines intravascular ultrasound with near-infrared spectroscopy.

The Makoto™ system and Dualpro™ catheter allow real-time identification of lipid-rich plaques by providing both a colour-coded visualisation and a quantitative Lipid Core Burden Index (LCBI). This index, ranging from 0 to 1000, helps determine the extent of lipid content in the artery wall.

In this interview, they explain how the integration of NIRS IVUS into PCI workflows enhances decision-making, supports tailored treatment of both culprit and non-culprit lesions, and contributes to a more personalised approach to plaque management. They also explore how this technology might shape the future of vulnerable plaque detection and interventional cardiology.

This interview was filmed at EuroPCR 2025: see more videos here.