InfraReDx Launches TVC Imaging System

November 7, 2011—InfraReDx, Inc. (Burlington, MA) announced the launch of its TVC (true vessel characterization) imaging system, an enhanced version of the company's LipiScan intravenous ultrasound (IVUS) coronary imaging system. The TVC imaging system is an intravascular imaging system that provides information that is critical for evaluating true vessel characterization, including its structure and composition. The system's improved image resolution delivers better clinical detail, providing more reliable vessel interpretation and assessment. The device combines both IVUS and near-infrared spectroscopy.

According to the company, the ability to visualize not only the physical structure of a vessel, but also its composition and the potential presence of lipid core plaque (LCP) of interest, enables interventional cardiologists to obtain true vessel characterization and contributes to selection of optimal treatment for patients. Interventionists can identify which patients are at risk of stenting complications, thereby facilitating the formulation of more precisely tailored interventional treatment strategies.

InfraReDx stated the TVC imaging system provides rapid and automated detection of LCPs in a single pullback during the cardiac catheterization procedure. Through IVUS technology, the system provides clear and relevant information about vessel structure in real time. The near-infrared spectroscopy technology enables accurate understanding of vessel composition and reliable visualization of the presence of LCP that are associated with plaque embolization and other complications of coronary interventions. The multimodality images are obtained simultaneously and require no postprocessing or image manipulation, advised the company.