Abstract: A system and related methods for automatic or semi-automatic segmentation and quantification of blood vessel structure and physiology, including segmentation and quantification of lumen, guide wire, vessel wall, calcified plaques, fibrous caps, macrophages, metallic and bioresorbable stents are described, and including visualization of results. Calcified plaque segmentation can be used to estimate the distribution of superficial calcification and inform strategies stenting. Volumetric segmentation and quantification of fibrous caps can provide more comprehensive information of the mechanisms behind plaque rupture. Quantification of macrophages can aid diagnosis and prediction of unstable plaque and associated acute coronary events. Automated detection and quantification of metallic and bioresorbable stents can greatly reduce the analysis time and facilitate timely decision making for intervention procedures.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for expanding and improving functional capacity of human adult-derived progenitor cells in vitro using a closed culture system. The present invention provides a favorable condition for cell therapy to promote tissue repair and organogenesis via vasculogenesis and angiogenesis in clinical settings. The proposed closed bag culture system for culturing hemangioblast comprises of, in one embodiment, a serum-free culture medium containing one or more factors selected from the group consisting of stem cell growth factor, interleukin-6, FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3, thrombopoietin, and vascular endothelial growth factor and a kit for the preparation of the serum-free culture medium and the like.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for evaluating body vessels. Images of the vessel are captured, analyzing to generate a three-dimensional model of the vessel, and the data associated with the three-dimensional model is analyzed. In cases in which the vessel is a coronary artery, the vessel model can be analyzed to determine the vulnerability of plaques within the artery to rupture. In some embodiments, the images are optical coherence tomography images. In some embodiments, the images are captured with an optical catheter that includes a tracking device. In some embodiments, the analysis includes flow and/or structural analysis.

Abstract: Disclosed are optical probes and methods for use of such probes. In one embodiment, an optical probe includes a housing that is sized and configured to be passed through a lumen having an inner diameter no greater than approximately 2 millimeters, and an internal optical system provided within the housing, the optical system being configured to capture images of a feature of interest associated with the lumen. In another embodiment, an optical probe includes a housing configured for passage through a narrow lumen, and an internal optical system provided within the housing that is configured to capture images of a feature of interest associated with the lumen, the optical system including axicon optics that form a focal line rather than a discrete focal point.