Hybrid 3D-printed imaging device for precision heart care
Transforming plaque detection with molecular insight
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Precision heart care: Hybrid 3D-printed imaging device
By harnessing 3D-printing, multimodal imaging and AI, this imaging device can help spot dangerous plaques earlier and personalise treatments.
Video of blood vessel obtained by 3D printed 'camera'
See the image rendered by the hybrid 3D-printed imaging device developed by Jiawen Li and her team
Problem
Cardiology’s blind spot: current tools miss the plaques that matter most
Globally each year, millions of patients with coronary artery disease suffer an acute coronary syndrome event. Most of these are caused by dangerous blockages or high-risk plaques in the coronary arteries – plaques that rupture, clot, and block blood flow. Although many plaques remain stable, others silently progress until they rupture, leading to myocardial infarction or sudden cardiac death. These events are preventable – but only if we can identify and treat high-risk plaques before they become life-threatening.
Current imaging technologies lack the resolution and molecular sensitivity needed to distinguish between stable and high-risk plaques. As a result, cardiologists are often forced to make critical treatment decisions without a clear picture. This can result in overtreatment of stable lesions or missed interventions on dangerous ones, leading to recurrent heart attacks and readmission to hospitals.
Solution
A new lens on heart disease
This project has developed a next-generation intravascular imaging catheter that equips cardiologists to detect high-risk plaques before they rupture and cause heart attacks. The device combines two complementary, powerful imaging techniques – optical coherence tomography (OCT) which reveals plaque structure in high detail, and autofluorescence, which shows real-time molecular activity – into a single, ultra-miniaturised system.
At its core is a world-first 3D-printed micro lens-in-lens, just 0.3 mm wide – about the width of a couple of human hairs. This patented lens delivers near-cellular resolution and 12x greater sensitivity than existing technologies.
While no current existing technology combines OCT and autofluorescence without compromising their performances, this breakthrough lens integrates both in a single device efficiently, giving a real-time view of both plaque structure and biological behaviour. This allows for earlier, more accurate diagnosis and truly personalised care.
Impact
A clearer view for better outcomes
Designed to work within existing hospital procedures, the device requires no extra training and no change in how doctors currently operate. Its ultra-miniaturised lens and catheter seeks to minimise vascular damage, while its enhanced resolution and molecular sensitivity support more confident diagnoses. By attempting to make diagnosis more accurate and personalised, this technology could help prevent heart attacks, reduce unnecessary treatments and improve patient outcomes.
Long-term, this system could also support clinical trials, to evaluate new drugs and how they may affect biological features of plaque and may be adapted for use in other high-risk clinical areas–delivering sustained impact across cardiovascular care and beyond.
What [makes] this technology so innovative is the fact that we can make this tiny 3D-printed lens that's only the size of a human hair and it can accurately detect high risk plaque that cause heart attack.
Jiawen Li
Project Lead
Meet the team
Prof Robert Fitridge
Professor of Vascular Surgery at University of Adelaide
Supported by
Delivery partners
Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes about our Catalyst Partner’s project only - see the Disclaimer. If you have any questions or would like more information about this project or Catalyst Partnership Grants, get in touch.
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