Design of minimally invasive optical imaging probes to track vascular gene expression: a Monte Carlo simulation analysis

A Monte Carlo simulation analysis of optical probe design for minimally invasive tracking of gene expression in the vasculature was performed. The simulations based on efficient light delivery for excitation of green fluorescent protein (GFP) marker revealed the possibility of using percutaneous probes and intravascular probes to detect gene expression in the vessel walls. A percutaneous probe of 5 mm diameter and an intravascular probe of 2 mm diameter produced identical fluence distribution in the media-intima interface of a diseased aorta for optimal excitation of GFP. But there was a seven-fold increase in the fluence rate in the normal aorta by the intravascular probe.