Wasatch Photonics imaging technology could lower coronary disease mortality rate

Logan, UT--Patients undergoing angioplasty or other heart-related medical procedures could benefit from new technology being developed at Wasatch Photonics with funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF). The intravascular optical-coherence tomography (OCT) technology creates images of coronary artery walls in vivo to show where lesions and plaques have formed. Physicians can use the images to determine the best course of action, including where a stent might be placed.

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William Brown, vice president of business development at Wasatch Photonics, says the outcome of developing the technology will be the availability of a new tool to identify and treat coronary artery disease. "This disease affects an estimated 16 million Americans and is a primary cause of heart attacks and strokes. Identifying and treating plaque buildup and other intravascular conditions could reduce the morbidity and mortality rates from coronary artery disease," he adds.

The company received a two-year Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II grant for $498,325 from the NSF. The grant provides funding to continue developing the intravascular optical coherence tomography system.

Wasatch Photonics, which has a division in the Research Triangle Park in Durham, NC, has also opened an office in the Purdue Research Park (West Lafayette, IN). Brown said opening the office offers strategic benefits to the company.

"We want to expand our presence in the Midwest, and opening the office in the Purdue Research Park is a natural fit for our goals," he said. "We also look forward to establishing a connection with Purdue University, one of the nation's pre-eminent research universities."

Wasatch Photonics will be at booth #1406 at the 245th American Chemical Society National Meeting & Exposition (April 7-11; New Orleans, LA).