Optical Nanoparticles for Cardiovascular Imaging

The current status of the use of optical nanoparticles for imaging of the cardiovascular system is reviewed in detail. The different types of optical (luminescent, photoacoustic, and scattering) nanoparticles capable of vessel imaging and diagnosis are described, paying special attention to the use of optical nanoparticles for atherosclerosis detection and diagnosis, for advanced imaging of blood perfusion and, finally, for the detection and diagnosis of ischemic tissues. The advantages and disadvantages of different optical nanoparticles and related techniques for cardiovascular imaging are discussed in detail.