NIRFUS is a European research project developing a new generation of intravascular imaging technology to improve the diagnosis and treatment of coronary heart disease. The project focuses on combining near‑infrared fluorescence (NIRF) with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in a single miniature catheter, allowing doctors to see not only the structure of coronary arteries, but also the biological processes—such as inflammation or plaque activity—that drive disease progression.

Today’s intravascular imaging tools mainly show vessel anatomy, which can miss early or high‑risk disease. NIRFUS addresses this limitation by enabling molecular imaging inside the artery, helping to identify dangerous plaques, assess treatment success, and support more personalized clinical decisions. To make this possible, NIRFUS develops highly precise micro‑optic components to build reliable, clinical‑grade catheters suitable for future human use.

The main objectives of NIRFUS are to:

1. Develop a novel NIRF‑IVUS catheter that combines ultrasound imaging with near‑infrared fluorescence to visualize both artery structure and molecular biomarkers inside blood vessels.
2. Demonstrate safe, reliable performance of the NIRF‑IVUS technology through laboratory testing and preclinical validation.
3. Enable more accurate assessment of coronary disease, including plaque activity, inflammation, and vessel healing that cannot be detected with conventional imaging alone.
4. Prepare the technology for future clinical translation, by addressing regulatory, market, and exploitation pathways.