Light in Cardiology 2025

The expanding use of optical imaging and spectroscopy techniques by clinicians in cardiovascular medicine has spurred a wave of scientific research and technical innovation towards new diagnostic modalities in this field. Characterization of coronary atherosclerotic plaque, imaging of therapeutic devices such as stents, and detection of arrhythmogenic changes in the myocardium, all benefit from the resolution and tissue type specificity offered by optics. Therapeutic use of light and lasers continues to find new, targeted applications, aiming for safer interventions with more predictable outcomes. Examples include laser angioplasty, pacemaker lead removal, and ablation of erratic conduction paths in the cardiac wall. Specialized microscopic techniques have revealed myriad details of embryonic cardiac development.

Scientists, engineers, clinical researchers and industry partners meet here to discuss new advances of using light for cardiovascular science and medicine. The aim is to benefit patients, physicians, and fundamental cardiac research. To this end, the conference stimulates collaboration and interdisciplinary exchange, which are paramount for generating new insights and for rearing new technologies towards a role in effective, safe and fast interventions.

Topics will include, but are not limited to, the following:

• imaging of coronary artery disease: OCT, fluorescence, angioscopy, photoacoustics
• optical characterization of atherosclerosis: polarization, spectroscopy, speckle techniques
• optical methods of assessing cardiovascular structure, biomechanics and function
• blood, coagulation and thrombogenesis
• cardiomyopathies
• myocardial ablation
• laser revascularization
• light-tissue interaction of the heart and vessels
• cardiac optogenetics
• photodynamic therapy
• cardiac development
• vascular constructs development (bioengineered tissue)
• image analysis and processing, including machine learning techniques
• new catheters/devices for diagnosis, intervention guidance and therapy
• new light sources, fibers, scanners and other components
• optical studies of the cardiovascular system in animal models
• contrast agents for cardiovascular diagnosis and therapy
• non-invasive technologies for cardiovascular health
• clinical applications
• translation of technology from bench to industry and clinic.