Heat treatment of inflamed tissue
US5906636A · kind A · utility
413Cited by
2References
36Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 19, 1997 |
| Grant date | May 25, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 19, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2007/0088
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention relates to methods for treating inflammation in body tissues. More specifically, certain disclosed methods relate to selectively inducing apoptosis in inflammatory immune cells. The methods are particularly suitable for treating inflamed atherosclerotic plaques. The techniques generally involve heating the cells with a catheter that is equipped to produce infrared radiation. The cells are heated for a sufficient time and at a sufficient temperature to induce programmed cell death.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.