Method of detecting vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque
US6475159B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 15, 1999 |
| Grant date | Nov 5, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 15, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2017/22001
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An infrared, heat-sensing catheter particularly useful for identifying potentially fatal arterial plaques in patients with disease of the coronary or other arteries and its use are detailed. In one embodiment, an infrared fiberoptic system (with or without ultrasound) is employed at the tip of the catheter to locate inflamed, heat-producing, atherosclerotic plaque, which is at greater risk for rupture, fissure, or ulceration, and consequent thrombosis and occlusion of the artery. In another embodiment, a catheter with an infrared detector (with or without ultrasound) employed at its tip will likewise locate inflamed heat-producing atherosclerotic plaque. The devices and methods of the invention may be used to detect abscesses, infection, and cancerous regions by the heat such regions differentially display over the ambient temperature of immediately adjacent tissues. The methods and devices of the invention may also be used to detect regions of cooler than ambient tissue in a vessel or organ which indicate cell death, thrombosis, cell death, hemorrhage, calcium or cholesterol accumulations, or foreign materials.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.