Methods and devices for detecting vulnerable plaque
US6694181B2 · kind B2 · utility
2Cited by
50References
6Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 12, 2001 |
| Grant date | Feb 17, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 12, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01K7/04
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Devices and methods for detecting vulnerable plaque within a blood vessel are disclosed. A system in accordance with the present invention includes a first wire having a distal end coupled to a voltage source and a proximal end coupled to an instrument capable of measuring voltage. A distal end of a second wire is also coupled to the voltage source and a proximal end of the second wire is coupled to the instrument. The amplitude of the electromotive force produced by the voltage source preferably varies with the temperature of a tissue proximate the voltage source.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.