Infrared thermography and methods of use
US6762202B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 8, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jul 13, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 8, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61P15/00
- WIPO fieldPharmaceuticals
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The present invention describes rapid noninvasive methods for measuring vasodilation or changes in blood flow in a patient following administration of at least one compound that donates, transfers or releases nitric oxide, elevates endogenous levels of endothelium-derived relaxing factor, stimulates endogenous synthesis of nitric oxide or is a substrate for nitric oxide synthase and/or at least one vasoactive agent. The method comprises the administration of at least one compound that donates, transfers or releases nitric oxide, elevates endogenous levels of endothelium-derived relaxing factor, stimulates endogenous synthesis of nitric oxide or is a substrate for nitric oxide synthase and/or at least one vasoactive agent to the patient followed by monitoring the temperature change of an area of interest using infrared thermography. The present invention provides methods for diagnosing diseases or disorders related to vasodilation and changes in blood flow, such as, sexual dysfunction, Raynaud's syndrome, inflammation, hypertension, gastrointestinal disorders and central nervous system disorders. The sexual dysfunction is preferably female sexual dysfunction and female sexual arousa…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.