Method of treating vulnerable plaque
US6972024B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 21, 2001 |
| Grant date | Dec 6, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 27, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2017/22081
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method of treating vulnerable plaque comprising intentionally damaging or rupturing the vulnerable plaque using a wingless balloon which is inflated from a wingless unexpanded diameter to a limited expanded diameter. This process produces significant increase in ECM synthesis at the site of the damage or rupture. As a result, the method strengthens the vulnerable plaque while minimizing or avoiding damage to the surrounding wall of the body lumen or damaging a stable plaque mistakenly believed to be a vulnerable plaque. The method of the invention is particularly useful in treating a fibroatheroma type of vulnerable plaque. In one embodiment, the balloon is self-limiting such that it expands compliantly at initial inflation pressures, and above nominal pressure it expands noncompliantly. In an alternative embodiment, the balloon is inflated using a diameter-limiting device, such as a device which limits the inflation pressure or the volume of inflation fluid in the balloon.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.