Method of detecting vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque
US6993382B2 · kind B2 · utility
36Cited by
65References
7Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 16, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jan 31, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 16, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2017/22001
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method of detecting vulnerable arterial plaque formed on the vessel wall in vivo is disclosed. The method comprises obtaining an image of the arterial plaque, measuring the temperature of the arterial plaque, and determining whether the plaque exhibits an elevated temperature compared to the temperature of at least one adjacent vessel wall site. The method may include determining whether the plaque exhibits an elevated temperature of between 0.4 to 4° C. above at least one adjacent vessel wall site.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.