Heat treatment of inflamed tissue
US7123968B1 · kind B1 · utility
52Cited by
64References
19Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 30, 1999 |
| Grant date | Oct 17, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 30, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2007/0088
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention relates to methods for treating inflammation in body tissues. More specifically, certain disclosed methods relate to selectively inducing apoptosis in inflammatory immune cells. The methods are particularly suitable for treating inflamed atherosclerotic plaques. The techniques generally involve heating the cells with a catheter that is equipped to produce infrared radiation. The cells are heated for a sufficient time and at a sufficient temperature to induce programmed cell death.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.