Detecting vulnerable plaque
US7450241B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 30, 2005 |
| Grant date | Nov 11, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 20, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B5/6852
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus and associated method for detecting vulnerable plaque within a lumen defined by an intraluminal wall is described. The apparatus includes a probe having a distal portion and a proximal portion. The apparatus includes an optical waveguide extending along the probe. The optical waveguide is configured to carry optical radiation between the distal and proximal portions, and has a distal end in communication with the intraluminal wall. The apparatus includes an interferometer coupled to the optical waveguide and configured to provide an interference signal for sub-surface imaging of the intraluminal wall, and a processing module configured to provide spectroscopic information from detected intensity of light collected from the intraluminal wall.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.