Methods and apparatus for the identification and stabilization of vulnerable plaque
OwnerEduardo Ignacio Cespedes, Kenneth J. Michlitschinventors
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present invention provides methods and apparatus for identifying and stabilizing vulnerable plaque via multi-functional catheters having both thermography and imaging capabilities. It is expected that correlating imaging and thermography data will facilitate improved identification of vulnerable plaque. Apparatus of the present invention may also be provided with optional stabilization elements for stabilizing vulnerable plaque, as well as optional embolic protection. Methods of using apparatus of the present invention are provided.
Claims25
A method for identifying vulnerable plaque within a body lumen of a patient, the method comprising:
- providing apparatus comprising a catheter having a longitudinal axis, a phased-array IVUS imaging system, and a thermographer;
- percutaneously advancing the catheter to a target region within the patient's body lumen;
- disposing the thermographer within or immediately adjacent a field of view of the phased-array IVUS imaging system;
- obtaining an image of the target region with the phased-array IVUS imaging system;
- obtaining temperature data at the target region with the thermographer;
- and
- assessing whether the target region includes vulnerable plaque by correlating the image and the temperature data obtained at the target region.
A method for identifying vulnerable plaque within a body lumen of a patient, the method comprising:
- providing apparatus comprising a catheter having a longitudinal axis, a lumen and an imaging element;
- percutaneously advancing the catheter to a target region within the patient's body lumen;
- obtaining an image of the target region with the imaging element;
- removably advancing a thermographer through the lumen;
- obtaining temperature data at the target region with the thermographer;
- and
- assessing whether the target region includes vulnerable plaque by correlating the image and the temperature data obtained at the target region.
A method for identifying vulnerable plaque within a body lumen of a patient, the method comprising:
- providing apparatus comprising a catheter having a longitudinal axis, an imaging element and a thermographer having a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration;
- percutaneously advancing the catheter to a target region within the patient's body lumen;
- obtaining an image of the target region with the imaging element;
- disposing the thermographer in overlapping relationship with the imaging element along the longitudinal axis of the catheter when the thermographer is in the deployed configuration;
- obtaining temperature data at the target region with the thermographer;
- and
- assessing whether the target region includes vulnerable plaque by correlating the image and the temperature data obtained at the target region.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.