Cryotherapy method for detecting and treating vulnerable plaque
AssigneeCryoVascular Systems, Inc.
InventorsJames Joye, Kristine Tatsutani
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Abstract
The present invention provides methods, apparatus, and kits for detection and/or treatment of vulnerable plaque of a blood vessel having a lumen surface. Detection methods include sensing a temperature differential along a lumen surface with temperature sensors that thermally couple the lumen surface. Treatment methods include controlled and safe cryogenic cooling of vulnerable plaque to inhibit release of retained fluid within the vulnerable plaque so as to inhibit acute coronary syndrome and to help maintain patency of a body lumen. Treatment methods may include additional treatments, such as primary treatments or passivation.
Claims16
A method for treating vulnerable plaque of a blood vessel, the vulnerable plaque releasably retaining fluid, said method comprising:
- cooling the blood vessel adjacent the vulnerable plaque to a temperature sufficient to inhibit release of the retained fluid into the blood vessel, wherein the cooling step comprises:
- introducing a catheter into a lumen of the blood vessel;
- positioning a first balloon within the vessel lumen adjacent the vulnerable plaque;
- introducing a cryogenic cooling fluid into the first balloon;
- exhausting the cooling fluid;
- and
- expanding a second balloon disposed over the first balloon to radially engage the vessel lumen.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.