초록 ▼

An intravascular catheter system capable of mapping thermal variations in the temperature of athrosclerotic plaque, on the athrosclerotic plaque surface, and in the arterial wall of aneurysms and other vascular lesions of the human vasculature is provided. The catheter system incorporates a pluralit

An intravascular catheter system capable of mapping thermal variations in the temperature of athrosclerotic plaque, on the athrosclerotic plaque surface, and in the arterial wall of aneurysms and other vascular lesions of the human vasculature is provided. The catheter system incorporates a plurality of thermal sensors fixedly attached along the catheters multi-lumen flexible tubular member which is adapted for insertion into the human body. Optionally, the thermal mapping catheter of the present invention is combined with other features such as intravascular ultrasound, and localized drug delivery, to provide integrated device functions.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.] A thermal mapping catheter comprising:an elongated flexible tubular member suitable for insertion into a vessel in the body of a patient, the flexible tubular member having a longitudinal axis and proximal and distal ends; anda multiplicity of thermal sensors suitable for detecting

[ I claim:] [1.] A thermal mapping catheter comprising:an elongated flexible tubular member suitable for insertion into a vessel in the body of a patient, the flexible tubular member having a longitudinal axis and proximal and distal ends; anda multiplicity of thermal sensors suitable for detecting temperature variations in the body vessel, the thermal sensors being mounted on the flexible tubular member, wherein the multivucity of thermal sensors are arranged in a plurality of bands that are longitudinally spaced along the flexible tubular member, each band having a plurality of radially spaced thermal sensors.