Intravascular probe for detection of vulnerable plaque

Coronary angiography defines geometry of lumen of artery. However, perhaps 70% of heart attacks occur when minimally obstructive thin capped fibroatheroma rupture, causing thrombus and arterial occlusion. We have developed an intravascular imaging detector to identify vulnerable coronary artery plaque.

Detector measures beta or conversion electron emissions from plaque-binding radiotracers. Detector assembly fits into a 2-mm diameter catheter and overcomes technical constraints of size, sensitivity, and conformance to intravascular environment.

Device was tested by stepping test point sources past detector to verify function. System resolution is 6.7 mm and sensitivity is 400 cps/microCi one mm from detector.

This prototype is a first step in imaging of labeled vulnerable plaque in coronary arteries. This type of system may assist in development of targeted and cost effective therapies to lower incidence of acute coronary artery diseases (CAD) such as unstable angina, acute myocardial infarction, and sudden cardiac death.