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Published on: April 30, 2018
Intracoronary thermography: heat generation, transfer and detection
Anna G Ten Have1, Frank J H Gijsen, Jolanda J Wentzel
1Department of Biomedical Engineering - Experimental Echocardiography, Thoraxcenter, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
Summary
Intracoronary thermography shows promise for detecting vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques. This review details the fundamental principles of heat generation, transfer, and detection for this ongoing technique.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cardiovascular Research
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Atherosclerotic plaques pose a risk for cardiovascular events.
- Vulnerable plaques require accurate detection methods.
- Intracoronary thermography is an emerging technique for plaque characterization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the fundamental principles of intracoronary thermography.
- To discuss heat generation, transfer, and detection in the context of vulnerable plaques.
- To provide a basis for interpreting current and future research in this field.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on intracoronary thermography.
- Analysis of heat generation by macrophages in atherosclerotic plaques.
- Quantitative assessment of heat transfer mechanisms (conduction, convection, radiation).
- Evaluation of current heat detection methods and potential improvements.
Main Results:
- Macrophage clusters in vulnerable plaques are identified as the primary heat source.
- Increased macrophage metabolism leads to significant heat production.
- Heat transfer is influenced by conduction, blood flow (convection), and radiation.
- Current thermographic techniques and their limitations are discussed.
Conclusions:
- Intracoronary thermography is a developing technique with potential for vulnerable plaque detection.
- Understanding fundamental heat transfer principles is crucial for technique optimization.
- Further research and technological advancements are needed to fully utilize intracoronary thermography.
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