PLAQUE DETECTION USING A STREAM PROBE

摘要

An apparatus for detecting the presence of a substance on a surface includes a proximal pump portion and at least one distal probe portion configured to be immersed in a first fluid. The proximal pump portion and the distal probe portion are in fluid communication with one another. The distal probe portion defines a distal tip having an open port to enable the passage of a second fluid therethrough. The apparatus is configured such that passage of the second fluid through the distal tip enables detection of a substance that may be present on the surface based on measurement of a signal correlating to, in proximity to the surface, one or more bubbles generated by the second fluid in the first fluid. A corresponding method of detection includes probing the properties of an interaction zone via outflow of the second fluid medium from the surface.