Catheter with thermal sensor for detection of vulnerable plaque

摘要

Methods and devices for detecting vulnerable plaque within a blood vessel are disclosed. An elongate medical device in accordance with the present invention includes an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. A substrate is fixed to the elongate shaft proximate the distal end thereof, and a plurality of sensors are disposed on the substrate. Each sensor is preferably coupled to a switching device. The switching devices are preferably disposed on the substrate.