METHODS AND DEVICES FOR DETECTING VULNERABLE PLAQUE

摘要

Device and methods for detecting vulnerable plaque within a blood vessel are disclosed. A system in accordance with the present invention includes a first wire (102) having a distal end coupled to a voltage source (140) and a proximal end coupled to an instrument capable of measuring voltage. A distal end of a second (104) wire is also coupled to the voltage source (140) and a proximal end of the second wire is coupled to the instrument. The amplitude of the electromotive force produced by the voltage source preferably varies with the temperature of a tissue proximate the voltage source.