Patent ID: 7679754
Filing Date: 2010-03-16
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for detecting vulnerable plaque within a lumen defined by an intraluminal wall, the apparatus comprising: a probe having a distal portion and a proximal portion; an optical waveguide extending along the probe, the optical waveguide being configured to carry optical radiation between the distal and proximal portions, and having a distal end in communication with the intraluminal wall; an interferometer coupled to the optical waveguide and configured to provide an interference signal for sub-surface imaging of the intraluminal wall; a processing module configured to provide spectroscopic information about the intraluminal wall from detected intensity of light collected from the intraluminal wall; and an optical source configured to emit optical radiation that provides a range of wavelengths to form the interference signal for sub-surface imaging and to form the spectroscopic information provided from the detected intensity of light collected from the intraluminal wall.