Infraredx, Inc.

Thomas Jefferson University

Joel S Raichlen

Sean P Madden

Flemming Forsberg

Barry B Goldberg

William Tao Shi

Methods, devices and systems, including computer-implemented methods for building a lipid core plaque (LCP) cap collagen structural integrity classifier are described. The blood vessel wall is illuminated with near-infrared light. Reflected near-infrared light from the blood vessel wall is received. A reflectance spectrum based on the reflected near-infrared light from the blood vessel wall is determined. Whether the reflectance spectrum is indicative of the presence of an LCP is determined. Collagen structural integrity indicator data associated with the blood vessel wall are determined. The LCP cap collagen structural integrity classifier is generated based on the reflectance spectrum and the collagen structural integrity indicator data.

Assessment of lipid core plaque integrity

Described are methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products for examining a blood vessel wall. The blood vessel wall is illuminated with near-infrared light. Reflected near-infrared light from the blood vessel wall is received. A reflectance spectrum based on the reflected near-infrared light from the blood vessel wall is determined. Whether the reflectance spectrum is indicative of a presence of a lipid core plaque (LCP) by applying an LCP classifier to the reflectance spectrum is determined. A thickness of an LCP cap is determined by applying an LCP cap thickness classifier to the reflectance spectrum if the reflectance spectrum is indicative of the presence of the LCP. Indicia of the thickness of the LCP cap are displayed.

Detection of lipid core plaque cap thickness

The present invention relates to the use of diagnostic ultrasound and microbubble-based ultrasound contrast agents to accomplish noninvasive subharmonic aided pressure estimation (SHAPE) in the cavity of the heart, in other organs, and in major blood vessels. Diagnostic ultrasound provides noninvasive, real-time cross-sectional images and parameter estimations without ionizing radiation and without the disadvantages and risks of invasive methods of imaging and measurement. SHAPE is a non-invasive, direct, and accurate method for pressure estimation utilizing sub-harmonic or ultraharmonic signals from contrast agents. In light of the advantages of diagnostic ultrasound, SHAPE provides an economical alternative, a safe avenue, and an earlier timetable for assessing the clinical condition of patients, especially critically ill patients.

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Bryn Mawr, PA, United States of America

Joel S Raichlen