C. R. Bard, Inc.

Norman E Farr

Glenn S Baker

Michael Madden

Michael G Dumont

An angioplasty system and method for identification and laser ablation of atherosclerotic plaque at a target site in a blood vessel includes fluorescence analysis for identification of noncalcified plaque and calcium photoemission analysis for identification of calcified plaque. Calcified plaque is identified by time domain analysis of calcium photoemission. A high energy pulsed ultraviolet laser can be used for stimulation of fluorescence and for stimulation of calcium photoemission. The system is capable of distinguishing between calcium photoemission and a defective condition of optical fibers that are used to deliver laser energy to the target site. In an another embodiment of the angioplasty system, calcium photoemission is identified during a nonablative initial portion of the laser ablation pulse. When calcium photoemission is not identified, the laser ablation pulse is terminated during the initial nonablative portion thereof.

Growing community of inventors

North Andover, MA, United States of America

Norman E Farr