The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 30, 2009
Filed:
May. 26, 2005
Deborah L. Kilpatrick, Los Altos, CA (US);
Robert D. Ainsworth, Scotts Valley, CA (US);
Murthy V. Simhambhatla, San Jose, CA (US);
Jeong S. Lee, Diamond Bar, CA (US);
Deborah L. Kilpatrick, Los Altos, CA (US);
Robert D. Ainsworth, Scotts Valley, CA (US);
Murthy V. Simhambhatla, San Jose, CA (US);
Jeong S. Lee, Diamond Bar, CA (US);
Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc., Santa Clara, CA (US);
Abstract
A method of treating vulnerable plaque comprising intentionally damaging or rupturing the vulnerable plaque using a wingless balloon which is inflated from a wingless unexpanded diameter to a limited expanded diameter. This process produces significant increase in ECM synthesis at the site of the damage or rupture. As a result, the method strengthens the vulnerable plaque while minimizing or avoiding damage to the surrounding wall of the body lumen or damaging a stable plaque mistakenly believed to be a vulnerable plaque. The method of the invention is particularly useful in treating a fibroatheroma type of vulnerable plaque. In one embodiment, the balloon is self-limiting such that it expands compliantly at initial inflation pressures, and above nominal pressure it expands noncompliantly. In an alternative embodiment, the balloon is inflated using a diameter-limiting device, such as a device which limits the inflation pressure or the volume of inflation fluid in the balloon.