Dual-Modality CRI-PAT Probe for Plaque Characterization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting atherosclerosis, such as cardiac catheterization with angiography, are inadequate as they fail to provide detailed information about atherosclerotic plaque, especially early plaque buildup, and cannot detect plaque inside the arterial wall without luminal protrusion, limiting their ability to assess plaque vulnerability and composition.

Innovation Solution

A dual-modality scintillator catheter probe combining catheter radionuclide imaging (CRI) and photoacoustic tomography (PAT) using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) to detect and characterize atherosclerotic plaque, offering improved sensitivity and resolution by identifying plaque location and constituents like lipid, calcium, and tissue thickness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If cardiac catheterization with angiography is used to detect coronary artery blockages, then the location of blockages can be identified, but detailed information about plaque composition and early plaque buildup cannot be obtained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplaque detection sensitivityVSAvoidplaque composition information

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple imaging modalities (optical coherence tomography, intravascular ultrasound, and fluoroscopy) into a single catheter-based probe system. This merging allows simultaneous acquisition of high-resolution plaque morphology, tissue composition, and anatomical location information, resolving the contradiction by providing both sensitive plaque detection and detailed compositional data through integrated multi-modal imaging

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The catheter probe is designed with multi-functional capabilities to perform multiple imaging functions (OCT for plaque morphology, IVUS for tissue characterization, fluoroscopy for navigation) within a single device. This universality enables the system to detect both early plaque buildup and characterize plaque composition without requiring separate procedures, thereby improving measurement precision while preserving comprehensive information

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If cardiac catheterization with angiography is performed, then the procedure can be completed quickly, but it cannot detect early atherosclerotic plaque inside the arterial wall

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidearly plaque detection timing

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The high-resolution imaging capabilities of the integrated probe enable detection of early atherosclerotic plaque before it progresses to cause significant luminal narrowing. By performing preliminary detection of vulnerable plaque characteristics (composition, thickness, vulnerability markers) before clinical events occur, the system allows for early intervention while maintaining efficient procedural workflow

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If a single imaging modality is used in the catheter probe, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to characterize plaque constituents and location is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprobe structureVSAvoidplaque characterization accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The catheter probe is segmented into distinct functional modules, each dedicated to a specific imaging modality (OCT module, IVUS module, fluoroscopy module). Each module operates independently with its own transducer/array and processing chain, allowing optimized performance for each modality while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular architecture and independent operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The CRI-PAT probe effectively distinguishes vulnerable from stable plaque, outlining plaque location and characterizing its composition, enabling early detection and evaluation of atherosclerosis with enhanced sensitivity and resolution compared to existing techniques.

Implementation Method 1

a scintillating window disposed over the opening to form a watertight seal and thus form an imaging window compartment in the shaft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScintillation: Scintillation

Implementation Method 2

a 45-degree rotating mirror disposed at least partially within the imaging window compartment in the shaft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

an ultrasound transducer disposed at least partially within the imaging window compartment in the shaft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoacoustic effect: Photoacoustic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10602934B2Probe for detecting atherosclerosis

Publication Date: 2020.03.31 THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE LELAND STANFORD JUNIOR UNIV

AI summary

A probe device for detecting atherosclerotic plaque may include: an elongate shaft having a proximal end for coupling with a catheter and a distal end; an opening in a side of the shaft; a scintillating window disposed over the opening to form a water tight seal and thus form an imaging window compartment; a 45-degree rotating mirror disposed at least partially within the imaging window compartment; and an ultrasound transducer disposed at least partially within the imaging window compartment. The probe is a dual-modality, catheter radionuclide imaging and photoacoustic tomography (CRI-PAT) probe.