Abstract: A system for locating inflamed plaque in a vessel is provided herein. The system includes a receiver, a positioner and a sensor. The receiver receives information about a vessel wall of the vessel. The positioner is used to position the receiver in the vessel to receive information from the vessel wall. The sensor is connected to the receiver. In use, the positioner selectively moves the receiver in the vessel to collect information about the vessel wall. The information is then transferred to the sensor to determine the temperature at the vessel wall. Temperatures at various locations can be taken, with elevated temperatures being indicative of inflamed plaque.

Abstract: A system for locating inflamed plaque in a vessel is provided herein. The system includes a receiver, a positioner and a sensor. The receiver receives information about a vessel wall of the vessel. The positioner is used to position the receiver in the vessel to receive information from the vessel wall. The sensor is connected to the receiver. In use, the positioner selectively moves the receiver in the vessel to collect information about the vessel wall. The information is then transferred to the sensor to determine the temperature at the vessel wall. Temperatures at various locations can be taken, with elevated temperatures being indicative of inflamed plaque.

Abstract: A system for locating inflamed plaque in an artery of a patient includes a catheter with an expander mounted at a catheter distal end. An infrared carrier, e.g., an optical fiber is mounted on the catheter with a carrier distal end attached to the expander. A sensor is connected to a carrier proximal end to measure infrared radiation transmitted through the carrier from the carrier distal end. In use, the expander is operable to selectively move the carrier distal end into contact with the arterial wall. Infrared radiation can then be measured to determine the temperature at the arterial wall. Temperatures at various locations can be taken, with elevated temperatures being indicative of inflamed plaque.