Abstract: The plaque resolving device is adapted to be inserted into and through the lumen of a blood vessel and manipulatable therethrough to a desired position where the device can be operated to soften atherosclerotic plaque buildup in, and to re-establish desired blood flow through, the blood vessel. The device includes an elongate tubular body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a tip member mounted to the distal end of the tubular body. An electrical heating element is mounted in the tip member for heating the tip member to a desired predetermined temperature. A temperature sensor is also mounted within the tip member. Energy supply and control circuitry is mounted at the proximal end of the tubular body and coupled to the electrical heating element and temperature sensor so that the heating element is maintained at a temperature within a predetermined temperature range relative the ambient temperature of the blood and plaque.

Abstract: The plaque resolving device is adapted to be inserted into and through the lumen of a blood vessel and manipulatable therethrough to a desired position where the device can be operated to resolve atherosclerotic plaque buildup in, and to re-establish desired blood flow through, the blood vessel. The device includes an elongate tubular body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a tip member mounted to the distal end of the tubular body. An electrical heating element is mounted in the tip member for heating the tip member to a desired predetermined temperature. A temperature sensor is also mounted within the tip member. Energy supply and control circuitry is mounted at the proximal end of the tubular body and coupled to the electrical heating element and temperature sensor so that the heating element is maintained at a temperature within a predetermined temperature range relative the ambient temperature of the blood and plaque.

Abstract: The intravascular expandable device is adapted to be inserted within and through the lumen of a blood vessel and to be manipulated therethrough to a stenotic area where it can be operated for re-establishing desired blood flow through the blood vessel. The device comprises an elongate tubular body having a distal end and a proximal end, an expandable pressure applying assembly including a flexible tubular member mounted to the distal end of the tubular body and a mechanism operable to expand the tubular member outwardly. A tip member is connected to the distal end of the flexible tubular member and an expansion and retraction control mechanism is coupled to the pressure applying assembly for expanding, maintaining expanded or retracting the flexible tubular member relative to a stenotic area within the blood vessel. Preferably, passage means are provided around or through the pressure applying assembly in the device so that the flow of blood through the vessel is not interrupted.