We confirmed that our iPlaque™ images accurately reflect the real histology of the carotid plaques obtained during endarterectomy in 8 patients.  Our system can be used to predict cardiovascular events and evaluate the effects of various therapies on atherosclerotic plaque composition and instability.

● Keywords
     iPlaque, Instability, Rupture, Ultrasound, Backscatter, Histology, Medication,  Imaging

● Detailed Description of the Invention
 We developed a novel imaging system (iPlaque™) to visualize the composition of carotid plaque. Transverse and longitudinal scans of carotid plaques were performed in 8 patients (70±6 years old) who underwent endarterectomy using an ultrasound imaging system with 10MHz linear-array transducer. Integrated ultrasonic backscatter was recorded during a routine carotid artery ultrasound examination. All images were digitally stored with RAW data and analyzed with the iPlaqueTM software, which can characterize plaque composition according to its internal integrated backscatter. Lipid pools, fibrous tissues, dense fibrous tissue, and calcified tissue were classified and labeled with different color codes. This system is non-invasive and can be performed repeatedly without exposing the subject to radiation. 



● Features
     Technical:     
            •Medical and imaging applications
     Influence:  
            •Tissue characterization of carotid plaques
            •Assessment of the effects of medication
     Purpose:
            •Determining carotid plaque instability
     Advantages:
            •Non-invasive visualizes plaque composition without irradiation

● Industrial Applications
            •Ultrasound imaging apparatus and software.
            •Surrogate marker in clinical trials to evaluate effect of medications on plaque   
              composition.
            •Medical checkup to assess the risk to have cardiovascular events.

To access the rest of the information on this page,
Log In or sign up for a free B-Bridge account: