Heat treatment of inflamed tissue
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method of treating inflammation comprising heating inflamed tissue at a temperature below 50°
- C. for about 10–
15 seconds, such that said heating induces apoptosis in immune cells, wherein said inflamed tissue comprises an atherosclerotic plaque.
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Abstract
The present invention relates to methods for treating inflammation in body tissues. More specifically, certain disclosed methods relate to selectively inducing apoptosis in inflammatory immune cells. The methods are particularly suitable for treating inflamed atherosclerotic plaques. The techniques generally involve heating the cells with a catheter that is equipped to produce infrared radiation. The cells are heated for a sufficient time and at a sufficient temperature to induce programmed cell death.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A method of treating inflammation comprising heating inflamed tissue at a temperature below 50°
- C. for about 10–
15 seconds, such that said heating induces apoptosis in immune cells, wherein said inflamed tissue comprises an atherosclerotic plaque. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
- C. for about 10–
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17. A method of treating an atherosclerotic plaque comprising heating an inflamed atherosclerotic plaque in the lumen of a blood vessel with a heat source having a temperature in the range of from about 38.5°
- C. to 44°
C. for a period of time ranging from about 15 to 60 minutes and inducing apoptosis in a macrophage.
- C. to 44°
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18. A method of inducing apoptosis in inflammatory cells associated with an inflamed plaque wherein said inflammatory cells are heated for fifteen (15) minutes.
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19. A method of inducing apoptosis in inflammatory cells associated with an inflamed plaque wherein said inflammatory cells are heated at a temperature of between approximately 41°
- C. and 44°
C.
- C. and 44°
Specification