Intracoronary Thermography: a vulnerable Plaque Detection Technique?

Abstract

The studies reported in this thesis were performed to answer the central question: can intracoronary thermography be used for vulnerable plaque detection? To answer this question, we have identified parameters that influence intracoronary thermography measurements, and have studied to what extend they do so. The parameters that we have studied and discussed were identified in chapter 2, in which we combined a review of existing publications on intracoronary thermography with related biological and physical aspects. These parameters were studied, and the results of these studies are described in chapters3 through6. In this final chapter we will summarize theresults from these chapters and discuss them regarding the aspects of heat generation, heat transfer and heat detection. Finally, we will conclude with a future perspective for intracoronary thermography