Arterial tandem: coronary drill gets cleared for use, MEMS sensor distinguishes between kinds of plaque

We know discussing things involving "arteries" and "coronary plaque" generally don't do much for one's appetite, but being the holidays and all, we honestly can't think of a more fitting way to remind you not to pig out this evening. Up first is a MEMS-based sensor designed by downright enlightened researchers at the University of Southern California, which is used to "distinguish between stable and unstable atherosclerotic plaques in coronary arteries." The idea here is to more easily determine whether a patient needs immediate surgery or simple lifestyle changes in order to remedy artery issues, though the process is still awaiting clinical approval before it can be used en masse. In related news, Pathway Medical has just received European clearance to sell its Jetstream G2 NXT coronary drill overseas (or "peripheral atherectomy catheter," as it were), which does exactly what you'd expect it to: clear clogged blood vessels in the treatment of PAD. If you're not already grossed out, feel free to tap the links below for more information on head past the break for a couple of video demonstrations. Mmm, honey ham!


See more video at our hub!

[Bosco Posted Dec 26th 2009 3:45PM]

Fight On for old SC!
We drill the plaque
out of your artery.
If you drink too much beer,
We'll clean you out.
For ol' SC
Fight on!
To victory
Fight on!

[CowBell Posted Dec 26th 2009 4:00PM]

Just curious how the distal tip of the catheter is designed. If the catheter doesn't remain fairly centered, the drill could perforate the vessel.

[blind99 Posted Dec 26th 2009 9:07PM]

@CowBell With a typical atherectomy catheter, like the SilverHawk, we pass a wire into the artery and guide it through the lesion. The atherectomy catheter is then passed over the wire, through the lesion.

[bullshitexpresscom Posted Dec 26th 2009 11:34PM]

@blind99 I've observed many angios over the years, this is fascinating stuff.

[stjung Posted Dec 26th 2009 4:04PM]

YEAH! USC Biomedical Engineering REPRESENT!

[BigD145 Posted Dec 26th 2009 4:54PM]

/shivers

[W31RD0 Posted Dec 26th 2009 4:59PM]

And we are spending valuable research dollars to help these fatties, because?

[CowBell Posted Dec 26th 2009 5:21PM]

@W31RD0
FYI, thin people can have clogged arteries too.

[bluemeanie Posted Dec 26th 2009 5:51PM]

Ever hear of Jim Fixx?
http://www.nytimes.com/1984/07/24/science/the-doctor-s-world-james-fixx-the-enigma-of-heart-disease.html

[paul34 Posted Dec 26th 2009 8:10PM]

@W31RD0

Very basic health knowledge fail.

[fastharryDOTcom Posted Dec 26th 2009 9:31PM]

I am recovering from a 6 bypass on Nov 30th....Good to know in the future, God Forbid I need another operation, I might have an option. Though I am such a strict diet, hopefully I won't. Merry Christmas everyone and happy new year!!

[sinai Posted Dec 26th 2009 9:50PM]

I AM GOING TO EAT TWENTY CHEESEBURGERS NOW

[Saber Posted Dec 27th 2009 1:37PM]

Hello 'sinai'
Laugh now and die later...

[hey buddy Posted Dec 27th 2009 10:39PM]

Thank God these medical miracles are finally starting to manifest themselves, these steak dinners aren't going to eat themselves.