The MEMS thermal sensor, which can be deployed by an angiogram catheter, uses convective heat transfer to detect pre-atherosclerotic regions of arteries.
In a study involving rabbit models, the MEMS thermal sensor was able to sensitively detect pre-atherosclerotic regions that otherwise showed no clinical signs of atherosclerosis.
The MEMS thermal sensor was developed by depositing titanium and platinum on a flexible polymer membrane and patterning them to form the sensing elements.
According to researchers, the MEMS sensor is a minimally invasive and sensitive technology, and has the potential for widespread and rapid application during diagnostic angiograms.
