A method for processing angiography image data by using an imaging catheter path that is directly detected from the angiography data as a co-registration path or using detected marker locations from the angiography data to generate a co-registration path. If the acquired angiography data includes synchronized cardiac phase signals and a predetermined quantity of angiography image frames not including contrast media, then a directly detected imaging catheter path is used as the co-registration path. Otherwise the co-registration path is determined based upon detected marker locations from the angiography image data.

Methods of characterizing a test subject's risk of having or developing cardiovascular disease are provided. The methods include using an analytic device to determine levels of choline-related trimethylamine-containing compounds such as trimethylamine N-oxide, choline, or betaine in a biological sample obtained from the subject and comparing the levels of the choline-related trimethylamine-containing compound in the subject's biological sample to a control value. The test subject's risk of having cardiovascular disease is then characterized as higher if the levels of the choline-related trimethylamine-containing compound are higher than the control value. Also provided are methods of identifying a subject at risk of experiencing a complication of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and methods of evaluating the efficacy of a cardiovascular therapeutic agent in a subject with cardiovascular disease using levels of choline-related trimethylamine-containing compounds.

The present invention relates to a method for prediction of response to cardiovascular regeneration comprising the use of biomarkers. Further, the present invention relates to a combination of the biomarkers for use in a method for prediction of response to cardiovascular regeneration, a computer device to perform a method according to the present invention and a device adapted for carrying out the inventive method.

The present invention relates to apparatus for automatic quantification of a part of vascular structure. It is described to provide (12) at least one first image comprising a spatial representation of a region of interest of a vascular structure, wherein the at least one first image comprises image data representative of a location of a part of a medical device. The medical device is configured to be used in a vascular treatment, and the part of the medical device is configured to be in a plurality of states associated with different phases of the vascular treatment. At least one second image comprising a spatial representation of the region of interest of the vascular structure is provided (14), wherein the at least one second image comprises image data representative of at least a part of the vascular structure in a visible and distinct manner. A location of a feature in the spatial representation of the region of interest of the vascular structure of the at least one first image is determined (18), wherein the feature is associated with the part of the medical device in one of the states associated with a phase of the vascular treatment. A transform relating at least one location in the at least one first image to a corresponding at least one location in the at least one second image is determined (20) and applied to the location of the feature in the spatial representation of the region of interest of the vascular structure of the at least one first image to provide a determined location in the spatial representation of the region of interest of the vascular structure of the at least one second image. Data is output (22) representative of the vascular structure at the determined location.

The invention relates to a method for predicting or diagnosing a risk of bioprosthetic valve degeneration. Further, the invention relates to a medical device, in particular a bioprosthetic valve coated with EPCR less prone to degeneration and/or calcification once implanted.

There are provided compositions and methods for prevention or treatment of atherosclerosis and related disorders. More specifically, there are provided desmocollin 1 inhibitor compounds and pharmaceutical compositions thereof for use in the prevention or treatment of atherosclerosis and related disorders and/or for promotion of HDL biogenesis in a subject.

The present invention relates to a diagnostic method for diagnosing unstable atherosclerotic plaque, a method for determining the probability of a subject suffering from a cerebrovascular disease, and a method for selecting a patient susceptible to being treated with a therapy for removing or stabilizing the carotid atherosclerotic plaque based on determining the expression level of at least one gene selected from the group of genes shown in Table 1. The invention also relates to a kit having reagents suitable for determining the expression levels of at least one gene selected from the group of genes shown in Table 1, and optionally reagents for determining the expression levels of one or more housekeeping genes, and uses of the kit.

The present invention relates generally to the field of diagnostic and prognostic assays for heart disease. More particular, the present invention provides an assay for diagnosing the presence or extent of development of heart disease or its classification or state thereof. The assay of the present invention is also useful in the stratification of a subject with respect to a risk of developing heart disease. The assay of the present invention is also capable of integration into pathology architecture to provide a diagnostic and reporting system.

Cell surface Raman spectroscopy and a quantitative measure of cell surface integrin from monocytes isolated from peripheral blood provide a measure of active inflammation. Patients with elevated lipid profiles and inflammatory status are at high risk for plaque producing atherosclerosis and candidates for aggressive treatment and clinical follow-up.

Methods and materials for preventing and modulating atherosclerosis. In particular, small peptides that are capable of interacting with CD40, thereby interfering with the ability of CD40 to interact with CD154, which impacts inflammation and atherosclerosis. The use of such peptides in reducing atherosclerosis, and in particular, the autoimmune inflammatory response that may he a driving factor thereof. The use of such short peptides to lower LDL cholesterol. Methods and materials for detecting T-cells that express CD40 (Th40 cells). Methods and materials for confirming or ruling out cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, and/or coronary artery disease.