Diagnostic catheter using a vacuum for tissue positioning
AssigneeSciMed Life Systems, Inc.
InventorJeffrey M Wendlandt
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A diagnostic catheter using a vacuum for tissue positioning is provided. A method for analyzing tissue in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention includes inserting a catheter having a sensor at its distal end into the body of a patient. Applying suction through the catheter to draw tissue into a predetermined sensing position for the sensor and then analyzing the tissue with the sensor. An apparatus for testing tissue within the body of a patient in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention includes a catheter having a first end and a second end, the first end having an orifice and also having a sensor, the orifice in fluid communication with a vacuum channel.
Claims22
A method of analyzing tissue within the body of a patient comprising:
- (a) inserting a catheter having a sensor at the distal end of the catheter into the body of a patient;
- (b) applying suction through the catheter to draw tissue into a predetermined sensing position for the sensor;
- and
- (c) analyzing the tissue with the sensor.
A method of analyzing tissue within the body of a patient comprising:
- (a) extending a catheter having a sensor supported by the catheter from the distal end of the endoscope to a position adjacent to a preselected tissue to be analyzed;
- (b) positioning an orifice of the catheter adjacent to the preselected tissue to be analyzed;
- (c) applying a force to the tissue via the catheter to draw the tissue into a predetermined sensing position relative to the sensor;
- and
- (d) analyzing the tissue with a sensor supported by the catheter.
A method of testing tissue within the body of a patient comprising:
- (a) positioning the distal end of an endoscope to a predetermined position adjacent to tissue to be tested;
- (b) extending a catheter, located within the endoscope, out of the distal end of the endoscope and positioning the catheter in a predetermined position;
- (c) drawing tissue within the body of the patient towards the catheter;
- and
- (d) testing the tissue drawn towards the catheter with a sensor located on the catheter.
An apparatus for testing tissue within the body of a patient comprising:
- a catheter having a first end and a second end, the first end having an orifice through the surface of the catheter, the first end also having a first sensor;
- and
- a vacuum channel in fluid communication with the orifice.
A device for analyzing tissue within the body comprising:
- a catheter with a plurality of orifices and a plurality of sensors along the catheter's external surface at the catheter's distal end;
- and
- a vacuum hose in fluid communication with the plurality of orifices.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.