Method and apparatus for intravascular two-dimensional ultrasonography
AssigneeSciMed Life Systems, Inc.
InventorPaul G. Yock
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A catheter is provided for insertion in the he blood vessel of a patient for ultrasonically imaging the vessel wall. The catheter includes a tubular element and an internally housed drive cable for effective circumferential scan about the catheter of an ultrasonic generating means. Both the tubular element and the drive cable are of a size and flexibility sufficient to permit their introduction into the vessel and subsequent advancement through the vessel to the location of the vessel wall where imaging is desired.
Claims21
A catheter for imaging within a human body, the catheter comprising:
- an elongate tubular member adapted to be introduced into the human body, the tubular member including a proximal portion and a distal portion;
- a braided shield disposed on the exterior of the tubular member, the braided shield formed of a magnetic material;
- an imaging device disposed within the distal portion of the tubular member, the imaging device adapted to emit energy waves for imaging within the human body;
- and
- an elongate flexible cable disposed within the tubular member and electrically coupled to the imaging device.
The catheter of claim 6 wherein the lumen is coupled to an infusion port for introducing a drug into the lumen.
A catheter for imaging within a human body, the catheter comprising:
- an elongate tubular member adapted to be introduced into the human body, the tubular member including a proximal portion and a distal portion;
- an imaging device disposed within the distal portion of the tubular member, the imaging device adapted to emit energy waves for imaging within the human body;
- and
- a micromotor disposed within the distal portion of the tubular member, the micromotor being coupled to rotate the imaging device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.