Intraluminal imaging system
AssigneeVolcano Corporation
InventorsBret Millett, Paul Hoseit
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The invention generally relates to devices and methods that allow an operator to obtain real-time images of a luminal surface prior to, during, and after an intraluminal procedure, including while a tool is engaged with the luminal surface. An imaging system of the invention may include a first elongate member that includes a first imaging element and a catheter that includes a second imaging element. The first imaging element is an optical-to-acoustic transducer, and the second imaging element is an optical-to-acoustic transducer. The catheter also defines a lumen and includes cutting element. The catheter is configured to receive at least a portion of the elongate member within the lumen and is configured to move along a path of the elongate member.
Claims25
1) An imaging and extraction system comprising
- an elongate member comprising at least one first imaging element, wherein the first imaging element includes a first acoustic-to-optical transducer;
- and
- a catheter defining a lumen and comprising at least one second imaging element and a cutting element, wherein the catheter is configured to receive at least a portion of the elongate member within the lumen and is configured to move along a length of the elongate member, and the second imaging element includes a second acoustic-to-optical transducer.
9) The system of claim 9, wherein the cutting element is operably associated with a drive shaft.
16) A method for intraluminal treatment, the method including the steps of
- introducing an elongate member into a lumen, wherein the elongate member comprises at least one first imaging element and the first imaging element a first acoustic-to-optical transducer;
- imaging a surface of the lumen with the elongate member to locate atheroma material;
- guiding a catheter over at least a portion of the elongate member towards the atheroma material, wherein the catheter comprises at least one second imaging element and a cutting element, and the second imaging element includes a second acoustic-to-optical transducer;
- imaging the surface of the lumen, as the catheter is guided towards the plaque, to position the catheter for atheroma material removal;
- and
- removing the atheroma material from the surface with the cutting element.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.