System and method for flush-triggered imaging
AssigneeVolcano Corporation
InventorPaul Hoseit
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The invention generally relates to intravascular imaging and methods of improved image quality by triggering image operations with a vessel flush. The invention provides systems and methods for intravascular imaging in which a flush such as the influx of clear saline or radiopaque dye triggers the imaging operation. The flush is detected by a mechanism—such as a pressure sensor or optical device on the imaging catheter, an external angiography system, or other device—that uses detection as a trigger to initiate imaging. Thus, when the blood is flushed, the catheter automatically takes a picture of the vessel wall.
Claims20
A method of intravascular imaging, the method comprising:
- positioning a distal end of an imaging catheter within a blood vessel and immersed in blood, wherein a proximal end of the catheter is connected to an imaging system;
- providing an influx of a solution to flush the blood from the vessel;
- detecting the influx;
- and
- using the detection of the influx of the solution to trigger an imaging operation with the imaging catheter.
A system for intravascular imaging, the system comprising:
- an imaging instrument;
- a catheter comprising a proximal end connected to the imaging instrument and a distal end configured for insertion into a blood vessel of a patient;
- a lumen extending along the catheter for delivery of a solution to flush blood from the blood vessel;
- and
- a sensor to detect an influx of the solution, wherein the system is configured to use the detection of the influx of the solution to trigger an imaging operation with the imaging catheter.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.