Tissue visualization device

A tissue imaging system, comprising:

• a deployment catheter defining at least one lumen therethrough;
• a barrier or membrane which forms a fluid barrier projecting distally from the deployment catheter and adapted to self-expand from a low-profile delivery configuration into an expanded deployed configuration defining an open area therein, wherein the open area is in fluid communication with the at least one lumen and with an environment external to the barrier or membrane through an opening defined by the barrier or membrane;
• a visualization element disposed within or adjacent to the barrier or membrane for visualizing tissue adjacent to the open area;
• and
• at least one balloon integrally formed along an interior surface of the barrier or membrane, wherein the balloon is configured to lie flat against the interior surface when deflated and is further configured to extend through the opening and distally beyond the barrier or membrane and occupy the open area when inflated such that a channel within the open area is defined through the balloon.