Methods and apparatus for efficient purging
US10772492B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 28, 2019 |
| Grant date | Sep 15, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 28, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B1/126
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method of inhibiting flow of a purging fluid from a device comprises positioning an imaging hood in proximity to a tissue region to be visualized. The imaging hood includes a distal membrane which defines a main aperture. The imaging hood and the distal membrane define an open area. The method also comprises introducing the purging fluid into a proximal portion of the open area. The proximal portion is bounded by a proximal membrane including a plurality of apertures. The method also comprises pressurizing the proximal membrane with the purging fluid to a partially extended state in which the purging fluid flows through the plurality of apertures and through the main aperture. The method also comprises pressurizing the proximal membrane with the purging fluid to a blocking extended state in which the proximal membrane obstructs the main aperture to block the flow of the purging fluid through the main aperture.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.