Imaging probe with fluid pressurization element

US12364385B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Gentuity, LLC · US

Inventors

• Nareak Douk · Lowell, US
• Giovanni J. Ughi · Arlington, US
• Christopher Petroff · Groton, US
• Christopher L. Petersen · Carlisle, US
• Christopher Battles · Seymour, US
• R. Maxwell Flaherty · Topsfield, US
• J. Christopher Flaherty · Winter Haven, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 30, 2020
• Grant date: Jul 22, 2025
• Expiry date: Jun 11, 2042

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B5/6852
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An imaging system for a patient comprises an imaging probe. The imaging probe comprises: an elongate shaft for insertion into the patient and comprising a proximal end, a distal portion, and a lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal portion; a rotatable optical core comprising a proximal end and a distal end, and at least a portion of the rotatable optical core is positioned within the lumen of the elongate shaft; an optical assembly positioned proximate the distal end of the rotatable optical core, the optical assembly configured to direct light to tissue and collect reflected light from the tissue; a damping fluid positioned between the elongate shaft and the rotatable optical core and configured to reduce non-uniform rotation of the optical assembly; and a fluid pressurization element configured to increase the pressure of the damping fluid to reduce the presence of bubbles proximate the optical assembly.