Dilating and imaging apparatus
US5167233A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 7, 1991 |
| Grant date | Dec 1, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 7, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2025/1079
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A dilating and imaging apparatus for attaching to and receiving pressurized fluid from a distal end of a catheter. The apparatus includes an inflatable balloon and an imaging device positioned behind an expandable portion of the balloon and upstream of the flow of pressurized fluid into the balloon so as to enable the balloon to deflate and achieve a smaller diameter than that of the imaging device, thus enabling the apparatus to enter a stenosis having a smaller diameter than the imaging device. In one embodiment of the invention, the imaging device can be maneuvered within the balloon while the balloon is inflated and dilating the stenosis.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.