Forward viewing imaging catheter
US5373849A · kind A · utility
235Cited by
23References
21Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 19, 1993 |
| Grant date | Dec 20, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 19, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B8/4461
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An intraluminal imaging catheter system for viewing segments of vessels downstream of the catheter itself is provided. The catheter system incorporates an ultrasonic transducer pivotally mounted adjacent the catheter's distal end. A flexible drive means disposed within a flexible tubular member adapted for insertion into the vessel causes the transducer to pivot back and forth to scan a segment of the vessel. Optionally, the forward viewing catheter system of the present invention may be combined with a work element such as a biopsy tool or other device for use in conjunction with the imaging capability.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.