Systems and methods for visualizing interior regions of the body
US5752518A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 28, 1996 |
| Grant date | May 19, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 28, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2018/1861
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An imaging system for visualizing an interior body region comprises a catheter tube having a proximal end and a distal end adapted for introduction into the interior body region. The distal end carries an element that forms a three-dimensional support structure for contacting peripheral tissue in the interior body region. The three-dimensional support structure has an open interior. The distal end also carries an imaging element for visualizing the interior body region. The three-dimensional support structure peripherally surrounds the imaging element, thereby keeping peripheral tissue from contacting the imaging element. A steering mechanism on the proximal end of the catheter tube moves the imaging element within the open interior of the three-dimensional support structure. The system provides a stable platform through which accurate displays of interior body images can be created for viewing and analysis by the physician, so the appropriate treatment or therapy can be prescribed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.