Systems for visualizing interior tissue regions including an actuator to move imaging element
US5908445A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 28, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jun 1, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 28, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2562/043
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An imaging element characterizes tissue morphology by analyzing perfusion patterns of a contrast media in tissue visualized by the imaging element, to identify infarcted tissue. In a preferred implementation, a catheter tube introduced into a heart region carries the imaging element, as well as a support structure spaced from the imaging element, which contacts endocardial tissue. The imaging element is moved as the imaging element visualizes tissue. A selected electrical event is sensed in surrounding myocardial tissue, which regulates movement of the imaging element. The support element stabilizes the moving imaging element as it visualizes tissue, providing resistance to dislodgment or disorientation despite the presence of dynamic forces.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.