System and method for intraluminal imaging
US6419644B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 22, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jul 16, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 22, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M39/10
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An improved catheter system having an ultrasonic imaging transducer coupled to a drive cable disposed within a lumen of a flexible tubular catheter body. An improvement including a reconfiguration of the ferrites in the hub assembly, such that the need for the gap between the ferrites is removed. A strain relief member is provide to increase the strength of the electrical transmission lines to enable them to withstand the tensile forces caused by either flushing and/or pull-back operations. A device which allows the electrical transmission lines to extend their length when placed in tension may also be employed to provide strain relief to the electrical transmission lines. Another improvement includes a counter-wound coil structure, which may either expand or contract as the drive cable is being rotated to strengthen the drive cable. The distal tip of the catheter body may be redesigned to provide a lumen which allows for the release of flushing fluids through a distal port in the guidewire lumen.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.