Flow reduction hood systems
US8078266B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 5, 2008 |
| Grant date | Dec 13, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 15, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B6/503
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Flow reduction hood systems are described which facilitate the visualization of tissue regions through a clear fluid. Such a system may include an imaging hood having one or more layers covering the distal opening and defines one or more apertures which control the infusion and controlled retention of the clearing fluid into the hood. In this manner, the amount of clearing fluid may be limited and the clarity of the imaging of the underlying tissue through the fluid within the hood may be maintained for relatively longer periods of time by inhibiting, delaying, or preventing the infusion of surrounding blood into the viewing field. The aperture size may be controlled to decrease or increase through selective inflation of the membrane or other mechanisms.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.