Catheter with deflectable imaging device

US8285362B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• W.L. Gore & Associates GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Dennis R. Dietz · Littleton, US
• Paul N. Latulippe · Chino Valley, US
• David J. Messick · Flagstaff, US
• Craig Nordhausen · Salt Lake City, US
• Clyde G. Oakley · Centennial, US
• Ryan C. Patterson · Farmington, US
• Jim H. Polenske · Bellemont, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 27, 2008
• Grant date: Oct 9, 2012
• Expiry date: Jul 10, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61M2025/0004
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An improved catheter is provided. The catheter may include a deflectable member located at a distal end of the catheter. The deflectable member may comprise an ultrasound transducer array. The catheter may include a lumen extending from a proximal end of the catheter to the distal end. The lumen may be used to deliver an interventional device to a point distal to the distal end of the catheter. The deflectable member may be selectively deflectable in a pivot-like manner through an arc of at least 90 degrees. In embodiments where the deflectable member includes an ultrasound transducer array, the ultrasound transducer array may be operable to image both when aligned with the catheter and when pivoted relative to the catheter. When pivoted relative to the catheter, the ultrasound transducer array may have a field of view distal to the distal end of the catheter.