Methods of assessing inner surfaces of body lumens or organs
US8585594B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 24, 2006 |
| Grant date | Nov 19, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 23, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S623/913
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Devices and methods for assessing the size, shape, and topography of vessel lumens and hollow portions of organs are described. The devices and methods are particularly adapted for determining the size, shape, topography, and compliance of the native heart valves to facilitate the later implantation of a prosthetic heart valve. The devices are typically catheter-based having an assessment mechanism fixed to a distal end of the catheter. The assessment mechanism generally includes an expandable member, such as a balloon. The assessment mechanism may also include an imaging member, a physical assessment member, an electronic mapping construction, an alignment mechanism, a valvuloplasty balloon, or any combinations thereof. The methods typically comprise deploying the balloon percutaneously to a target location, expanding the balloon, and determining one or more physical parameters associated with the target location.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.