Fiber optic imaging catheter
US9215970B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 16, 2013 |
| Grant date | Dec 22, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 16, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2090/3937
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A steerable imaging catheter is provided, including an elongated catheter tube, at least one steering cable extending along the catheter tube to control the movement of the distal end thereof, and a fiber optic cable extending along the catheter tube. The fiber optic cable transmits illumination light from its proximal end to its distal end and transmits an image from its distal end to its proximal end. In one embodiment, two or more steering cables are used, and the catheter tube is configured to have greater flexibility near its distal end than its proximal end so as to concentrate the movement (flexing) of the catheter tube at its distal end. The use of two or more steering cables, together with the catheter tube having varying flexibility, permit better control of the distal end of the catheter tube while reducing undue twisting of the remainder of the catheter tube.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.