Methods and apparatus for efficient purging
US9510732B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 8, 2009 |
| Grant date | Dec 6, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 25, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B1/126
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for efficient purging from an imaging hood 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.