Guidewire with viewing capability
First Claim
1. A guidewire having viewing capability comprising:
- a shaft comprising an optical fiber, light transmission fiber bundle, and a jacket surrounding the optical fiber and the light bundle; and
a detachable optical handle having an image output means and a releasable securement mechanism for selectively attaching the handle to the proximal end of the shaft to permit transmission of image transmitted through the optical fiber to the image output means.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A guidewire having a shaft comprising an optical fiber and an optical handle through which direct visualization is provided. The guidewire may be inserted alone through a passageway of a patient to visualize the internal anatomy of the patient such as inside a passageway or the inside of an organ. The guidewire may also be inserted through a catheter or endoscope to aid in navigation to the intended location. Additionally, the guidewire may be inserted into other catheters, which are then tracked over the guidewire to the subject area The guidewire comprises a removable optical handle which permits catheter exchanges over its proximal end when made in an exchange length configuration or is used with rapid-exchange catheters. The guidewire may also comprise a light fiber bundle along with the optical fiber, together surrounded by a jacket to form the elongate guidewire.
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Citations
34 Claims
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1. A guidewire having viewing capability comprising:
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a shaft comprising an optical fiber, light transmission fiber bundle, and a jacket surrounding the optical fiber and the light bundle; and
a detachable optical handle having an image output means and a releasable securement mechanism for selectively attaching the handle to the proximal end of the shaft to permit transmission of image transmitted through the optical fiber to the image output means. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A guidewire having viewing capability comprising:
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an optical fiber;
a light transmission fiber bundle;
a jacket surrounding the optical fiber and light fiber bundle to form an elongate shaft having proximal and distal ends. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method of viewing internal anatomy of a patient comprising:
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providing a guidewire having viewing capability;
inserting the guidewire into a patient;
viewing internal anatomy through a viewing portal at the proximal end of the guidewire. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. A method of viewing internal anatomy of a patient comprising:
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providing a guidewire having viewing capability;
inserting the guidewire into a passageway of a patient;
navigating the guidewire through the passageway and to the anatomical region under study. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26)
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27. A method of examining a passageway of a patient comprising:
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providing a guidewire having viewing capability, proximal and distal ends and a releasable optical handle at its proximal end;
providing a first catheter having at least one lumen;
providing a second catheter having at least one lumen;
advancing the guidewire and first catheter to a passageway of a patient with the guidewire positioned within the lumen of a catheter;
removing the optical handle from the proximal end of the guidewire;
withdrawing the first catheter from the passageway of the patient, over the guidewire, while maintaining the guidewire in position;
removing the first catheter from the guidewire;
placing the proximal end of the guidewire in the lumen of the second catheter;
advancing the second catheter over the guidewire into the lumen. - View Dependent Claims (28, 29, 30)
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31. A method of obtaining multiple pressure measurements simultaneously at different locations along a passageway of a patient comprising:
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providing a guidewire having an optical fiber surrounded by a jacket to form an elongate shaft having proximal and distal ends and multiple pressure sensors joined to the distal end of the shaft and connected to individual fibers of the optical fiber;
joining individual fibers of the optical fiber to pressure transducers at the proximal end of the shaft;
navigating the guidewire to a passageway of a patient;
positioning the guidewire so that the several pressure sensors are positioned at desired locations in the passageway;
monitoring pressure measurements obtained from the guidewire.
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32. A method of cannulating the papilla of a patient comprising:
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providing a guidewire having viewing capabilities;
providing an endoscope having viewing capabilities;
placing the endoscope through the esophagus and duodenum of a patient to be adjacent to the papilla;
inserting the guidewire through a working channel of the endoscope so that it projects from a distal end of the endoscope;
obtaining visual contact with the papilla through the guidewire;
advancing and directing the guidewire into the papilla using visual guidance. - View Dependent Claims (33)
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34. A method of positioning a stent in a passageway of a human body comprising:
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providing a guidewire having viewing capability;
providing a stent mounted on a stent delivery catheter, navigating the guidewire to a treatment site within a passageway;
navigating the stent delivery catheter over the guidewire to the treatment site;
visually determining the proper position for the stent;
positioning the stent delivery catheter and stent based on visual observation of the proper position;
delivering the stent to the treatment site in the passageway;
positioning the guidewire to visually verify proper positioning of the stent in the passageway.
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Specification