Vessel imaging devices and methods
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An apparatus comprising:
- a cannula having a dimension suitable for insertion into a vessel of a subject, the cannula comprising a surface and defining a lumen, wherein the lumen is defined by at least one lumen opening to the outer surface of the cannula; and
a fluid dispersion device coupled to the cannula in a manner to disperse fluid introduced from the lumen opening into a flow of fluid within the vessel.
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Abstract
Various devices and methods for improving intravascular imaging are disclosed. In one embodiment, fluid dispersion devices are included on a catheter to improve dispersal of a flush solution within a flow of fluid (e.g., blood) in a vessel. In other embodiments, a catheter includes at least one inflatable balloon to selectively partially occlude a vessel to be imaged and/or treated in order to minimize the refractory effects of blood on the imaging/treatment process. In one embodiment, a catheter may image/treat at least a portion of a vessel by moving an imaging/treatment device in a distal direction relative to a proximal section of the catheter.
157 Citations
39 Claims
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1. An apparatus comprising:
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a cannula having a dimension suitable for insertion into a vessel of a subject, the cannula comprising a surface and defining a lumen, wherein the lumen is defined by at least one lumen opening to the outer surface of the cannula; and
a fluid dispersion device coupled to the cannula in a manner to disperse fluid introduced from the lumen opening into a flow of fluid within the vessel. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. An apparatus comprising:
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a catheter suitable for insertion into a vessel of a subject, the catheter including a balloon comprising a completely expanded position to selectively partially occlude a flow of fluid within the vessel; and
a light-emitting device to perform at least one of imaging and treating at least a portion of the vessel. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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27. A method comprising:
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introducing a catheter into a vessel of a subject, the catheter comprising at least one of a fluid dispersion device and a balloon having an inflated state to partially occlude a flow of fluid within the vessel; and
timing the introduction of an injectate from at least one lumen opening defined by the catheter into a flow of fluid in the vessel. - View Dependent Claims (28, 29, 30, 31, 32)
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33. A kit comprising:
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a catheter suitable for insertion into a vessel of a subject and a cannula therethrough including a lumen opening to an outer surface of the catheter proximal to a distal end of the catheter; and
at least one of an imaging and treating device;
an injectate suitable for injection into the cannula. - View Dependent Claims (34, 35, 36)
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37. A method comprising:
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introducing a catheter into a vessel of a subject; and
at least one of imaging and treating at least a portion of the vessel by moving a device in a distal direction relative to a proximal section of the catheter. - View Dependent Claims (38, 39)
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Specification