Tip filled ultrasound catheter
First Claim
1. A device for diagnosing body interiors utilizing the transmission and receiving of ultrasonic waves generated therewithin, said device comprising:
- an elongated catheter sheath formed of a ultrasonically transmissible material having a patient insertable distal end and a proximal end;
an elastomeric septum arranged within said distal end of said elongated catheter sheath to define a chamber with respect to said catheter sheath and the distal end of said septum;
a situs arranged at the distal end of said sheath, through which a syringe needle may be inserted for the injection of fluid into said chamber, to permit fluid entry into said chamber, while eliminating the likelihood of bubbles formed therein which would hinder proper ultrasonic patient examination.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention relates to an ultrasonic imaging catheter having an open proximal end and a closed distal end. The closed distal end contains a septum and a situs for targeting the septum. A fluid filled syringe may be insertable though the situs and the septum to fill a chamber defined by the catheter sheath and the septum, with ultrasonic transmission fluid. The chamber subsequently receives an ultrasonic image generator and receiver within the fluid filled chamber. Injection of fluid through the septum eliminates the likelihood of air bubbles forming within the chamber which otherwise damages the ultrasonic images generated thereby when that chamber is filled with fluid through the proximal end of the catheter sheath.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A device for diagnosing body interiors utilizing the transmission and receiving of ultrasonic waves generated therewithin, said device comprising:
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an elongated catheter sheath formed of a ultrasonically transmissible material having a patient insertable distal end and a proximal end; an elastomeric septum arranged within said distal end of said elongated catheter sheath to define a chamber with respect to said catheter sheath and the distal end of said septum; a situs arranged at the distal end of said sheath, through which a syringe needle may be inserted for the injection of fluid into said chamber, to permit fluid entry into said chamber, while eliminating the likelihood of bubbles formed therein which would hinder proper ultrasonic patient examination. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method of manufacturing a device for diagnosing body interiors utilizing the transmission and receiving of ultrasonic waves generated therewithin, comprising the steps of:
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providing an elongated flexible sheath having a patient insertable distal end and a proximal end; inserting a plug of elastomeric material into the distal end of said elongated sheath; and arranging a situs on the distal end of said sheath for the insertion of a syringe needle therethrough. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method of assembling a device for diagnosing body interiors utilizing the transmission and receiving of ultrasonic waves generated therewithin, comprising the steps of:
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providing an elongated flexible catheter sheath having a proximal end and a closed patient insertable distal end, said closed distal end having an elastomeric plug septum disposed therein, said plug and said catheter sheath defining a chamber therewith; arranging a situs on the distal end of said catheter sheath; inserting a syringe needle into said situs and through said septum to permit said chamber to be filled with a fluid injected therein from said syringe. - View Dependent Claims (15)
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Specification