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Inflatable sheath for introduction of ultrasonic catheter through the lumen of a fiber optic endoscope

  • US 5,331,947 A
  • Filed: 05/01/1992
  • Issued: 07/26/1994
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/01/1992
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. An ultrasound imaging apparatus for use with an endoscope for imaging a bodily passageway or cavity area of interest, the endoscope being of the type having proximal and distal ends and an open lumen therein, the ultrasound imaging apparatus comprising an elongated ultrasound transducer-bearing catheter or guide wire adapted to be disposed within the open lumen of the endoscope, the ultrasound catheter or guide wire having proximal and distal ends, wherein the improvement comprises:

  • an inflatable, substantially readily distensible, distally closed sheath being of a sufficient length to cover substantially the entire length of the ultrasound catheter or guide wire, the sheath being adapted to be advanced through the open lumen of the endoscope so that a distal end portion of the sheath may be positioned distally of the endoscope;

    the ultrasound catheter or guide wire being adapted to be disposed within the sheath so that the ultrasound transducer is disposed in the sheath'"'"'s distal end portion positioned distally of the endoscope; and

    means for selectively inflating the sheath to expand it against the open lumen of the endoscope and to form an expanded, substantially readily distensible balloon distally of the endoscope to engage a wall of the bodily passageway or cavity area of interest;

    whereby an ultrasound image of the area of interest may be obtained through the sheath in its inflated, distended condition.

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