Lesion diameter measurement catheter and method
First Claim
1. A body lumen cross-sectional dimension measurement catheter comprising:
- a catheter body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen between the proximal end and the distal end; and
a balloon disposed about the distal end of the catheter body, the balloon in communication with the lumen; and
a conductor attached to the balloon wall, which conductor varies in an electrical property in correlation with a cross-sectional dimension of the balloon.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The invention provides methods and apparatus for determining cross-sectional dimensions of body lumens, such as the diameter of a blood vessel. According to one exemplary method, the diameter of a blood vessel is measured by first inflating a balloon catheter within the lumen until the balloon diameter matches the lumen diameter. Inflation may be at a very low pressure and be constrained by the lumen, or may alternatively be controlled by monitoring the flow within the lumen. The balloon includes at least one measurement element which indicates the expanded balloon cross-sectional area, circumference, or diameter. Optionally, the measurement element provides a fluoroscopic, radiographic, or ultrasound indication of the cross-sectional dimension. In alternative embodiments, such dimensions may be transmitted to the distal end of the catheter, or determined after deflation and removal of the catheter.
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Citations
8 Claims
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1. A body lumen cross-sectional dimension measurement catheter comprising:
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a catheter body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen between the proximal end and the distal end; and a balloon disposed about the distal end of the catheter body, the balloon in communication with the lumen; and a conductor attached to the balloon wall, which conductor varies in an electrical property in correlation with a cross-sectional dimension of the balloon. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A body lumen cross-sectional dimension measurement catheter comprising:
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a catheter body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen between the proximal end and the distal end; a balloon disposed about the distal end of the catheter body, the balloon in communication with the lumen and defining a cross-sectional dimension that varies as the balloon is inflated; and a measurement element engaging a wall of the balloon, the measurement element transmitting a signal proximally along the catheter body, the signal indicating the cross-sectional dimension of the inflated balloon. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8)
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Specification