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Intralumenal contact sensor

  • US 6,626,900 B1
  • Filed: 07/14/2000
  • Issued: 09/30/2003
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/14/1999
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method for determining contact with an intralumenal tissue surface, comprising the step of:

  • a) positioning an intralumenal therapeutic medical device toward the intralumenal tissue surface, wherein the therapeutic medical device comprises;

    an energy delivering catheter having a flexible elongate member adapted for intralumenal positioning and a balloon member at a distal end of the elongate member, the balloon member adapted to contact tissue upon inflation within a body lumen, and further including a position-sensing system comprising;

    an illuminator disposable within balloon member that projects energy through the balloon member toward the intralumenal tissue surface; and

    a collecting device also disable within the balloon member which receives reflected energy tat returns to the balloon member;

    b) inflating the balloon member to contact intralumenal tissue;

    c) projecting energy toward the intralumenal tissue surface;

    d) collecting reflected energy from the intralumenal tissue surface or body fluid; and

    e) analyzing the changes in reflected energy to indicate whether the balloon member has adequately contacted the intralumenal tissue area.

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