Patent ID: 9451929
Filing Date: 2016-09-27
CPC Classification: A61B

Claim Text:
1. A method for forming a catheter of an intravascular ultrasound imaging system, the method comprising: degassing a sealable lumen of the catheter, the catheter further comprising at least one telescoping section configured and arranged for extension and retraction and at least one transducer mounted to a driveshaft extending along at least a portion of a longitudinal length of the sealable lumen; filling the sealable lumen with an acoustically-favorable medium through at least one flush port; and sealing the lumen using a movable plunger or a movable seal in fluid communication with the sealable lumen, the movable seal or movable plunger configured and arranged to automatically adjust position in response to changes in volume of the lumen, including changes in the volume of the lumen due to extension or retraction of the at least one telescoping section, to maintain a substantially degassed environment in the lumen.