Patent ID: 9521946
Filing Date: 2016-12-20
CPC Classification: A61B

Claim Text:
1. A catheter configured for imaging objects substantially in focus, comprising: a) an imaging device disposed on a distal end of the catheter, the imaging device having an effective focal plane; b) a transparent focal instrument coupled to the catheter, the transparent focal instrument having an outer periphery, wherein a length from the imaging device to the outer periphery of the transparent focal instrument is equal to the distance from the imaging device to the effective focal plane of the imaging device; wherein when the outer periphery is positioned at the effective focal plane of the imaging device, it enables objects in contact with the outer periphery of the transparent focal instrument to be imaged substantially in focus; and c) an open channel having a first orifice disposed about a side surface of the catheter in fluid communication with a second orifice on a distal end of the catheter, wherein the imaging device is located inside an inflatable balloon and wherein the inflatable balloon is configured to cover the first orifice of the catheter when deflated for limiting fluid communication in the open channel.