Patent ID: 7909766
Filing Date: 2011-03-22
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An imaging catheter having distal and proximal ends, comprising: a sheath defining a lumen, the sheath being coupled to the distal end of the imaging catheter, wherein the sheath comprises a plurality of materials each having an associated phase velocity, wherein the plurality of materials are arranged into layers such that the phase velocity increases from an innermost layer to an outermost layer, wherein a medium is disposed in the lumen, the medium having a phase velocity less than the phase velocities of any of the layers of the sheath, wherein the phase velocity of the medium is less than a phase velocity of water; and an imaging device adapted to image a region external to the sheath by emitting a plurality of acoustic energy beams, the imaging device being located within the lumen of a distal portion of the sheath, wherein the acoustic energy beams are received, and at least partially exit the sheath to the region to be imaged.