Patent ID: 8170657
Filing Date: 2012-05-01
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
1. A catheter having distal and proximal ends, comprising: an outermost shaft secured to a catheter tip, the tip having an opening; a light member configured as a tube, received over the outermost shaft and disposed adjacent the distal end, wherein the light member is movable relative to the outermost shaft; a piercing needle at the distal end, disposed within the outermost shaft and coupled to an actuator for displacing the needle through the opening; wherein the light member includes a plurality of fiber optic strands having respective light-emitting ends disposed at the distal end of the tube, the light-emitting ends being arranged to circumscribe a longitudinal axis of the piercing needle; wherein the light member is configured for being displaced beyond the outermost shaft in the longitudinal direction; and wherein the actuator is configured for displacing the needle through the opening while the light member is disposed beyond the outermost shaft in the longitudinal direction.