Patent ID: 8491484
Filing Date: 2013-07-23
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An imaging system, comprising: a guidewire comprising a first imaging device, a second imaging device, and an elongate tubular member having a closed distal end, a distal region, a proximal region, an inner lumen, and a sonolucent end section located at the distal end, wherein the sonolucent end section has an outwardly curved front surface and a flat back surface that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the elongate tubular member, wherein the first imaging device is located within the inner lumen and has a first surface coupled with the flat back surface of the sonolucent end section of the elongate tubular member and is configured to image a region located at least partially distal to the elongate tubular member, and wherein the width of the distal region is 0.025 inches or less, and wherein the elongate tubular member comprises wherein the second imaging device is coupled radially about a longitudinal portion of the elongate tubular member and is configured and arranged to image a region to a side of the elongate tubular member, wherein the second imaging device is disposed over a portion of the floppy member and beneath the outer layer, and wherein a signal line is electrically coupled to the second imaging device, the signal line extending from the second imaging device, through one of the plurality of apertures defined in the floppy member, and along the inner lumen to the proximal region of the elongate tubular member.