Patent ID: 6626900
Filing Date: 2003-09-30
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A method for determining contact with an intralumenal tissue surface, comprising the step of:a) positioning an intralumenal therapeutic medical device toward the intralumenal tissue surface, wherein the therapeutic medical device comprises: an energy delivering catheter having a flexible elongate member adapted for intralumenal positioning and a balloon member at a distal end of the elongate member, the balloon member adapted to contact tissue upon inflation within a body lumen, and further including a position-sensing system comprising: an illuminator disposable within balloon member that projects energy through the balloon member toward the intralumenal tissue surface; and a collecting device also disable within the balloon member which receives reflected energy tat returns to the balloon member; b) inflating the balloon member to contact intralumenal tissue; c) projecting energy toward the intralumenal tissue surface; d) collecting reflected energy from the intralumenal tissue surface or body fluid; and e) analyzing the changes in reflected energy to indicate whether the balloon member has adequately contacted the intralumenal tissue area.