Patent ID: 9044143
Filing Date: 2015-06-02
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A heat sensing assembly comprising: a support structure that is configured to extend in a longitudinal direction when positioned within an anatomical vessel of a patient, the support structure having a natural configuration to which the support structure is biased to return when the support structure is displaced from the natural configuration, wherein the support structure is configured to be displaced from the natural configuration when positioned within the anatomical vessel; and a fluid passageway carried by the support structure and defining a heat sensing region that is configured to extend in the longitudinal direction and in one or more lateral directions that are transverse to the longitudinal direction when the heat sensing assembly is deployed within the anatomical vessel, wherein a portion of the heat sensing assembly that includes the support structure and the fluid passageway is flexible about at least one axis, wherein the support structure is configured to permit heat to pass through it to or from the fluid passageway to alter a temperature of a fluid positioned in the fluid passageway when the heat sensing assembly is deployed, and wherein the heat sensing assembly is configured to detect when a change in heat occurs at only a portion of the heat sensing region.