Patent ID: 8936554
Filing Date: 2015-01-20
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method for ultrasonic imaging of an organ in a patient's body through a part of the patient's respiratory tract, comprising: arranging an ultrasonic imaging device in or on the patient's body; providing a flexible catheter carrying at least one inflatable member; said flexible catheter having a distal end including a tip; fixing a stylet between said at least one inflatable member and said tip of the catheter, such that said stylet has a first end adjacent the tip of the catheter and a second end at a distal end of the inflatable member whereby said stylet does not extend across the entire length of an inner part of the inflatable member; introducing said flexible catheter carrying said at least one inflatable member into the respiratory tract; positioning said at least one inflatable member at a predetermined location in the respiratory tract; wherein said at least one inflatable member is positioned in the respiratory tract by manipulating a proximal end of the flexible catheter; filling said at least one inflatable member with an ultrasonic transmission fluid through the flexible catheter; and imaging the organ in the patient's body.