Patent ID: 6979290
Filing Date: 2005-12-27
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for locating morphological features within a body cavity, comprising: a flexible tubular member comprising a proximal end, a distal end having a size for introduction into a body cavity, and defining a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal and distal ends; an optical imaging assembly carried by the distal end of the tubular member for imaging beyond the distal end; a substantially transparent displacement member carried by the distal end of the tubular member and at least partially surrounding the optical imaging assembly; and a localization member slidably received in a cannulation lumen of the tubular member, the localization member being movable beyond the distal end of the tubular member for temporarily localizing the distal end of the tubular member at a morphologic feature within a body cavity, wherein the displacement member comprises an expandable membrane, and wherein the localization member is coupled to distal end of the membrane, and wherein the localization member is movable for changing a shape of the membrane when the membrane is expanded to an enlarged condition.