Patent ID: 8521248

Claim:
A fiber-optic probe for intravascular measurements comprising a fiber-optic probe for intravascular measurements said fiber optic probe comprising core with no more than two optical fibers made of a first material for conducting electro-magnetic radiation from a proximal end of said probe to a distal end of said probe, wherein said fiber-optic probe comprises at least one reinforcing fiber made of a second material different from said first material of which the fiber-optic core is made, said second material selected from the group consisting of carbon, metal, ceramics and aramide, and wherein said fiber-optic probe assembly further comprises an intravascular catheter, said catheter comprising a probe lumen having a proximal opening and a distal opening and being adapted to accommodate said fiber-optic probe, wherein said fiber-optic probe assembly further comprises a sheath made of synthetic sheath material and disposed around said core and said reinforcing fiber so as to be in direct contact with said reinforcing fiber, and wherein the axial length of said probe from said proximal end to said distal end is longer than the length of said probe lumen from said proximal opening to said distal opening.