Inflatable sheath for introduction of ultrasonic catheter through the lumen of a fiber optic endoscope

摘要: A inflatable sheath for ultrasonic imaging, with a fiber optic endoscope, of bodily passageway or cavity area interest. The sheath, having an ultrasound transducer therein, is introduced into the distal end endoscope. Typically endoscope comprises elongated shaft that has at least pair bundles and open lumen extending therethrough. Fiber illumination just to provided through one bundles, observation lit other bundle. introducing guided by pushing shaft, illuminated area. Once inserted, can be inflated fluid sonolucent coupling medium, then removed, portion holding in place (with respect endoscope) as removed. An imaging device bearing more elements so are positioned within sheath. fully thereafter medium walls engage pasageway cavity, thus permitting adjacent body tissue. In certain applications, catheter may preferably curved its brought closer immediately interior surface hence tissue aspects disclosure, alternate apparatus methods advancing inflating combining and/or catheter.