Off-axis visualization systems
View Patent ↗A system comprises a deployment catheter defining at least one lumen and a hood projecting distally from the deployment catheter and defining an open area. The open area is in direct fluid communication with the at least one lumen. The system also comprises an elongate channel directly coupled to the hood such that the elongate channel terminates distally into the open area. The elongate channel extends proximally from an outer surface of the hood and is bounded proximally at a proximal pocket surface. The system also comprises an imaging element. The imaging element is sized to pass into the elongated channel at a distal end of the elongate channel. Proximal movement within the elongated channel is restricted by the proximal pocket surface. The system also comprises a control member extending within the elongate channel and through the proximal pocket surface for moving the imaging element through the elongate channel.
1. A system for visualizing a tissue region of interest, comprising:
a deployment catheter defining at least one lumen therethrough;
a hood projecting distally from the deployment catheter and defining an open area therein, wherein the open area is in direct fluid communication with the at least one lumen;
an elongate channel directly coupled to the hood such that the elongate channel terminates distally into the open area, the elongate channel extending proximally from an outer surface of the hood and bounded proximally at a proximal pocket surface;
an imaging element for visualizing tissue adjacent to the open area, the imaging element sized to pass into the elongated channel at a distal end of the elongate channel, wherein proximal movement within the elongated channel is restricted by the proximal pocket surface; and
a control member extending within the elongate channel and through the proximal pocket surface for moving the imaging element through the elongate channel.
2. The system of claim 1 further comprising a sheath slidably disposed over the deployment catheter.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein the deployment catheter has an elongated axis and wherein the elongate channel has a channel axis extending away from the elongated axis of the deployment catheter.
4. The system of claim 1 further comprising an ablation probe passing through the deployment catheter.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein the deployment catheter is steerable.
6. The system of claim 1 wherein the hood is comprised of a compliant material.
7. The system of claim 1 hood comprises a frame of superelastic or shape memory alloy.
8. The system of claim 1 wherein the hood is conically shaped.
9. The system of claim 1 wherein the hood comprises at least one support member.
10. The system of claim 1 wherein the imaging element comprises at least one optical fiber, CCD imager, or CMOS imager.