Flow reduction hood systems

摘要

Flow reduction hood systems are described which facilitate the visualization of tissue regions through a clear fluid. Such a system may include an imaging hood having one or more layers covering the distal opening and defines one or more apertures which control the infusion and controlled retention of the clearing fluid into the hood. In this manner, the amount of clearing fluid may be limited and the clarity of the imaging of the underlying tissue through the fluid within the hood may be maintained for relatively longer periods of time by inhibiting, delaying, or preventing the infusion of surrounding blood into the viewing field. The aperture size may be controlled to decrease or increase through selective inflation of the membrane or other mechanisms.

主权项

1. An apparatus configured to control fluid flow for visualization, comprising:
a barrier projecting distally from a deployment catheter and defining an open area therein, wherein the open area is in fluid communication with at least one lumen defined through the catheter; at least one membrane extending over a distal opening defined by the barrier such that the membrane partially covers the open area and further defines at least one aperture through the membrane, wherein the aperture has a size which is less than a diameter of the membrane to control a flow of a clearing fluid through the aperture and to an environment external to the barrier, the fluid being infused within the open area via the at least one lumen; an imaging element positioned to image the open area through the clearing fluid; and a dilator that is translatable relative to the barrier, wherein distal translation of the dilator engages the aperture and transitions the barrier to a low-profile configuration.