Radiofrequency Perforation Apparatus

摘要

Medical devices are disclosed having improved visualization of a portion of the medical device insertable into a patient's body while minimizing obstruction of fluid flow through a lumen of the device and while minimizing an increase in the outer diameter of the device attributable to the feature providing improved visualization. The device can include, for example, an imaging marker distal to lumen openings (exit ports), or, where the device comprises a tube, such as a metallic tube, an imaging marker embedded into a wall of the tube. Another embodiment includes attaching a marker to the surface on the inside of a lumen of a medical device without embedding the marker. Various alternative embodiments, methods and applications of using such devices are disclosed as well.

主权项

1. A medical device comprising:
a metallic elongated member having a proximal end and a distal end, the metallic elongated member defining a lumen extending substantially therebetween and defining at least one opening from the lumen; an imaging marker associated with the metallic elongated member at a marker location, an outer diameter of the device at the marker location being substantially equal to the outer diameter of the device adjacent to the marker location, the medical device configured such that, in use, a flow of fluid through the lumen is not substantially obstructed by the imaging marker; and an electrode for delivering electrical energy, wherein the electrical energy is delivered to the electrode through the metallic elongated member.