OPTICAL IMAGING BALLOON CATHETERS

摘要

The present invention provides balloon catheters in which lateral viewing optical components for interrogating the walls of blood vessel lumens are disposed within the lumen of the balloon(s). Advantageously, low pressure compliant balloons are used to minimize the possibility of injury to the blood vessels. The expanded balloons at least substantially clear blood from the optical path between the vessel wall that is interrogated and the lateral viewing optics.