SYSTEMS FOR VISUALIZING INTERIOR TISSUE REGIONS

摘要

An imaging system for visualizing an interior body region comprises a catheter tube having a proximal end and a distal end adapted for introduction into the interior body region. The distal end carries an element that forms a three-dimensional support structure for contacting peripheral tissue in the interior body region. The three-dimensional support structure has an open interior. The distal end also carries an imaging element for visualizing the interior body region. The three-dimensional support structure peripherally surrounds the imaging element, thereby keeping peripheral tissue from contacting the imaging element. A steering mechanism on the proximal end of the catheter tube moves the imaging element within the open interior of the three-dimensional support structure. The system provides a stable platform through which accurate displays of interior body images can be created for viewing and analysis by the physician, so the appropriate treatment or therapy can be prescribed.