IMAGING CATHETER WITH NO-FILL SHEATH

摘要

A catheter for diagnosing body interiors utilizing the transmission and receiving of ultrasonic waves. The catheter has a patient insertable distal end (16) and a proximal end (20) and comprises an elongated catheter sheath including an ultrasonically transmissible section (13) adjacent the distal end. It further includes a reservoir disposed within the sheath and adjacent the distal end. A frangible membrane (15) is disposed within the sheath and seals the reservoir from the interior of the sheath. A liquid (12) is disposed within the reservoir and contained therein by the frangible membrane. A transducer (11) for generating and receiving the ultrasonic waves is used to break the membrane when it is slipped into the sheath so the transducer will be bathed in the liquid and provide sonic transmissions within the catheter.