Optical transesophageal echocardiography probe

Abstract

The present invention concerns an optical transesophageal echocardiography probe (OPTEE) having an optical fiber bundle, a suction channel and light channels for illumination, wherein the OPTEE has a circumference along its distal tip that allows both safe insertion and insures the stability of the probe. The probe tip is generally circular in circumference, but levels off to a flat surface for a portion of the circumference, and is provided with beveled edges and corner throughout so that there are no sharp edges to traumatize the patient. The invention also concerns an optically-recessed OPTEE comprising an optical transesophageal probe comprising a longitudinally extending main body having an outer surface and a substantially circular cross-section and a distal portion having an outer surface and a distal tip, wherein an optical bundle having a distal tip is positioned on the outer surface of the main body and the outer surface of the distal portion and the distal tip of the optical bundle does not extend as far as the distal tip of the distal portion.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 188,357, filed Jul. 1, 2002, which in turn is based upon commonly assigned U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60 / 302,410, filed Jun. 29, 2001, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to an optical transesophageal echocardiography probe (OPTEE). More particularly, the present invention relates to an optical transesophageal echocardiography probe having an optical fiber bundle to allow real-time visualization of the structures that are transversed as the OPTEE is passed via the mouth into the esophagus, wherein the probe has a unique profile which allows passage into the esophagus with a minimum amount of trauma to the patient. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Clinical experience with traditional transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has shown that a number of patients have experienc...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a transesophageal echocardiography probe which allows real-time visualization of the structures that are traversed as the probe is passed via the mouth into the esophagus.

[0016] It is also an object of the invention to provide a transesophageal echocardiography probe which allows for the direct suctioning of secretions and debris that may obscure direct passage of the probe into the esophagus.

[0017] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a transesophageal echocardiography probe which reduces the trauma experienced by the patient upon insertion and passage of the TEE probe through the mouth to the esophagus.

Problems solved by technology

Beveling the edges of the probe tip also decreases the chance of a probe edge lacerating tissue surfaces in the patient's passageway.

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