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An imaging catheter is a specialized medical device used in diagnostic and interventional procedures to obtain high-resolution images of internal body structures. It is designed to be inserted into the body through a blood vessel or natural opening, allowing doctors to accurately visualize and evaluate different anatomical areas.
Imaging catheters play an important role in guiding and real-time imaging of minimally invasive procedures, improving patient outcomes and reducing the risks associated with traditional surgical approaches. The imaging catheter uses advanced imaging techniques to produce detailed images of the target area.
One of the most common imaging methods is ultrasound. Ultrasound imaging catheters use high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of organs, blood vessels and tissues. These catheters consist of a flexible shaft tipped with an ultrasound probe that sends and receives sound waves to create images.
Ultrasound imaging catheters are commonly used in cardiology, vascular surgery, and intravenous imaging procedures. Another type of imaging catheter uses optical coherence tomography (OCT). OCT imaging catheters use light waves to produce high-resolution cross-sectional images of tissue.
The catheter contains a fiber-optic sensor that emits near-infrared light and measures the backscattered light to create detailed images of internal structures. OCT imaging catheters are widely used in ophthalmology, gastroenterology, and intravascular imaging procedures, allowing exceptional visualization of tissue layers and microscopic structures.
Fluoroscopy is another imaging technique used for real-time imaging of catheters. Fluoroscopic imaging catheters consist of X-ray opaque material that can be seen under X-ray fluoroscopy. This allows doctors to see the location of the catheter in the body and monitor its movement in real time. Fluoroscopic imaging catheters are commonly used in interventional radiology, cardiology, and urology.
The design of the imaging catheter is critical to its effective deployment and imaging capabilities. A catheter usually consists of a flexible and thin shaft that allows easy navigation through tortuous blood vessels or body cavities. It is usually made of biocompatible materials to minimize the risk of side effects or tissue damage.
At the distal end of the catheter is an imager or transducer designed to optimize image quality and resolution. The proximal end of the catheter is connected to an imaging device that allows data acquisition and visualization. During the procedure, an imaging catheter is inserted into the body through a guiding catheter or sheath.
Once inside the body, the imaging catheter is carefully guided to the target area under the guidance of imaging equipment. The imaging method used by the catheter enables real-time visualization of internal structures, allowing doctors to assess the condition, detect abnormalities and guide treatment decisions.
The imaging catheter has revolutionized several areas of medicine by providing detailed, real-time imaging capabilities during minimally invasive procedures. This greatly reduced the need for open surgery, which shortened recovery times, reduced complications and improved patient comfort.
In cardiology, an imaging catheter is used for intravascular imaging to evaluate coronary arteries, identify plaques, and guide stenting procedures. In gastroenterology, imaging catheters help diagnose and treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, such as esophageal or colorectal diseases. In urology, imaging catheters allow accurate visualization of the urinary tract, which aids in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as kidney stones or urethral stricture.
The Global Imaging Catheter Market accounted for $XX Billion in 2022 and is anticipated to reach $XX Billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of XX% from 2024 to 2030.
EnSite Velocity™ Imaging Catheter: The EnSite Velocity™ Imaging Catheter is a single-use catheter-based system used to image the heart during cardiac procedures. At the tip of the catheter is a miniature ultrasound sensor that enables real-time imaging of the chambers and valves of the heart.
The EnSite Velocity™ Imaging Catheter uses ultrasound waves to create images of the heart. Ultrasound waves are reflected by the heart tissue and then the reflected waves are received by a sensor at the tip of the catheter. A computer then uses these reflected waves to create a 3D image of the heart.
SpyGlass™ Digital Imaging Catheter: The SpyGlass™ Digital Imaging Catheter is a single-use, catheter-based system used to image the bile duct during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The tip of the catheter has a miniature camera that allows real-time imaging of the bile ducts.
The SpyGlass™ Digital Imaging Catheter uses a mini-camera to create images of the bile ducts. The camera is located at the end of the catheter and the images are transferred to the screen. The doctor can then use these images to guide the catheter through the bile ducts and perform ERCP procedures.
