Diagnostic catheter using a vacuum for tissue positioning

Abstract

A diagnostic catheter and method of use for analyzing tissue is provided. A method for analyzing tissue in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention includes inserting a catheter having a sensor at its distal end into the body of a patient, applying suction through the catheter to secure the tissue to the catheter and then analyzing the tissue with the sensor. An apparatus for analyzing tissue within the body of a patient in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention is also provided. This alternative embodiment includes a catheter having a first end and a second end, the first end having an orifice and a sensor, the catheter also having a lumen.

1 - 22 . (canceled) 
     
     
         23 . An apparatus for analyzing tissue, comprising:
 an insertion portion, including:
 a lumen, 
 a wall defining the lumen, the wall having an exterior surface, 
 at least one orifice extending through the wall and opening into the lumen, and 
 at least one sensor recessed from the exterior surface of the wall, configured to detect at least one characteristic of tissue drawn toward the insertion portion by a suction force applied to the tissue through the lumen and the at least one orifice. 
   
     
     
         24 . The apparatus of  claim 23 , wherein an interior surface of the wall defines the lumen. 
     
     
         25 . The apparatus of  claim 24 , wherein the at least one sensor is on the interior surface of the wall. 
     
     
         26 . The apparatus of  claim 23 , wherein the at least one sensor is in the wall. 
     
     
         27 . The apparatus of  claim 23 , wherein the at least one sensor includes a plurality of sensors, each of the sensors being recessed from the exterior surface of the wall. 
     
     
         28 . The apparatus of  claim 23 , wherein the at least one orifice includes a plurality of orifices, each of the orifices extending through the wall and opening into the lumen. 
     
     
         29 . The apparatus of  claim 23 , wherein the at least one sensor includes an ultrasound sensor. 
     
     
         30 . An apparatus for analyzing tissue, comprising:
 an insertion portion, including:
 a lumen, 
 a wall defining the lumen, 
 at least one orifice extending through the wall and opening into the lumen, and 
 at least one sensor within the lumen, configured to detect at least one characteristic of tissue drawn toward the insertion portion by a suction force applied to the tissue through the lumen and the at least one orifice. 
   
     
     
         31 . The apparatus of  claim 30 , wherein the at least one sensor includes a plurality of sensors, each of the sensors being within the lumen. 
     
     
         32 . The apparatus of  claim 31 , wherein the at least one orifice includes a plurality of orifices, each of the orifices extending through the wall and opening into the lumen. 
     
     
         33 . The apparatus of  claim 32 , wherein the sensors and the orifices alternate along a longitudinal axis of the catheter. 
     
     
         34 . The apparatus of  claim 30 , wherein the at least one sensor is on a first side of the wall, and the at least one orifice is on a second side of the wall spaced from the first side. 
     
     
         35 . The apparatus of  claim 30 , wherein the at least one sensor includes an ultrasound sensor. 
     
     
         36 . An apparatus for analyzing tissue, comprising:
 a catheter having an insertion portion, the insertion portion including:
 a vacuum channel, 
 a wall defining the vacuum channel, the wall having an exterior surface, 
 at least one orifice extending through the wall and opening into the vacuum channel, and 
 at least one sensor recessed from the exterior surface of the wall, configured to detect at least one characteristic of tissue drawn toward the catheter by a suction force applied to the tissue through the vacuum channel and the at least one orifice. 
   
     
     
         37 . The apparatus of  claim 36 , wherein an interior surface of the wall defines the vacuum channel. 
     
     
         38 . The apparatus of  claim 37 , wherein the at least one sensor is on the interior surface of the wall. 
     
     
         39 . The apparatus of  claim 36 , wherein the at least one sensor is in the wall. 
     
     
         40 . The apparatus of  claim 36 , wherein the at least one orifice includes a plurality of orifices, each of the orifices extending through the wall and opening into the vacuum channel. 
     
     
         41 . The apparatus of  claim 36 , wherein the at least one sensor includes a plurality of sensors, each of the sensors being recessed from the exterior surface of the wall. 
     
     
         42 . The apparatus of  claim 36 , wherein the apparatus includes an endoscope including a lumen configured to receive the insertion portion of the catheter, and a distal opening allowing the insertion portion to be extended distally from a distal end of the endoscope.