Catheter imaging probe and method

Abstract

A catheter imaging probe for a patient. The probe includes a conduit through with energy is transmitted. The probe includes a first portion through which the conduit extends. The probe includes a second portion which rotates relative to the conduit to redirect the energy from the conduit. A method for imaging a patient. The method includes the steps of inserting a catheter into the patient. There is the step of rotating a second portion of the catheter relative to a conduit extending through a first portion of the catheter, which redirects the energy transmitted through the conduit to the patient and receives the energy reflected back to the second portion from the patient and redirects the reflected energy to the conduit.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A catheter imaging probe comprising: a conduit through which electromagnetic radiation is transmitted; a first portion through which the conduit extends; and a second portion which provides movement relative to the conduit to redirect the electromagnetic radiation from the conduit by a movement of mass flow of ions; and an electric field generates the movement of the mass flow. 
     
     
         2 . A probe as described in  claim 1  wherein the first portion includes at least two interlacing electrodes to generate a positive and a negative charge. 
     
     
         3 . A probe as described in  claim 2  wherein the second portion includes a rotor through which the conduit extends and a transparent cover containing the rotor, the rotor and inner surface of the capsule defines the movement of mass flow of ions about the rotor and the first conduit includes a separator to seal the mass flow of ions in the second portion, as to generate a circular-oriented electric field causing the rotor to rotate about the conduit via reactive force provided by the mass flow of ions. 
     
     
         4 . A probe as described in  claim 3  wherein the mass flow is a dielectric fluid including strongly charged electrodes to generate molecule ions; and the molecule ions move to the negative charge electrode to create a density difference of osmotic force. 
     
     
         5 . A probe as described in  claim 4  wherein the second portion has one or more optical redirection elements attached to the center shaft which redirects the electromagnetic radiation from the conduit. 
     
     
         6 . A probe as described in  claim 5  wherein the conduit is a radiation waveguide. 
     
     
         7 . A probe as described in  claim 6  wherein the radiation waveguide is a single mode fiber. 
     
     
         8 . A probe as described in  claim 7  wherein the optical redirection element includes a prism which reflects light from the conduit, the prism rotating with the center shaft. 
     
     
         9 . A catheter imaging probe comprising: a conduit through which electromagnetic radiation is transmitted; a first portion through which the conduit extends; and a second portion which provides movement relative to the conduit to redirect the electromagnetic radiation from the conduit by generating the deformation in a media material about the second portion. 
     
     
         10 . A probe as described in  claim 9 , wherein the first portion includes an electrode and the second portion includes actuating materials. 
     
     
         11 . A probe as described in  claim 10 , wherein the actuating materials are a shape memory alloy to generate deformation. 
     
     
         12 . A probe as described in  claim 10 , wherein the actuating materials are a thermal expansive material to generate deformation. 
     
     
         13 . A probe as described in  claim 10 , wherein the actuating materials are a dielectric media material. 
     
     
         14 . A probe as described in  claim 10 , wherein the actuating materials are a piezoelectric material to generate deformation. 
     
     
         15 . A catheter imaging probe comprising: a radiation waveguide concentrically disposed through a nanostator, a medium structure, and a nanorotor; wherein a driving energy rotates the nanorotor about the radiation waveguide. 
     
     
         16 . A probe as described in  claim 15 , wherein the driving energy is an electric field. 
     
     
         17 . A probe as described in  claim 16 , wherein the nanorotor is operably coupled to an optical redirection element to receive optical energy from the radiation waveguide.