Ct-enhanced fluoroscopy

Abstract

Real-time, enhanced imaging of remote areas, too minute for CT imaging, is made possible through a probe having a radiopaque tip as well as radiopaque volume markers. When deployed, the markers outline the space containing the tip such that both the tip and the volume containing the tip are viewable on a fluoroscope. This device may be used in conjunction with or independently of 3-D volumes created from CT scans and 3-D tip sensors.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A device for navigating through a tubular structure comprising:
 an elongate flexible body including at least one radiopaque traceable element; and   at least one radiopaque marker capable of being deployed away from the elongate flexible body such that the marker identifies a location of an anatomical feature;   wherein the at least one radiopaque traceable element is shaped and arranged such that three dimension contour information can be determined from a two-dimensional image of the at least one radiopaque traceable element, and   wherein the at least one radiopaque traceable element is able to move with biological movement of the tubular structure.   
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one radiopaque traceable element comprises a catheter having a profile of varying radiopacity. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the catheter having a profile of varying radiopacity comprises a catheter having a radiopaque layer of varying thickness. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one radiopaque traceable element comprises a catheter having a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart radiopaque markings along a distal portion thereof. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein the plurality of longitudinally spaced apart radiopaque markers comprises a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart radiopaque rings surrounding the catheter. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one radiopaque marker comprises a radiopaque marker tethered to the device. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one radiopaque marker comprises a radiopaque particulate spray. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one radiopaque marker comprises an inflatable radiopaque balloon. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one radiopaque marker comprises a length of radiopaque filament extending from the device.