Complex shape steerable tissue visualization and manipulation catheter

Abstract

A system comprises a steerable sheath including a passageway therethrough and a steerable segment extendable from the passageway. The steerable segment defines a lumen. The system also includes an imaging element extending from a distal end of the steerable segment.

1 - 3 . (canceled) 
     
     
         4 . A system comprising:
 a steerable sheath including a passageway therethrough;   a steerable segment extendable from the passageway, the steerable segment defining a lumen; and   an imaging element extending from a distal end of the steerable segment.   
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4  further comprising a tool extendable through the lumen of the steerable segment. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5  wherein the tool includes one of: a needle, a grasper, and an electrode. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 4  further comprising:
 an expandable visualization membrane expandable from the distal end of the steerable segment. 
 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7  further comprising:
 a working channel extending within the expandable visualization membrane from the distal end of the steerable segment. 
 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8  wherein the imaging element is coupled to the working channel. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 7  wherein the expandable visualization membrane includes an energy transmitter for ablation therapy. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 4 , further comprising a guidewire extendable from the steerable sheath. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 4  wherein the steerable segment includes a multi-lumen extrusion. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 4  wherein the steerable segment includes a plurality of links. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 4  wherein the steerable segment includes a steering actuator extending therethrough for controlling movement of the steerable segment. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14  wherein the steering actuator includes a steering tube and a pullwire extending through the steering tube. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 4  wherein the imaging element includes an infrared camera. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 4  further comprising a light source extending from a distal end of the steerable segment. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 4  wherein the steerable sheath includes a plurality of links.