Importance

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Abstract

A miniscope catheter which is constructed to allow the operator to control the deflection of the catheter tip. The catheter miniscope of the invention includes a catheter body having at least one lumen. An optical filament is positioned through this lumen and is secured to the catheter at a location proximate the catheter distal end. In order to provide for the deflection of the catheter tip portion the catheter miniscope further includes a means which can be operated to apply a force against said optical filament to longitudinally drive the optical filament in at least a first direction within the lumen. This longitudinal movement of the optical filament causes a bending moment in the catheter tip to deflect the tip. By providing that the optical filament can be longitudinal moved in opposite longitudinal directions the catheter distal tip can be made to deflect in two opposing directions.

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First Claim