CPC A61B 8/445 (2013.01) [A61B 8/4455 (2013.01)] | 20 Claims |
1. An imaging system to image tissue of a patient, comprising:
an imaging probe to be inserted into the patient;
a stiff sheath, the stiff sheath comprising an internal channel sized to receive the imaging probe and a closed distal end, wherein the closed distal end is rounded for advancement into the patient;
a proximal seal to decrease leakage of fluid from an interior of the stiff sheath;
a fluid source coupled to the interior of the stiff sheath;
a one-way valve between the fluid source and the interior of the stiff sheath configured to allow fluid from the fluid source to flow into the interior of the stiff sheath;
an evacuation channel in fluid communication with an interior chamber of the stiff sheath; and
a check valve coupled to the evacuation channel to provide one-way fluid flow through the evacuation channel;
wherein the stiff sheath and the imaging probe are sized and arranged to pump fluid with a reciprocating motion of the imaging probe in the stiff sheath.
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