Inventors:
Harry B. Burke - Glen Allen VA, US
International Classification:
A61M 25/095
Abstract:
A catheter is used to assist in imaging, e.g., 3D imaging, an anatomical location in a human or veterinary subject. The catheter includes a plurality of horizontal markings which extend in the longitudinal direction between the distal and proximal ends. The horizontal markings can be made throughout the entire length of the catheter, or at one or more locations. At each location, the horizontal markings will appear as successive sets of markings. Each horizontal marking is made of two markings that are the same length. The two markings are arranged such that identically sized gaps between the ends of the markings are positioned on the front and back side of the catheter. In one embodiment, an image where the source and catheter are precisely aligned will show gaps of succeeding larger or smaller sizes. However, when the source is off center the gap lengths will be smaller or not exist. Particular marking locations can be highlighted by using relatively thinner or thicker markings and/or by spacing the markings progressively closer together or further apart.