Tissue imaging and extraction systems

Abstract

Tissue imaging and extraction systems are described herein. Such a system may include a deployment catheter and an attached imaging hood deployable into an expanded configuration. In use, the imaging hood is placed against or adjacent to a region of tissue to be imaged in a body lumen that is normally filled with an opaque bodily fluid such as blood. A translucent or transparent fluid, such as saline, can be pumped into the imaging hood until the fluid displaces any blood, thereby leaving a clear region of tissue to be imaged via an imaging element in the deployment catheter. Additionally, the system can include features or instruments for extracting tissue such as clearing blood clots, emboli, and other debris which may be present in a body lumen. Other variations may also be used for facilitating trans-septal access across tissue regions as well as for balancing body fluids during a procedure.

1 . A tissue removal system, comprising:
 a deployment catheter defining at least one lumen therethrough;   a hood projecting distally from the deployment catheter and defining an open area therein, wherein the open area is in fluid communication with the at least one lumen;   a visualization element disposed within or along the hood for visualizing tissue adjacent to the open area; and   a tissue extraction instrument which defines an opening for receiving tissue therein and which is deployable from the deployment catheter such that the tissue may be extracted via the instrument while imaged via the visualization element.