Cleaning system for imaging devices

Abstract

An apparatus includes a tubular structure having a proximal end, a distal end, and a body extending between the proximal and distal ends, wherein the body includes a lumen for housing at least a part of an imaging device, and a fluid delivery channel that is fixed in position relative to the body, and an opening that is in fluid communication with the fluid delivery channel, wherein the fluid delivery channel has a first portion, and a second portion that forms an angle with an axis of the first portion.

1 . An apparatus, comprising:
 a tubular structure having a proximal end, a distal end, and a body extending between the proximal and distal ends, wherein the body includes a lumen for housing at least a part of an imaging device; and   a fluid delivery channel that is fixed in position relative to the body; and   an opening that is in fluid communication with the fluid delivery channel;   wherein the fluid delivery channel has a first portion, and a second portion that forms an angle with an axis of the first portion.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein at least a part of the fluid delivery channel is located within a wall of the body. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein at least a part of the fluid delivery channel comprises a tube that is coupled to the tubular structure. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the tube has a length that is shorter than a length of the tubular structure. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the tube has a protrusion for mating with a slot at a wall of the tubular structure. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the tube has a lumen that forms a part of the fluid delivery channel, and wherein the opening is located at a wall of the tube. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first portion of the fluid delivery channel is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the tubular structure. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein at least a part of the fluid delivery channel comprises a tube having a bent configuration. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein an angle of the bent is a value that is between 20° and 40°. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a handle that is coupled to the proximal end of the tubular structure. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 an elongated shaft having a proximal end and a distal end; and   a handle coupled to the proximal end of the elongated shaft;   wherein the proximal end of the tubular structure is coupled to the distal end of the elongated shaft.   
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the tubular structure is transparent. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a retractor that is slidable relative to the lumen. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the retractor is configured to engage with a vessel. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the retractor defines a space that has an elliptical shape. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the tubular structure is configured for attachment to a distal end of a shaft. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the shaft is a part of a vessel harvesting device. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the opening is for delivering fluid towards the lumen where the imaging device is or will be located. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the distal end of the tubular structure has a cut-out section. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the tubular structure is integrally formed to have the fluid delivery channel and the opening. 
     
     
         21 .- 37 . (canceled)