Development of an Alveolar Transbronchial Catheter for Concurrent Fiber Optics-Based Imaging and Fluid Delivery

We describe the rationale, development, and validation in ex vivo ovine lung to near clinical readiness of a triple lumen bronchoscopy catheter that allows concurrent imaging and fluid delivery, with the aim of clinical use to deliver multiple fluorescent compounds to image alveolar pathology. Using this device, we were able to produce high-quality images of bacterial infiltrates in ex vivo ovine lung within 60  s of instilling a single microdose of (<100 mcg) imaging agent. This has many advantages for future clinical usage over the current state of the art.
Source: Journal of Medical Devices, Transactions of the ASME - Category: Medical Devices Source Type: research