Imaging catheters are critical tools in modern medicine, enabling physicians to see inside the body with high precision. These medical devices integrate advanced optics, electronics, and catheter engineering to provide real-time visualization and guidance during diagnostic and interventional procedures. Applications span cardiology, neurology, gastroenterology, urology, and more.
At Medical Murray, we have experience supporting the development and manufacturing of imaging catheters, including vascular, gastroenterology, and urology imaging catheters. Our expertise positions us to partner with innovators across the spectrum of imaging catheter technologies, from intravascular optical coherence tomography (OCT) and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) to disposable endoscopic imaging catheters.
Types of Imaging Catheters
Imaging catheters vary in design, imaging modality, and regulatory requirements.
Vascular Imaging Catheters
- Typically OCT or IVUS-based
- Coronary imaging used to assess vessel structure, stent deployment, and plaque characteristics
- Peripheral vascular imaging similar technology to coronary, but designed for larger vessels
Gastrointestinal and Pulmonary Imaging Catheters
- Used in endoscopic or disposable scopes
Urological and Gynecological Imaging Catheters
- Support minimally invasive procedures with fiber optics or small sensors.
Core Device Capabilities Essential to Imaging Catheter Manufacturing
Sensor Integration
Fiber Optic Sensors
- Essential for OCT catheters, providing micron-level resolution.
- Requires precise alignment and protection during manufacturing.
Ultrasound Transducers
- Key for IVUS applications.
- Demands high-frequency signal integrity and miniaturized electronics.
CMOS/CCD Camera Modules
- Common in GI, pulmonary, and disposable endoscopic catheters.
- Must be integrated with illumination sources (LEDs or fiber bundles).
Mechanical Catheter Engineering
- Multi-lumen catheter shafts to house fibers, cables, and irrigation channels.
- Reinforcement (braiding, coiling) for kink resistance while maintaining flexibility.
- Distal tip design that balances imaging clarity with atraumatic navigation.
Design Constraints
- Miniaturization – imaging sensors and optics must be housed in tips as small as 1 mm.
- Steerability – required for coronary and neurovascular navigation.
- Biocompatibility – all materials must comply with ISO 10993.
- Sterilization Compatibility – typically EO or radiation sterilization, without degrading sensors or optics.
Optical and Imaging Validation
- Alignment validation of fiber optics and sensors.
- Bench models simulating anatomy to confirm imaging fidelity.
- Optical performance testing (resolution, depth penetration, contrast).
Console and System Integration
- Imaging catheters must interface seamlessly with consoles.
Key requirements include:
- Signal transmission and shielding
- Real-time image processing
- Proprietary connectors and pullback mechanisms (especially for OCT/IVUS)
Manufacturing Scale-Up
- Repeatable manufacturing processes for micro-scale sensor placement.
- High-volume assembly lines capable of producing single-use sterile devices.
- Traceability and compliance to ISO 13485, FDA QSR, and EU MDR.
Finding an Experienced Imaging Catheter Manufacturing Partner
Imaging catheters represent some of the most complex medical devices, requiring multidisciplinary expertise in optics, electronics, and catheter engineering. Whether it’s a coronary OCT catheter or a disposable endoscopic catheter, success depends on precise sensor integration, robust catheter construction, and validated imaging performance.
Medical Murray has proven experience developing and manufacturing imaging catheters and the capabilities to support imaging catheters of all kinds. We partner with innovators to take these devices from early design to reliable, scalable production. Contact us today to start your project.