An intravascular imaging guidewire is provided that can accomplish
longitudinal translation of an imaging plane allowing imaging of an axial
length of a region of interest without moving the guidewire. The imaging
guidewire comprises a body in the form of a flexible elongate tubular
member. An elongate flexible imaging core is slidably received within the
body. The imaging core includes a shaft having an imaging device mounted
on its distal end. The body and the imaging core are cooperatively
constructed to enable axial translation of the imaging core and imaging
device relative to the body. The body has a substantially transparent
portion extending an axial length over which axially translatable imaging
may be performed. The imaging guidewire has a maximum diameter over its
entire length sized to be received within a guidewire lumen of an
intravascular catheter.
