The present invention concerns an optical transesophageal echocardiography probe
(OPTEE) having an optical fiber bundle, a suction channel and light channels for
illumination, wherein the OPTEE has a circumference along its distal tip that allows
both safe insertion and insures the stability of the probe. The probe tip is generally
circular in circumference, but levels off to a flat surface for a portion of the
circumference, and is provided with beveled edges and corner throughout so that
there are no sharp edges to traumatize the patient. The invention also concerns
an optically-recessed OPTEE comprising an optical transesophageal probe comprising
a longitudinally extending main body having an outer surface and a substantially
circular cross-section and a distal portion having an outer surface and a distal
tip, wherein an optical bundle having a distal tip is positioned on the outer surface
of the main body and the outer surface of the distal portion and the distal tip
of the optical bundle does not extend as far as the distal tip of the distal portion.
