Angioscope centering catheter

An angioscope centering catheter (10) includes an angioscope (18) mounted within an inner catheter (12) for visualization of a vessel at the distal end of the catheter. The inner catheter (12) is mounted within an outer sheath (14) for sliding longitudinal movement with respect to the outer sheath (14). The outer sheath (14) includes a set of longitudinal slit sections (16) formed circumferentially near its distal end. The outer sheath (14) and the inner catheter (12) are connected at their distal ends such that when the catheter moves proximally with respect to the outer sheath, the slitted sections splay out from the axis of the catheter to center the viewing end of the angioscope.