Abstract: A catheter assembly for an intravascular ultrasound system includes a catheter and an imaging core. The catheter includes a lumen extending along the longitudinal length of the catheter from the proximal end to the distal end and the imaging core is configured and arranged for inserting into the lumen. The imaging core includes a rotatable driveshaft, at least one transducer mounted to the distal end of the rotatable driveshaft, and a twisted wire cable coupled to the at least one transducer. In addition, a number of different transducer arrangements and methods of making transducers are presented.

Abstract: A catheter assembly for an intravascular ultrasound system includes a catheter and an imaging core. The catheter includes a lumen extending along the longitudinal length of the catheter from the proximal end to the distal end and the imaging core is configured and arranged for inserting into the lumen. The imaging core includes a rotatable driveshaft, at least one transducer mounted to the distal end of the rotatable driveshaft, and a twisted wire cable coupled to the at least one transducer.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for connecting a coaxial cable or other conductor to an acoustic element, e.g., piezoelectric element, that withstand stress, e.g., due to vibrations of the piezoelectric element. In an embodiment, mesh terminals are bonded to the top and bottom of an piezoelectric element by conductive epoxy. Each mesh terminal has a mesh pattern comprising one or more openings through which the conductive epoxy flows and contacts the piezoelectric element thereby proving additional bonding areas for the epoxy to secure the mesh terminal to the piezoelectric element. This results in a stronger bond between the mesh terminal and the piezoelectric element. A coaxial cable or other conductor is connected to the piezoelectric element via the mesh terminal. The mesh terminal includes a stress relief element that reduces the amount of stress at a joint where the mesh terminal connects to the coaxial cable.

Abstract: Devices and methods for removing a foreign object from a body lumen are disclosed. An embolectomy device can include a filter basket having a plurality of filter struts forming a cage-like structure that can be expanded to circumferentially surround the incoming foreign object. A support frame including a proximal hoop and one or more rail members may be employed to support the filter basket. The support frame and filter basket can be coupled to a pusher wire that can be used to manipulate the device within the body. In certain embodiments, the filter struts may vary in thickness to impart a desired flexibility characteristic to the device. Methods of manufacturing such devices are also disclosed.