Abstract: A system and a method for determining a relative position of an ultrasound transceiver with respect to an opening of an interventional device where the opening is within a lumen of the interventional device. Ultrasound transmissions from an ultrasound transceiver, capable of moving through at last part of the lumen and the opening are reflected off the wall or boundary of the lumen. The ultrasound transceiver may receive one or more 5 echoes of the ultrasound transmissions and generate a receive signal comprising the one or more echoes and transmit receive data comprising one or more characteristics of the echo to a data processor. The data processor is configured to identify from the receive data the one or more characteristics and determine a relative position of the ultrasound transceiver with respect to the opening based on the one or more characteristics. A transceiver may be part of 10 a retrofit device with which the interventional device may be equipped during an interventional procedure.

Abstract: A method for tracking an interventional medical device in a patient includes interleaving, by an imaging probe external to the patient, a pulse sequence of imaging beams and tracking beams to obtain an interleaved pulse sequence. The method also includes transmitting, from the imaging probe to the interventional medical device in the patient, the interleaved pulse sequence. The method further includes determining, based on a response to the tracking beams received from a sensor on the interventional medical device, a location of the sensor in the patient.

Abstract: Methods, Apparatuses, and Systems of operating a laser atherectomy system to perform an endoscopic atherectomy procedure within a vessel at a therapeutic region of an anatomical condition by use of an atherectomy laser device coupled to an ultrasound imaging probe. The atherectomy laser device operates to generate photoacoustic signals from a light source of the atherectomy laser device to for guidance within the vessel and to characterize tissue about the therapeutic region by delivery of pulsed wavelengths within the vessel, and to perform operations of tissue ablation directed to the anatomical condition. This enables guidance of the atherectomy laser device by feedback from the viewing of photoacoustic images based on photoacoustic signals generated the atherectomy laser device and created in response to changes in acoustic intensity due to changes of optical wavelength monitored by the ultrasound imaging probe.

Abstract: Systems and methods for laser catheter treatment in a vessel lumen. The method includes inserting the laser catheter within the vessel lumen to a location of a treatment area; presenting an image of the treatment area within the vessel lumen based on using an ultrasound (US) imaging system; and, detecting, in real-time, a bubble cloud that is a function of the laser catheter operation (at a prescribed speed and controlling a fluence and a pulse rate) in the treatment area. The method determines a vessel diameter, a real-time location and measurements of the bubble cloud, and estimates a dwell position and dwell time. A dynamic displayed image that is indicative of a progression of the laser catheter treatment is presented, and commands may be generated to modify the laser catheter parameters responsive to the estimated dwell position, the estimated dwell time, and a recommended treatment protocol.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system performs elastography using mechanically generated vibrations from a vibration assembly attached to an ultrasound probe. An attachment member attaches the vibration assembly to the probe. A vibration motor is mounted in a motor mount and applies vibration energy to the body in which shear waves are to be measured, at a location adjacent to the probe. The vibration motor mount is coupled to the attachment member by a vibration isolation element such as a spring, rubber band, or elastic compound which isolates the probe from deleterious vibration energy from the vibration motor.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of predicting a success metric, achieved by performing a treatment procedure on a thrombus, is provided. The method includes: receiving angiographic image data, including one or more angiographic images comprising the thrombus; inputting the angiographic image data into a model, comprising a neural network, configured to output a prediction related to the treatment procedure; and calculating the success metric based on the output of the model.

Abstract: A controller (310) for identifying positioning of an intravascular ultrasound probe (952) includes a memory (362) that stores instructions (884) and a processor (361) that executes the instructions (884). When executed by the processor (361), the instructions (884) cause the controller (310) to execute a process that includes receiving first signals from at least one element of the intravascular ultrasound probe (952). The process also includes receiving second signals from an external ultrasound probe. Based on the first signals and the second signals, the controller (310) determines a position of the intravascular ultrasound probe (952) in a tracking space that includes the intravascular ultrasound probe (952) and the external ultrasound probe.

Abstract: A method for tracking an interventional medical device in a patient includes interleaving, by an imaging probe external to the patient, a pulse sequence of imaging beams and tracking beams to obtain an interleaved pulse sequence. The method also includes transmitting, from the imaging probe to the interventional medical device in the patient, the interleaved pulse sequence. The method further includes determining, based on a response to the tracking beams received from a sensor on the interventional medical device, a location of the sensor in the patient.

Abstract: 2019PF00643 32 ABSTRACT Disclosed is an ultrasound roadmap image generation system. The system includes a processor configured for communication with an ultrasound imaging device that is movable relative to a patient. The processor receives a first bi-plane or 3D image representative of a first volume within the patient and a second bi-plane or 3D image representative of a second volume within the patient. The processor then registers the first bi-plane or 3D image and the second bi-plane or 3D image to determine the motion between the first bi-plane or 3D image and the second bi-plane or 3D image. The processor then generates a 2D roadmap image of a region of interest by combining the first bi-plane or 3D image and the second bi-plane or 3D image, based on the determined motion; and outputs a screen display comprising the 2D roadmap image.

Abstract: A method for using an interactive visual guidance tool for an imaging acquisition and display configured for user navigation with respect to a blockage of a field of view detects, and spatially defines, the blockage. It also integrates, with the image for joint visualization, an indicium that visually represents the definition. The indicium is moved dynamically according to movement, relative to the blockage, of the field of view. The indicium can be shaped like a line segment, or two indicia can be joined in a “V” shape to frame a region of non-blockage. The defining may be based on determining whether ultrasound beams in respective directions are blocked.

Abstract: A steerable medical catheter includes a tubular body having a longitudinal axis and a distal portion for insertion into a subject, a first pull wire, a second pull wire, and a piezoelectric transducer. The piezoelectric transducer includes a first electrode and a second electrode. At the distal portion of the catheter the first pull wire and the second pull wire are each mechanically coupled to the tubular body at respective first and second offset positions with respect to the longitudinal axis for imparting a curvature on the distal portion of the catheter. At the distal portion of the catheter the first pull wire is electrically connected to the first electrode of the piezoelectric transducer and the second pull wire is electrically connected to the second electrode of the piezoelectric transducer.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system according to the present disclosure may include an ultrasound transducer assembly comprising a plurality of apertures that are configured to transmit signals toward and receive signals from a region of interest (ROI) of a subject, a tracking sensor disposed within the subject and configured to move within the ROI, the sensor being responsive to signals transmitted by the apertures, and at least one processor in communication with the ultrasound transducer assembly and the tracking sensor.

Abstract: A controller (240/340) for simultaneously tracking multiple interventional medical devices includes a memory (242/342) that stores instructions and a processor (241/341) that executes the instructions. When executed by the processor (241/341), the instructions cause the controller to execute a process that includes receiving timing information from a first signal emitted from an ultrasound probe (252/352) and reflective of timing when the ultrasound probe (252/352) transmits ultrasound beams to generate ultrasound imagery. The process executed by the controller also includes forwarding the timing information to be available for use by a first acquisition electronic component (232/332). The first acquisition electronic component (232/332) also receives sensor information from a first passive ultrasound sensor (S1) on a first interventional medical device (212/312).

Abstract: An apparatus includes an imaging probe and is configured for dynamically arranging presentation of visual feedback for guiding manual adjustment, via the probe, of a location, and orientation, associated with the probe. The arranging is selectively based on comparisons between fields of view of the probe and respective results of segmenting image data acquired via the probe. In an embodiment, the apparatus includes a sensor which guides a decision that acoustic coupling quality is insufficient, the apparatus issuing a user alert upon the decision.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a medical procedure is disclosed. The apparatus includes a sensor adapted to convert an ultrasonic signal incident thereon into an electrical signal; and a wireless transceiver configured to receive the electrical signal from the sensor, and to transmit the electrical signal to a wireless receiver remotely located from the apparatus.

Abstract: A controller (240/340) for simultaneously tracking multiple interventional medical devices includes a memory (242/342) that stores instructions and a processor (241/341) that executes the instructions. When executed by the processor (241/341), the instructions cause the controller to execute a process that includes receiving timing information from a first signal emitted from an ultrasound probe (252/352) and reflective of timing when the ultrasound probe (252/352) transmits ultrasound beams to generate ultrasound imagery. The process executed by the controller also includes forwarding the timing information to be available for use by a first acquisition electronic component (232/332). The first acquisition electronic component (232/332) also receives sensor information from a first passive ultrasound sensor (S1) on a first interventional medical device (212/312).

Abstract: A steerable multi-plane ultrasound imaging system (MPUIS) for steering a plurality of intersecting image planes (PL1 . . . n) of a beamforming ultrasound imaging probe (BUIP) based on ultrasound signals transmitted between the beamforming ultrasound imaging probe (BUIP) and an ultrasound transducer (S) disposed within a field of view (FOV) of the probe (BUIP). An ultrasound tracking system (UTS) causes the beamforming ultrasound imaging probe (BUIP) to adjust an orientation of the first image plane (PL1) such that a first image plane passes through a position (POS) of the ultrasound transducer (S) by maximizing a magnitude of ultrasound signals transmitted between the beamforming ultrasound imaging probe (BUIP) and the ultrasound transducer (S). An orientation of a second image plane (PL2) is adjusted such that an intersection (AZ) between the first image plane and the second image plane passes through the position of the ultrasound transducer (S).

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system (1) comprises an ultrasound transducer array (100) comprising a plurality of ultrasound transducer tiles (101a-d), each of said tiles having an independently adjustable orientation such as to conform an ultrasound transmitting surface to a region of a body (50) including a foreign object such as a pacemaker, a stent, or an interventional tool (200). Using a known spatial arrangement of a plurality of features (201-204) of the foreign object (200), the respective ultrasound images generated by the ultrasound transducer tiles are registered in order to generate a composite image, in which the position and orientation of the foreign object in the individual images is superimposed. The position and orientation of an interventional tool may be determined for each image using object recognition algorithms or using acoustic feedback information provided by at least three ultrasound sensors (201-204) arranged in a known spatial arrangement on the interventional tool.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a medical procedure is disclosed. The apparatus includes a sensor adapted to convert an ultrasonic signal incident thereon into an electrical signal; and a wireless transceiver configured to receive the electrical signal from the sensor, and to transmit the electrical signal to a wireless receiver remotely located from the apparatus.

Abstract: A system for localizing a three-dimensional field of view of a beamforming ultrasound imaging probe based on a position indicator disposed within said field of view. The beamforming ultrasound imaging probe transmits and receives ultrasound signals within a three-dimensional field of view comprising a plurality of predetermined sub-volumes, each sub-volume being defined by a two dimensional array of beams. A controller causes the beamforming ultrasound imaging probe to scan the sub-volumes sequentially by transmitting and receiving ultrasound signals corresponding to each beam. A tracking system determines a position of the position indicator within the three-dimensional field of view; and determines a sub-volume in which the position indicator is located.