Abstract: A micromanipulator comprising a tubular structure and a structural compliance mechanism that are formed from a tube made of an elastic and/or superelastic material. The micromanipulator is useful for intravascular interventional applications and particularly ultrasonic imaging when coupled with an ultrasound transducer. Also disclosed are medical devices for crossing vascular occlusions using radio-frequency energy or rotary cutting, preferably under the guidance of real-time imaging of the occlusion, as well as accompanying methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new intravascular imaging device based on a Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) actuator mechanism embedded inside an elongate member such as a guide wire or catheter. The present invention utilizes a novel SMA mechanism to provide side-looking imaging by providing movement for an ultrasound transducer element. This novel SMA actuator mechanism can be easily fabricated in micro-scale, providing an advantage over existing imaging devices because it offers the ability to miniaturize the overall size of the device, while the use of multiple transducer crystals maximizes field of view. Also disclosed are methods of using the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new intravascular ultrasound imaging device with an increased field of view. By using more than one ultrasound transducer crystal that is capable of producing an ultrasonic signal for imaging, and preferably aligning the individual crystals on a shared backing with at least one edge of the crystals in contact, the field of view generated by a given actuator mechanism is increased without substantially increasing the overall dimensions of the device. Also disclosed are methods of using the same.