Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes: a transparent member provided at a distal end of an insertion portion of an endoscope, opposed to an image pickup optical system; a transducer provided on one face of the transparent member; and an elastic member that is provided at a location to which ultrasound vibrations from the transducer are transmitted, and for which a physical property value changes accompanying a temperature change. Thus, the endoscope apparatus suppresses excessive heat generation of a transducer for removing dirt that adheres to an observation window, and prevents damage to the transducer as well as a deterioration in the characteristics thereof.

Abstract: In part, the invention relates to a probe suitable for use with image data collection system. The probe, in one embodiment, includes an optical transceiver, such as a beam director, and an acoustic transceiver such as an ultrasound transducer. The optical transceiver is in optical communication with an optical fiber in optical communication with a beam director configured to transmit light and receive scattered light from a sample such as a wall of a blood vessel. The acoustic transceiver includes an ultrasound device or subsystem such as a piezoelectric element configured to generate acoustic waves and receive reflected acoustic waves from the sample.

Abstract: An apparatus for assessing the risk of preterm delivery and the success of induction of labor at term uses a steered ultrasound beam to assess microstructure of the cervix revealed by backscatter power attenuation at a range of angles. It is believed that objective and precise description of cervical microstructure will reveal stage of cervical remodeling an as such may reveal risk of preterm delivery and/or success of labor induction. The backscatter power loss can be combined with elasticity measurements to provide a more precise indication of tissue structure.

Abstract: Reduction of motion artifacts from flexible transducers are provided in ultrasound imaging. Temporal and/or amplitude modulation of an acoustic radiation force impulse pushing pulse may be designed to control the motion of a moveable transducer. The motion may be controlled to stabilize the transducer in one position or in a predictable (e.g. linear) movement in order to better estimate tissue displacement. Reduced motion artifact may be provided with transmitted waveforms requiring less time and power than required of a brute force approach. For example, pre-loading transmissions may not be provided. As another example, pre-loading transmissions may require less than 10 ms.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for performing a procedure on a uterine cavity of a patient are disclosed. The methods can include visualizing the uterine cavity, biopsying a tissue with a biopsy device, and ejecting fluid from the biopsying device into the uterine cavity. The apparatuses can have a sealable acorn tip, a handle, a repositioning clip, a distal indicia, proximal indicia, and a fluid reservoir. The biopsying device can be configured to biopsy and eject fluid under the control of a single hand of a user of the device.

Abstract: A catheter apparatus includes an elongated body having proximal and distal ends, and an acoustic transducer disposed proximate the distal end of the elongated body. A variably-refracting acoustic lens is provided to dynamically adjust a direction associated with an acoustic wave coupled to the acoustic transducer in response to one or more control signals provided thereto.

Abstract: The end-effector (150) includes a sheath (152) and a medical device or needle carrier (154) that is disposed within the interior compartment (160) of the sheath. Aperture (162) is located in a portion of the sheath proximal a distal end of the sheath that is inserted into a natural or artificial cavity. This device is guided by a real-time imager.

Abstract: A device for internal ultrasound imaging including a micro-motor rotates a drive shaft and ultrasound transducer. Conductors attach between the transducer and slip ring assemblies. The slip ring assemblies conductively couple the transducer conductors to a set of conductors extending toward a console.

Abstract: A system for use with ultrasound procedures including an ultrasound control and/or imaging system which has a microminiature motor, a rotatable reflector and a stationary ultrasound transducer. The transducer may be placed between the motor and the reflector, so as to eliminate the need for placement of wires or other artifact-creating items in the path of ultrasound signals. In particular embodiments, such systems can be incorporated in or retrofitted to commercially standard diagnostic and therapeutic catheters or other housings. Examples can be used in variety of ultrasound procedures, e.g. to perform intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging.

Abstract: An ultrasound endoscope has a transducer unit that has a top surface, a bottom surface and a side surface connecting the top surface and the bottom surface, and performs transmission and reception of ultrasound on a top surface side, a cable that is for transmitting and receiving an electrical signal to and from the transducer unit and is connected to the side surface, a conductive shield case that has a lead-out port for leading out the cable, and a flexible extension portion extended from at least the top surface side of the lead-out port, and covers the side surface and the bottom surface, and a housing that holds a transducer unit 2 via the shield case, and has a cable insertion path in which the cable and the extension portion are inserted.

Abstract: In an example, an optical system can include a polarization scrambler coupleable to a tunable first optical source configured to generate a coherent optical output. The system can include an intra-body optical sensor such as a an intravascularly-deliverable optical fiber transducer, configured to be coupled to the tunable first optical source through the polarization scrambler, the polarization scrambler configured to vary a polarization state of the optical energy provided by the tunable first optical source, the intravascularly-deliverable optical fiber transducer configured to reflect a portion of the optical energy modulated in response to a vibration, pressure, or strain.

Abstract: A probe is a probe insertable through a channel provided in an endoscope insertion portion. The probe is provided with a plurality of accommodation portions for accommodating a plurality of coil units having a predetermined length and a predetermined height, and a plurality of axial portions. Each accommodation portion includes a base portion having a length substantially equal to the predetermined length in a longitudinal direction of the probe, and two wall portions provided to stand upright at both ends of the base portion in the longitudinal direction at a height substantially equal to the predetermined height from the base portion, and the base portion and the wall portions are integrally formed. The plurality of axial portions extend from the wall portions in the longitudinal direction and connect between the plurality of accommodation portions.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer assembly includes an acoustic focusing lens and a therapy transducer mounted to a holder member so that the lens is movable relative to the transducer. The lens and the transducer are mounted to the holder member so that the lens is spaced a predetermined distance from the transducer element. A liquid layer having a thickness of the predetermined distance is provided between the lens and the transducer element. A solid backing member is disposed on a side of the transducer element opposite the lens. The backing member is spaced by an additional liquid layer of a predetermined thickness from the transducer element. The focusing depth of the lens-transducer assembly is controllable by transducer operating frequency.

Abstract: An ultrasonic image scanning system for scanning an organic object includes a container for containing a coupling medium for transmitting an ultrasonic signal to the organic object disposed therein whereby a simultaneous multiple direction scanning process may be carried out without physically contacting the organic object. The ultrasonic image scanning system further includes ultrasound transducers for transmitting the ultrasonic signal to the organic object through the coupling medium without asserting an image deforming pressure to the organic object. These transducers distributed substantially around a two-dimensional perimeter of the container and substantially at symmetrical angular positions at approximately equal divisions of 360 degrees over a two-dimensional perimeter of the container. The transducers are further movable over a vertical direction alone sidewalls of the container for a real time three dimensional (3D) image data acquisition.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed providing for the use of ultrasound energy to measure blood flow within blood vessels by Doppler velocity measurement. Directional high-frequency pulsed-wave Doppler measurements can be made with a suitable ultrasonic needle transducers for in vivo measuring of blood flow. A needle probe can include a ultrasonic material such as PMN-PT. Such blood flow measurements can be made in any part of the body, e.g., in the central retinal vein and branch retinal veins.

Abstract: An imaging probe includes a first nub protruding from an elongate housing in a direction away from the long axis and configured to be grasped by a robot apparatus performing a procedure of the object or subject to position the imaging probe in connection with a region of interest of the subject or object to image the region of interest with the probe. The imaging probe further includes at least one other nub located on and protruding from the elongate housing in a direction away from the long axis and configured to be grasped by a robot apparatus performing the procedure to facilitate grasping the first nub by the robot apparatus.

Abstract: A wiring board electrically connected to a back side of an ultrasound transmitting/receiving section that transmits/receives ultrasound includes a rigid circuit board included in a stiff portion, and a wrapping portion extending out from the rigid circuit board (stiff portion), and a plurality of drive wirings electrically connected to the wiring board are inserted into a wiring insertion portion of a housing with the plurality of drive wirings wrapped and bundled by the wrapping portion.

Abstract: An ultrasound endoscope having an ultrasound probe that is provided at a rigid portion at a distal end of an insertion portion, a cable that transmits electrical signals to and from the ultrasound probe, and a rigid flexible substrate that is interposed between the ultrasound probe and the cable to transmit the electrical signals, and configures a part of a planar member in which a plurality of layers including a wiring layer are stacked as a flexible portion further including an insulating layer, and the other portion as a rigid portion further including a rigid layer, wherein the ultrasound probe is connected to the rigid portion, and at least a part of the flexible portion is disposed in a spiral shape to surround a wiring connection portion of the cable and the rigid flexible substrate, and an uncovered portion of a distal end side of the cable.

Abstract: An imaging assembly for an intravascular ultrasound system includes a catheter, an imaging core, and at least one transducer conductor. The imaging core is insertable into the catheter and extendable from a distal end of the catheter. The imaging core includes a rotatable magnet, a tilted reflective surface, and at least one fixed transducer all disposed in a body. The rotatable magnet is configured and arranged to rotate by a magnetic field generated external to the catheter. The tilted reflective surface rotates with the magnet. The at least one transducer is configured and arranged for transforming applied electrical signals to acoustic signals and also for transforming received echo signals to electrical signals. The at least one transducer conductor is electrically coupled to the at least one transducer and is configured and arranged to extend into the catheter when the imaging core is extended from the catheter.

Abstract: An endoscopic device which is introduced into the intestinal tract of a living organism and which operates autonomously therein, adapted to obtain and store or transmit one or more types of data such as visual image data, laser autofluorescensce data, or ultrasonic waveform data. In another aspect of the invention, apparatus for delivering agents including nanostructures, radionuclides, medication, and ligands is disclosed. In another aspect of the invention, apparatus for obtaining a biopsy of intestinal tissue is disclosed. In another aspect of the invention, apparatus for detecting the presence of one or more molecular species is disclosed. In one embodiment, the device comprises at least one imaging device, a processor, and a means for collecting and transmitting data, delivering agents, obtaining a biopsy, detecting molecular species, and/or generating ultrasonic waveform data.

Abstract: Rotational shape-memory actuators and associated devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, a rotational shape-memory actuator includes a first anchor, a second anchor, a spring element extending between the first and second anchors, a first shape memory element extending between the first and second anchors, a second shape memory element extending between the first and second anchors, and a communication line wrapped around the first and second shape memory elements. The first and second shape memory elements are configured to transition between a first configuration in which the first and second shape memory elements are twisted together and a second configuration in which the first and second shape memory elements are less twisted together such that transitions of the first and second shape memory elements between the first and second configurations cause the second anchor to rotate with respect to the first anchor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for assisting/performing image-guided transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) procedures in a portion of an anatomy of a patient include a guide needle portion having a hollow tube with a bend toward its distal tip, and a puncture needle portion that includes at least one position indicating element at its tip. The puncture needle is slidably mounted within the hollow tube of the guide needle such that a distal tip of the puncture needle can be extended from an opening in the distal tip of the guide needle and used to place a shunt between the portal and hepatic veins of a patient. The position indicating element of the puncture needle is used to produce a display of the puncture needle relative to a target vessel, including a projected path of the puncture needle that can be adjusted to accurately locate a shunt.

Abstract: A hyperechogenic needle includes a rigid shaft, which can be a hollow metal cannula, having a hyperechogenic particulate material affixed on an outer surface of the shaft that provides for visualization of the needle in two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound, particularly when the needle is in a position forming a non-90° angle between the longitudinal axis and the direction of the ultrasound waves in the two-dimensional ultrasound plane. The hyperechogenic particulate material can be covered by a polymeric coating or embedded in a polymeric material to provide a hyperechogenic layer. The polymeric coating and polymeric material can be electrically non-conductive or electrically conductive.

Abstract: Embodiments provided here generally relate to combinations of ultrasound aspects and antibodies. In some embodiments, antibodies are immobilized on a surface and binding of the antibodies to antigens can be detected by detecting changes in the vibrational properties of the surface.

Abstract: An intracavitary ultrasound probe includes a housing having an inset section and a holding section and an ultrasound unit built into the insertion section. A center axis of the insertion section is offset with respect to a center of a cross section perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the holding section. The holding section has a first outer surface portion and a second outer surface portion and a curvature of the first outer surface portion is smaller than a curvature of the second outer surface portion on the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: When transesophageal echocardiography is used to obtain a transgastric short axis view of the left ventricle of the heart, the best place to position the transducer is in the fundus of the stomach, aimed up through the left ventricle. The probes disclosed herein facilitate placement of the transducer in the optimum position within the fundus, despite wide variations in the distance between the lower esophageal sphincter and the fundus among different subjects. In one preferred embodiment, the ultrasound probe uses a bending section with a series of vertebrae and stiffening that is more flexible proximally and less flexible distally, which causes the probe to bend relatively sharply at the point where the probe exits the lower esophageal sphincter.

Abstract: A method and system for co-registration of angiography data and intra vascular ultrasound (IVUS) data is disclosed. A vessel branch is detected in an angiogram image. A sequence of IVUS images is received from an IVUS transducer while the IVUS transducer is being pulled back through the vessel branch. A fluoroscopic image sequence is received while the IVUS transducer is being pulled back through the vessel branch. The IVUS transducer and a guiding catheter tip are detected in each frame of the fluoroscopic image sequence. The IVUS transducer detected in each frame of the fluoroscopic image sequence is mapped to a respective location in the detected vessel branch of the angiogram image. Each of the IVUS images is registered to a respective location in the detected vessel branch of the angiogram image based on the mapped location of the IVUS transducer detected in a corresponding frame of the fluoroscopic image sequence.

Abstract: A probe holder having a removable mechanical retention device; a first tube having a longitudinal slot and two opposing notches at each end, the notches configured for engaging the removable mechanical retention device; a second tube having a longitudinal slot and configured for rotational mating with the first tube; a top cap and a bottom cap, each of the top cap and bottom cap being configured for releasably engaging the first tube with the removable mechanical retention device, and for restraining rotation of the first tube when so engaged, while permitting rotation of the second tube relative to the first tube between an open configuration and a closed configuration.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing a colonoscopy or endoscopy using a scope system equipped with both diagnostic and therapeutic ultrasound for more effective colorectal screening, particularly in colons with poor bowel preparation.

Abstract: Arrhythmia is treated with a simple treatment. Provided is an ultrasonic treatment apparatus including a long, thin probe to be inserted into a body, the probe having a contact surface that is brought into contact with tissue in the body and an ultrasonic generating device that radiates ultrasonic waves into the tissue through the contact surface; and a signal detecting portion that is provided at the contact surface of the probe and detects an electrical signal from the tissue. The ultrasonic generating device generates ultrasonic waves focused at a position on the other side of the contact surface from the ultrasonic generating device, the position being away from the contact surface in a direction intersecting the contact surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for performing and monitoring minimally invasive interventions with an x-ray unit, in which at least one x-ray source and one x-ray detector can traverse a circular track through an angle range, an ECG recording unit, an imaging catheter, a mapping unit with a mapping catheter and an ablation unit with an ablation catheter. The system comprises a control and evaluation unit with interfaces for the units and catheters, which enable an exchange of data with the control and evaluation unit. The control and evaluation unit is designed for processing measurement or image data which it receives from the catheters and units, and for controlling the catheters and units for the capture of the measurement or image data. The workflow from the examination through to the therapy, particularly with regard to the treatment of tachycardial arrhythmias, is covered completely and continuously by the proposed system.

Abstract: A method, including measuring a force exerted by a probe on tissue of a patient and measuring a displacement of the probe while measuring the force. The method further includes detecting a tenting of the tissue responsively to a relation between the measured force and the measured displacement.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed towards an imaging transducer assembly. Generally, the imaging transducer assembly is combined with a sensor of a medical positioning system. In one aspect, the transducer assembly and the sensor share the same voltage source. In another aspect of the invention, the sensor surrounds a portion of the imaging transducer assembly, forming a housing that reinforces the assembly.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein provide for a forward looking guidewire having a reduced radial cross-section for increased maneuverability and use of the guidewire within more narrow vasculature. The guidewire can include an elongate tubular member having a distal region, proximal region and inner lumen and a forward looking imaging device coupled with the distal end of the guidewire. The distal region of the guidewire can be relatively more flexible than the proximal region. The guidewire can also include a second, side looking imaging device, which can be coupled around a longitudinal portion of the guidewire in the radial or proximal regions.

Abstract: An ultrasound tracking adapter assembly that attaches to an ultrasound transducer in a repeatable, rigid, and tool-less manner. When used with a tracked body, the position of the tracking technology devices and the ultrasound transducer is fixed, so intraoperative calibration is not necessary. This permits a 3D guidance system and 2D ultrasound to be used together. The adapter provides a secure, rigid hold between the ultrasound transducer body and the clamping body. The ultrasound probe clamp assembly is attached to specific probe instruments used in the operating room that are to be tracked using 3D positioning technology.

Abstract: A biopsy probe mechanism includes an elongate sample receiving member having a longitudinal axis and having a sample receiving notch. An elongate sample receiving member and a cutting cannula are movable relative to one another along a longitudinal axis between a first relative position and a second relative position. A first echogenic feature is established on the elongate sample receiving member and a second echogenic feature is established on the cutting cannula. The first echogenic feature is in longitudinal alignment with the second echogenic feature when the elongate sample receiving member and the cutting cannula are in the first relative position. The first echogenic feature is out of longitudinal alignment with the second echogenic feature when the elongate sample receiving member and the cutting cannula are in the second relative position.

Abstract: An intravascular ultrasound catheter system is provided and enables a simplified, economical technique for ultrasound visualization of a blood vessel. The catheter may include a park ablation system for crossing chronic total occlusions and severe stenoses. The catheter is advanceable and is oriented entirely under manual control of the clinician and the application of radiofrequency energy for spark erosion of the stenosis also is controlled manually by the clinician. The system enables the clinician to observe an ultrasound image sufficiently to determine where to orient the ablation electrode so as to reduce the risk of dissection or perforation of the blood vessel. The ultrasound image is generated in response to manual rotation of the catheter and the ablation spark is generated only when the physician is satisfied as to the orientation of the electrode within the vessel.

Abstract: A probe system includes a finger-mountable housing having a distal end and a proximal receptacle end. The proximal receptacle end defines an opening to receive a finger. The probe system also includes a probe assembly disposed on or within the finger-mountable housing and having at least a first sensor. The first sensor is positioned to measure a physical characteristic of a first tissue when the finger-mountable housing and probe assembly are inserted in a rectum of the patient.

Abstract: An ultrasound endoscope has a transducer unit that has a top surface, a bottom surface and a side surface connecting the top surface and the bottom surface, and performs transmission and reception of ultrasound on a top surface side, a cable that is for transmitting and receiving an electrical signal to and from the transducer unit and is connected to the side surface, a conductive shield case that has a lead-out port for leading out the cable, and a flexible extension portion extended from at least the top surface side of the lead-out port, and covers the side surface and the bottom surface, and a housing that holds a transducer unit 2 via the shield case, and has a cable insertion path in which the cable and the extension portion are inserted.

Abstract: The present invention provides scanning mechanisms for imaging probes using for imaging mammalian tissues and structures using high resolution imaging, including high frequency ultrasound and/or optical coherence tomography. The imaging probes include adjustable rotational drive mechanism for imparting rotational motion to an imaging assembly containing either optical or ultrasound transducers which emit energy into the surrounding area. The imaging assembly includes a scanning mechanism including a movable member configured to deliver the energy beam along a path out of said elongate hollow shaft at a variable angle with respect to said longitudinal axis to give forward and side viewing capability of the imaging assembly. The movable member is mounted in such a way that the variable angle is a function of the angular velocity of the imaging assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new forward-looking ultrasound device including a local actuator embedded inside an elongate member such as a guide wire or catheter. The present invention includes an ultrasound transducer element configured to engage with the local actuator and rotate about an axis of rotation at least when the ultrasound transducer element and the local actuator are engaged. Also disclosed are methods of using the same.

Abstract: A medical device may include a micro-machined substrate, at least one thermo-electric assembly associated with the substrate, and a cooling system configured to configured to remove heat from the a region of the substrate proximal the substrate. According to various aspects, a method of clearing plaque from a blood vessel may include implanting a micro-device in the blood vessel, wherein the micro-device may include at least one ultrasonic transducer, and operably controlling the micro-device to emit high frequency ultrasonic waves for breaking up said plaque.

Abstract: Intravascular ultrasound techniques provide for intravascular imaging using contrast agents and nonlinear techniques. An ultrasound imaging device for detecting internal properties of a target body comprises an ultrasound transducer positioned at a distal end portion of a catheter, for transmitting excitation pulses and for receiving echo signals. A signal processor analyses echo signals at harmonics and/or subharmonics of the transmit frequency. The catheter may include a contrast agent delivery conduit extending along the catheter, the delivery conduit having an exit orifice proximal to the ultrasound transducer. The device may discriminate between echo signals respectively arising from interaction with tissue and from the interaction with contrast agent. The device may generate an image of the site of interest using non-linear components of the received ultrasound echo signals.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for using ultrasound data backscattered from vascular tissue to estimate the transfer function of a catheter and/or substantially synchronizing the acquisition of blood-vessel data to an identifiable portion of heartbeat data. In one embodiment, a computing device and catheter acquire RF backscattered data from a vascular structure. The backscattered ultrasound data is then used to estimate at least one transfer function. The transfer function(s) can then be used to calculate response data for the vascular tissue. Another embodiment includes an IVUS console connected to a catheter and a computing device that acquires RF backscattered data from a vascular structure. Based on the backscattered data, the computing device estimates the catheter's transfer function and to calculate response data for the vascular tissue. The response data and histology data are then used to characterize at least a portion of the vascular tissue.

Abstract: A system for locating a medical device in vivo includes an ultrasound scanner having a scan head and being capable of operating in a 3D Doppler mode, a medical device having a distal end configured to be inserted in vivo, and a vibratory element coupled to the medical device to induce vibrations in the first distal end. When the scan head is positioned over the distal end inserted in vivo to obtain scan data of the tissue volume, the ultrasound scanner is configured to generate 3D Doppler data in the form of a plurality of slices from the scan data and to identify a location of the distal end within the slices based upon localized data within one of the slices meeting predetermined criteria.

Abstract: In an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus using an ultrasonic probe of a mechanical radial scanning type for intracavity observation, stable Doppler mode images with respect to an ROI or a gate position can be generated by reducing an influence of uneven rotation of a flexible shaft. The apparatus includes: a signal processing unit for performing orthogonal detection processing or orthogonal sampling processing on a reception signal to generate a complex baseband signal; a memory for storing the complex baseband signal for at least two frames generated based on ultrasonic echoes received along plural lines; a line selecting unit for selecting one line in each frame from among the plural lines based on the complex baseband signal; and an image signal generating unit for generating an image signal representing information on blood flow based on the complex baseband signal with reference to the line selected in each frame.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for significantly reducing or substantially eliminating angular geometric distortions in devices designed for imaging and/or inspection of an interior portion or surface of a cavity. A series of processing steps or methods may be employed to eliminate Non-Uniform Rotational Distortion (NURD) in such devices, for example, unidirectional and bi-directional intravascular ultrasonic (IVUS) imaging systems. The system may include a processor and an electronic module which control operation of a transducer assembly provided at a distal end of a catheter assembly. The system invokes a first processing step or method to collect and store raw angle and line data, as well as one or more of second and third processing steps or methods which adjust for NURD experienced during backlash of a bi-directional imaging system and a fourth processing step or method which performs a line-to-line correlation function.

Abstract: A sensing apparatus which comprises a glove having an integrated sensor and electrical conductive structure which are at least partially embedded in the material of the glove, the material of the glove accommodating or enhancing the function of the sensor.

Abstract: An interventional medical device that incorporates an imaging system may be minimally invasive and equipped with an anchoring portion at a proximal end for securing the device to a human body. A luer lock may be utilized at the proximal end, for example, for introducing a syringe. The medical device can be in the form of sheaths, catheters, and interventional devices, particularly those suitable for minimally invasive procedures in the pericardium. The imaging system comprises one or more ultrasound transducers and can be used to guide the device to a target area and to perform a procedure and/or provide access to a target area for performing a procedure via a plurality of lumen. In one embodiment, a micro-electro-mechanical system may be utilized to monitor pressure within a human body.

Abstract: An interventional medical device is provided that incorporates a forward-directed ultrasound imaging system integrated into a single device. The medical device can be in the form of sheaths, catheters, and interventional devices, particularly those suitable for minimally invasive procedures in the human or other mammalian body. The imaging system comprises one or more small ultrasound transducers that can be permanently integrated into the device or integrated into an interchangeable ultrasound transducer that can be inserted into and removed from the device to customize the device for a particular use. An ultrasound system can be provided in the device either alone or in combination with fiber optic imaging to provide a range of imaging and therapeutic capabilities of the device.