Abstract: A catheter includes a shaft for insertion into an organ of a patient, and an expandable distal-end assembly, which is coupled to the shaft and to an apex of the catheter, and includes multiple splines. In at least a given spline among the multiple splines, at least sixty percent of a length of the given spline is non-insulated and is configured to make contact with tissue of the organ and to apply radiofrequency (RF) pulses to the tissue.

Abstract: Systems and methods of automatically controlling, on a graphical user interface used by a physician, display views of an anatomic structure of a patient. Such systems and methods of automatically controlling display views of an anatomic structure of a patient can facilitate visualizing a position of a medical device relative to the anatomic structure during a medical procedure directed to the anatomic structure. In certain implementations, the systems and methods of the present disclosure provide automatic display views of a cardiac catheter relative to a three-dimensional model of a patient's heart cavity during a medical procedure such as cardiac ablation.

Abstract: Provided are an ultrasound diagnosis apparatus and a method of displaying an ultrasound image. The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes: one or more processors configured to acquire ultrasound image data with respect to a fetus and generate an ultrasound image based on the ultrasound image data; a display configured to display the ultrasound image; and an input interface configured to receive position type information, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to determine positions of organs in the ultrasound image based on the position type information and control the display to display information about the organs together with the ultrasound image, based on the determined positions.

Abstract: A rotational intravascular ultrasound probe for insertion into a vasculature and a method of manufacturing the same. The rotational intravascular ultrasound probe comprises an elongate catheter having a flexible body and an elongate transducer shaft disposed within the flexible body. The transducer shaft comprises a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, a drive shaft extending from the proximal end portion to the distal end portion, an ultrasonic transducer disposed near the distal end portion for obtaining a circumferential image through rotation, and a transducer housing molded to the drive shaft and the ultrasonic transducer.

Abstract: For rotation compensation in a catheter, a rotation sensor senses rotation of the handle or catheter. Motors are controlled to change the bend in response to sensed rotation. As the tip rotates due to handle rotation, the motors change the bend to maintain the bend and tip position relative to the patient. This steering in the patient reference frame may be more intuitive, easier to learn, and allow rotation to change an imaging field of view without moving the bending planes.

Abstract: An ultrasonic endoscope includes a distal end rigid portion that is located at a distal end of an insertion section; a treatment tool lead-out portion that is disposed on a proximal end side of an ultrasonic transducer and that includes an erecting base housing portion that has an opening whose opening direction is toward one side in a first direction, an opening forming surface in which the opening is formed, and a treatment-tool erecting base that is disposed in an inside of the erecting base housing portion and that changes a lead-out direction of a treatment tool; and an observation window that is disposed in an observation means forming surface located on the proximal end side of the opening forming surface. The position of the observation window in the first direction is located on one side in the first direction relative to a one-side opening position of the opening.

Abstract: Imaging devices, systems, and methods are provided. Some embodiments of the present disclosure are particularly directed to imaging a region of interest in tissue with photoacoustic and ultrasound modalities. In some embodiments, a medical sensing system includes one or more external optical emitters and a measurement apparatus configured to be placed within a vascular pathway. The measurement apparatus may include a sensor array comprising sensors of two or more types. The sensors may be configured to receive sound waves created by the interaction between emitted optical pulses and tissue, and transmit and receive ultrasound signals. The medical sensing system may also include a processing engine operable to produce images of the region of interest and a display configured to visually display the image of the region of interest.

Abstract: A Ring-Arrayed Forward-viewing (RAF) ultrasound imaging and administration device combines an ultrasonic (US) US imager including a plurality of single element transducers arranged in a circular frame to define a ring array, and an instrument posture tracking circuit coupled to the ring array for performing RF (radio frequency) data acquisition with the plurality of ring-arrayed transducers. A needle holster is concentrically disposed in the ring array and is adapted to receive and direct an insertion instrument such as a needle, probe or extraction tool along an axis defined by a center of the ring array directed by the concentric needle holster. The tracking circuit includes a processor having instructions for instrument posture tracking and US imaging.

Abstract: Systems and methods for three-dimensional imaging, modeling, mapping, and/or control capabilities in compact size suitable for integration with and/or augmentation of robotic, laparoscopic, and endoscopic surgical systems. The systems including at least one optical source configured to project onto a surgical or endoscopic environment, and at least one camera positioned to capture at least one image of the surgical or endoscopic environment.

Abstract: An intraluminal ultrasound imaging device includes a flexible elongate member configured to be inserted into a body lumen of a patient, the flexible elongate member comprising a proximal portion and a distal portion. The device also includes an ultrasound scanner assembly disposed at the distal portion of the flexible elongate member. The ultrasound scanner assembly includes a flexible substrate; a transducer region positioned on the flexible substrate; and a control region positioned on the flexible substrate, wherein the transducer region and the control region are radially arranged relative to one another. Associated devices, systems, and methods are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a non-invasive treatment system using intermedium, and an exemplary treatment system is configured to output high-intensity focused ultrasound to remove bone tissue, inject an acoustically-transparent medium into a part where the bone tissue is removed to generate an intermedium, and output therapeutic ultrasound that passes through the intermedium. Accordingly, the bone tissue is removed in a non-invasive way using high-intensity focused ultrasound, and the intermedium is generated at the bone tissue removed site, to increase the penetration of therapeutic ultrasound or generate ultrasound itself, thereby improving an ultrasound treatment effect while minimizing the side effect (for example, infection of dura mater) of invasive surgery methods.

Abstract: An ultrasonic observation device is disclosed that has an input device having a touch pad connected, and that displays on a display an ultrasound image generated based on an ultrasonic signal received from an ultrasound transducer that transmits an ultrasonic wave to an object to be observed and receives a reflected ultrasonic wave reflected by the object, the touch pad detecting a contact object that is brought in contact by an operator. The ultrasonic observation device includes a display controller that displays a rotation indicator that indicates a rotation direction when the ultrasound image is rotated about a predetermined rotation reference as a center, such that the rotation indicator is superimposed on the ultrasound image displayed on the display, according to a contact position of the contact object on the touch pad.

Abstract: An imaging catheter assembly is provided. The imaging catheter assembly includes an interposer including a multi-layered substrate structure, wherein the multi-layered substrate structure includes a first plurality of conductive contact pads coupled to a second plurality of conductive contact pads via a plurality of conductive lines; an imaging component coupled to the interposer via the first plurality of conductive contact pads; and an electrical cable coupled to the interposer via the second plurality of conductive contact pads and in communication with the imaging component.

Abstract: A catheter-based ultrasound imaging system configured to provide a full circumferential 360-degree view around an intra-vascular/intra-cardiac imaging-catheter-head by generating a three-dimensional view of the tissue surrounding the imaging-head over time. The ultrasound imaging system can also provide tissue-state mapping capability. The evaluation of the vasculature and tissue characteristics include path and depth of lesions during cardiac-interventions such as ablation. The ultrasound imaging system comprises a catheter with a static or rotating sensor array tip supporting continuous circumferential rotation around its axis, connected to an ultrasound module and respective processing machinery allowing ultrafast imaging and a rotary motor that translates radial movements around a longitudinal catheter axis through a rotary torque transmitting part to rotate the sensor array-tip.

Abstract: A long, thin, flexible medical apparatus, a kit including such an apparatus, and a method for employing the apparatus to assist in placing a distal portion of a lumen of a gastric tube in a stomach of a mammal. The apparatus comprises an elongate body portion, a handle portion fixed to a proximal end of the body portion, and a distal tip portion fixed to a distal end of the body portion. An ability to insert the body and distal tip portions into the gastric tube over the length of the long, thin, flexible structure provides a positive indication that the lumen is not blocked, obstructed, or otherwise compromised over that length. pH indicator sensors may be retained by the distal tip portion to exhibit a verifiable color change in response to contact with a predetermined subject fluid, such as gastric fluid, lung fluid, or another bodily fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting relative positioning of medical devices located within a human body, the apparatus comprising an inner elongate member comprising a plurality of electrodes and a first sensor member, where the first sensor member is located a known distance from each of the plurality of electrodes, and an outer elongate member comprising a first sensor, and an outer sensor member located between the first sensor and an inner wall of the outer elongate member, where the inner elongate member is configured to move within the outer elongate member and the first sensor is configured to sense a signal generated by movement of the inner elongate member relative to the outer elongate member, and a position detection module including an electronic control unit configured to detect a position of the first sensor member relative to the first sensor based on the signal.

Abstract: An ultrasonic blood flow parameter displaying method, comprises: acquiring, by means of a probe (1), an ultrasonic signal from an object to be scanned (S100); acquiring, according to the ultrasonic signal, a plurality of velocities and directions of blood flow within the object to be scanned (S200); extracting the plurality of velocities and directions of blood flow (S300); quantifying the dispersion of the plurality of velocities and directions of the blood flow extracted (S400); and displaying the quantization result of the dispersion (S500). The present invention provides a method for quantifying and evaluating the direction of the motion of blood flow, and provides a better perspective of observation for a user.

Abstract: A plurality of ultrasonic transducers of the invented probe are separated in a concentric circle pattern, separated in rows that are orthogonal to a reference line L that passes through the center of circles, and positioned line symmetrically with respect to the reference line L. The detection surface of the invented probe has a circular shape having the diameter D, and has a plurality of segments divided into a plurality of arc-shaped portions that are symmetrical with respect to the reference line L. Further a controller which has a plurality of control channels for controlling pairs of the line symmetrical ultrasonic transducers under the same conditions is provided.

Abstract: A method for determining an enclosing surface of a cavity of an organ of a patient includes receiving a plurality of data points including respective position measurements in the cavity. A first iterative process is performed, that progressively divides sub-volumes into smaller sub-volumes, until a density of the data points in each sub-volume falls below a predefined density. A second iterative process is performed, that progressively discards sub-volumes that are fully-surrounded by populated sub-volumes, and discards the data points contained in the discarded sub-volumes. The enclosing surface of the cavity is defined based on the data points remaining after the second iterative process. The enclosing surface of the cavity is presented to a user.

Abstract: The present disclosure comprises a method, a communication module, and a system for transmitting diagnosis data of a field device that is connected to a superordinate unit via a communication loop. The communication module is connected to the communication loop in parallel with the field device. The method includes the continual storage of electrical energy in the communication module by a transducer unit within the communication module that captures an electrical and/or physical variable and converts it into electrical energy. The method includes polling the diagnosis data of the field device by the communication module and wireless transmission of the polled diagnosis data to a reception unit by the communication module.

Abstract: An ultrasound endoscope includes: an ultrasound transducer; a balloon groove in which a balloon band is fitted; a contact portion that constitutes a bottom surface of the balloon groove; a first wall portion that constitutes a proximal end side of the balloon groove and in which a first distance that is a distance from a center of a cross section orthogonal to an extension direction of the insertion portion to an outer circumference of the first wall portion is larger than a second distance that is a distance from the center of the cross section to the bottom surface; and a second wall portion that constitutes a distal end side of the balloon groove, in which a distance from the center of the cross section to an outer circumference of the second wall portion is larger than the second distance, and that includes a notch portion.

Abstract: Systems and methods for transferring fluid to or from a subject use a set of MRI compatible components that can aspirate intrabody structure and/or fluids. The components include a device guide, a semi-rigid guide sheath configured to slidably extend through the device guide, a stylet releasable coupled to the guide sheath and extending a fixed distance out of a distal end thereof, and a cannula coupled to flexible tubing that is releasably interchangeably held in the guide sheath in lieu of the stylet.

Abstract: A medical assistance device, a system, and a method are provided for determining a deformation of a subject. Undisturbed image data of the subject and pose data of a robotic instrument are acquired. The medical assistance device is configured to determine the deformation of the subject due to a physical contact between the subject and the robotic instrument based on a biomechanical model. The undisturbed image data and a pose and/or motion of the robotic instrument are provided as input to the biomechanical model. The biomechanical model is predetermined or generated and/or updated based on a strain and/or a stiffness measured by a sensor.

Abstract: One or more devices, systems, methods and storage mediums for characterizing, examining and/or diagnosing, and/or measuring viscosity of, a sample or object are provided herein. Such information may be obtained in application(s) using a system that includes a rotary junction, an elongated extender or at least one repeater attached to the rotary junction and a rotatable probe attached to the elongated extender and/or the at least one repeater. Examples of such applications include imaging, evaluating and diagnosing biological objects, such as, but not limited to, for Gastro-intestinal, cardio and/or ophthalmic applications, and being obtained via one or more optical instruments. The extenders and/or repeaters may be used with one or more forms of imaging, such as, but not limited to, Spectrally Encoded Endoscopy (“SEE”) and Optical Coherence Tomography (“OCT”).

Abstract: Methods for processing two-dimensional ultrasound images from an intracardiac ultrasound imaging catheter provide improved image quality and enable generating three-dimensional composite images of the heart. Two-dimensional ultrasound images are obtained and stored in conjunction with correlating information, such as time or an electrocardiogram. Images related to particular conditions or configurations of the heart can be processed in combination to reduce image noise and increase resolution. Images may be processed to recognize structure edges, and the location of structure edges used to generate cartoon rendered images of the structure. Structure locations may be averaged over several images to remove noise, distortions and blurring from movement.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention allow more full characterization of a stenotic lesion by measuring both pressure drop across the stenotic lesion and the size of the vessel lumen adjacent the stenotic lesion, both with sensors delivered intravascularly to the stenotic lesion site. In preferred embodiments, the size (e.g., inner diameter, cross-sectional profile) of the vessel lumen adjacent the stenotic lesion can be measured via one or more intravascular ultrasound transducers. In preferred embodiments, the intravascular ultrasound transducer(s) can be delivered to the site of the stenotic lesion with the same delivery device that carries the pressure transducer(s).

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure can include a catheter. The catheter can include an elongate shaft that extends along a longitudinal axis. The elongate shaft can include a shaft proximal end and a shaft distal end. A magnetically permeable shaft strip can be disposed along a particular shaft length of the elongate shaft. The magnetically permeable shaft strip can longitudinally extend along the elongate shaft.

Abstract: A catheter having a catheter shaft and a tip. The catheter shaft includes an inner layer, a first reinforcing layer disposed around an outer periphery of the inner layer, an intermediate layer, a second reinforcing layer disposed around an outer periphery of the intermediate layer, and an outer layer that covers the second reinforcing layer. The tip includes a proximal end portion that extends in an axial direction of the catheter and is joined to at least the intermediate layer and the outer layer, between the first reinforcing layer and the second reinforcing layer. The proximal end portion increases the joining strength between the intermediate layer and the tip and the joining strength between the outer layer and the tip. As a result, it is possible to prevent the tip from easily detaching from the catheter shaft.

Abstract: There is provided an endoscope and a treatment tool-standing mechanism that allows a distal-end-portion body to be reduced in size while ensuring good operability of a standing base. In a distal-end-portion body of an endoscope, a standing lever is connected to a standing base through a rotating shaft, and the standing base is rotated by the rotation of the standing lever about the rotating shaft that is caused by the push and pull of an operation wire. The standing lever includes a first arm portion that extends from the rotating shaft and a second arm portion that extends in a direction different from the direction of the first arm portion, and a useless space formed on the proximal end side of the distal-end-portion body is reduced depending on the shape of the standing lever.

Abstract: A multi-catheter infusion system and method for the localized delivery of medications while minimally affecting patient mobility for an extended period of time. The multi-catheter infusion system includes a cannula and a plurality of catheters. The cannula includes a first end for connecting to a drug delivery system and a second end for connecting to the plurality of catheters. The plurality of catheters are in fluid communication with the cannula for delivering a drug to a target area of a patient. Each catheter includes a multi-orifice distal end.

Abstract: A method for analyzing computed tomography angiography (CTA) data is provided. The method includes receiving, at a processor, three-dimensional (3D) CTA data. The method also includes automatically, via the processor, detecting objects of interest within the 3D CTA data. The method further includes generating, via the processor, a CTA image volume that only includes the objects of interest.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed toward a system and method for determining an orientation of an implantable medical device (“IMD”) and automatically adjusting a subcutaneous electrocardiogram (“ECG”) signal based on the determined orientation. The method can further include tagging generated SECG signals so as to identify whether a SECG signal had been generated from an implantable monitoring device with its first electrode being superior or inferior relative to its second electrode. Further embodiments can include automatically adjusting the orientation of the generated SECG signals to match that of a preferred orientation.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an insertion part that includes a distal end and a proximal end, and a distal-end-portion body that is provided on a distal end side of the insertion part and formed with a treatment tool outlet from which a treatment tool is led out. The distal-end-portion body includes an observation window, a nozzle that ejects washing water to the observation window, a standing base that is disposed in a standing base-housing portion adjacent to the treatment tool outlet and is rotationally moved between a standing position and a falling position, and a guide wall that is disposed at a position facing the nozzle with the observation window interposed therebetween and guides the washing water to the standing base-housing portion. Washing water, which has been ejected from the nozzle and has passed the observation window, is guided to the standing base-housing portion by the guide wall.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for mapping the location of a nerve. The apparatus includes at least one stimulation module, a stimulation detection module, a distance module, and a mapping module. The stimulation module stimulates a nerve with an electrical stimulation current from at least one stimulation electrode. A stimulation detection module detects a muscle reaction resulting from stimulation of the nerve by the at least one stimulation electrode. The distance module uses information from the at least one stimulation electrode and from the stimulation detection module to calculate a distance between the at least one stimulation electrode and the nerve. The mapping module maps a location on the nerve using at least two distances calculated by the distance module and position information of the at least one stimulation electrode for each of the at least two distances calculated.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for performing deformable registration between Magnetic Resonance (MR) and Ultrasound (US) images include receiving an MR volume depicting an organ and segmenting the organ from the MR volume to yield a first 3D point representation of the organ in MR coordinates. Additionally, a US volume depicting an organ is received and the organ is segmented from the US volume to yield a second 3D point representation of the organ in US coordinates. Next, a plurality of point correspondences between the first 3D point representation and the second 3D point representation are determined. Then, a biomechanical model is applied to register the MR volume to the US volume. The plurality of point correspondences are used as displacement boundary conditions for the biomechanical model.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for accessing a region within a patient's body and performing a procedure therein that includes a catheter including a tubular member comprising a proximal end, a distal end sized for introduction into a patient's body, an imaging assembly on the distal end, and a substantially transparent expandable member attached to the tubular member distal end such the imaging assembly is disposed within an interior of the expandable member, the imaging assembly imaging through a surface of the expandable member. The tubular member includes a drainage lumen communicating one or more drainage ports on the tubular member distal end proximal to the balloon for aspirating fluid from the patient's body. The catheter may be used to access a pericardial space and an ablation probe may be introduced through the catheter to treat heart tissue while fluid is infused and/or aspirated via the drainage ports.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a direction-controllable drug injection catheter. According to the present invention, provided is the catheter extending along a central axis “A” including a drug injection part in which a drug injection channel has been formed; a channel opening and closing means which opens and closes the drug injection channel; and a steering structure which is rotationally asymmetric with respect to the central axis “A” and varies according to a pressure change of the drug injection channel for the purpose of steering.

Abstract: At least a tip portion of a puncture needle 15 is inserted into a subject. The puncture needle 15 includes a light guide member which guides light from a laser unit 13, and a light emission unit which is provided in the vicinity of the tip portion and emits light guided by the light guide member, and generates a photoacoustic wave caused by light from the light emission unit in the tip portion. A probe 11 detects the photoacoustic wave from the puncture needle 15 in a state where the puncture needle 15 is inserted into the subject. A Photoacoustic image generation unit 25 generates a photoacoustic image based on the detected photoacoustic wave. A Light source control unit 30 controls the amount of light emitted from the light emission unit based on the photoacoustic image.

Abstract: A system and method for obtaining an OIS coordinate frame comprising an electronic control unit configured to determine a local 3D electric field loop, create a zero mean version of E(t) over a depolarization interval, compute an ? value at each of a plurality of time intervals, compute an initial estimate of ? from a cross product of E and the ? value for each of the plurality of time intervals, average the initial estimate of ? from each of the plurality of time for a best estimate of ?, determine a plurality of â(?) values and using the corresponding {circumflex over (n)}(?) values, compute a composite match score, and choose at least one best value for â and a best value for {circumflex over (n)}.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an insertable probe for diagnosis of lesional tissue in real time. The insertable probe includes a guide needle inserted into the human body and having a hollow shape of a predetermined length, a storage connected to the guide needle, a tissue collection portion collecting a predetermined amount of tissue in the human body and moving the collected tissue to the storage through the guide needle, and an inspection unit inspecting the tissue stored in the storage. A method of manufacturing an electrode using the same is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for acoustic tomography within a patient may include generating a focused ultrasonic signal using a transducer is provided; the ultrasonic signal forming a path within the patient. The method includes directing the ultrasonic signal on a spot within the patient; scanning the spot in a predetermined pattern about a volume within the patient; receiving an ultrasonic echo in the transducer; converting the ultrasonic echo into a voltage; selecting a frequency band from the voltage; amplifying the voltage in the selected frequency band with a processing circuit; and generating an image of the volume within the patient structure utilizing the amplified voltage. A method for recanalization of a blood vessel including the above acoustic tomography steps is also provided.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a catheter positioning device with components for controlling actuators of the catheter in multiple axes. A catheter may be attached to a sled member by a modular plate with one or more actuator interfaces that may couple with the actuators of a catheter handle. One or more motors or drives in the sled member may move the actuator interfaces of the modular plate to control one or more actuators on the catheter in different axes. In various embodiments the sled member may have a clam shell design in which two or more sides of the sled member close around the catheter handle. In further embodiments, the sled member may include adjustable faces that can fit different types of modular plates and thereby control actuators on different types of the catheter.

Abstract: A rotational atherectomy system may include a drive shaft, a motor, and a clutch with a threshold torque where the clutch may include a motor plate rotationally connected to the motor, a drive shaft plate rotationally connected to the drive shaft, and a biasing clutch configured to rotationally engage the motor plate and the drive shaft plate, wherein torques less than the threshold torque are transmitted completely between the motor plate and the drive shaft plate, which remain rotationally coupled by static friction, and wherein torques greater than the threshold torque cause the motor plate and the drive shaft plate to rotate relative to one another and cause a residual torque to be transmitted between the motor and the drive shaft, the residual torque being less than the threshold torque and being determined by a kinetic coefficient of friction.

Abstract: Rotational intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging devices, systems, and methods are provided. Some embodiments are directed to transducer mounting configurations that enable polymer piezoelectric micro-machined ultrasonic transducers (PMUTs) to be used with a Doppler color flow rotational IVUS imaging system. In one embodiment, a rotational intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) device includes: a flexible elongate body; a piezoelectric micromachined ultrasound transducer (PMUT) coupled to a distal portion of the flexible elongate body; and an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) coupled to the distal portion of the flexible elongate body. The ASIC is electrically coupled to the PMUT and includes a pulser, an amplifier, a protection circuit, and timing and control circuitry for coordinating operation of the pulser, amplifier, and protection circuit.

Abstract: A thrombus removal apparatus (10) includes a catheter (12) having at its distal end (14) a solenoid coil section (16) within which there is disposed a piercing element (20) made of electromagnetic material. Within the solenoid coil section (16) there is provided a solenoid coil (26) which can be powered to generate an electromagnetic field which causes the piercing element (20) to reciprocate into and out of the coil section (16), in practice to pierce into and fragment a thrombus disposed in a patient's vessel. An aspiration unit may be provided for aspirating thrombus fragments into the assembly (10) for removal from the patient's vasculature. The apparatus (10) is able to remove dense thrombus material from within a patient, which cannot be otherwise removed by means of thrombolytic agents.

Abstract: In a method for re-entry from extraluminal space into the central lumen of a vessel, a guidewire is advanced into the extraluminal space of the vessel, and then a directional catheter is advanced over the guidewire through the extraluminal space. Thereafter, the guidewire is removed from the directional catheter, an ultrasound device is placed through the directional catheter, and the ultrasound device is advanced through the extraluminal space into the central lumen and then activated.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for three dimensional imaging of tissue. The invention provides systems and methods to provide a representation of tissue from three-dimensional data in the form of a montage of images having an indication of a spatial registration among the images.

Abstract: A method of operating a remote medical navigation system using ultrasound, employs ultrasound imaging from a medical device to supplement or to replace conventional x-ray imaging of the operating region during navigation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an ultrasound probe which may adjust curvature of an acoustic lens using a shape memory alloy. The ultrasound probe includes an acoustic lens, a focus adjusting unit installed on the acoustic lens and deforming the shape of the acoustic lens to adjust the focus of ultrasonic waves radiated through the acoustic lens, and a current applying unit applying current to the focus adjusting unit to contract or expand the focus adjusting unit.

Abstract: An apparatus to minimize and/or eliminate the effects associated with reperfusion injury consisting of an external pump, heat exchanger and control unit creating a flow loop whereby blood is moved from the body via a pump, cooled by an external heat exchanger and reintroduced into a specific location, thereby locally cooling the surrounding tissue and inducing localized hypothermia to minimize tissue injury resulting from ischemia and the effects associated with reperfusion injury as an obstruction is removed and normal blood flow is restored and including the ability to locally measure pressure and temperature in the body.