Abstract: Certain embodiments provide an ultrasound transducer stack. The ultrasound transducer stack includes a backing layer, an active layer overlying the backing layer, and a matching layer overlying the active layer. The active layer has a surface comprising a plurality of textures. The matching layer has a first thickness region and a second thickness region, wherein the first thickness region has a larger thickness than a thickness of the second thickness region, wherein the first thickness region extends into the plurality of textures and the second thickness region does not extend into the plurality of textures.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer includes a backing element, an active element overlying the backing layer, and a matching element overlying the active element, the matching element having an inner surface that contacts the active element and an outer surface with a non-homogeneous texture and/or material composition. The matching element may be formed by subtractive or deposition techniques.

Abstract: An intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging system and catheter with an intuitive interface for rapid operator interaction using acquired medical images. In an embodiment, an IVUS imaging system and catheter are used to acquire a sequence of a specific area of interest in the human anatomy, for example, tomographic images of a coronary artery. The IVUS imaging system displays at least one tomographic image of the area of interest. The IVUS imaging system generates and displays at least one longitudinal image, wherein the longitudinal image represents a cut-plane of the sequence of tomographic images. The IVUS imaging system further includes a touch screen, wherein the system recognizes touch movements to facilitate searching the sequence of images. Touch movements in a longitudinal direction may pan the longitudinal image in the longitudinal direction. Touch movements in the transverse direction may rotate the cut-plane of the longitudinal image.

Abstract: An imaging window of an imaging catheter includes a first imaging window section and a second imaging window section. The first imaging window section has a finite length and is formed from a first material having a flexural modulus. The second imaging window section has a finite length and is formed from a second material having a flexural modulus. The flexural modulus of the first material is different than the flexural modulus of the second material.

Abstract: According to preferred embodiments and methods of the present disclosure, a medical injection system employs a single pump for the injection of multiple fluids, rather than employing a pump for each type of fluid, for example, like the prior art system described above. Embodiments of pumps disclosed herein preferably include a disposable pump cartridge configured to be contained within a hull of a medical injection system, wherein the hull may be formed when a pressure plate member is closed against a base plate; and, when the pressure plate member is opened with respect to the base plate, the disposable pump cartridge may be removed and replaced.

Abstract: A control module for a medical injection system generates an injection control signal based on sensed internal pressure of a user activated control device, for example, in response to an applied external force that causes the sensed internal pressure to increase from a baseline pressure, and continues to sense the internal pressure of the device, following release of the applied external force, so that, if the sensed internal pressure drops below the baseline pressure, the control module may generate a notification. Thus, an operator of the system may monitor internal pressure of the control device for a drop below the baseline pressure, and then, if such a drop is detected, inspect the control device for leaks and reconnect, replace or repair the control device, or simply reconnect or replace the control device.

Abstract: An intravascular measurement device can be used to characterize a stenotic lesion in the body of a patient. In some examples, the intravascular measurement device is inserted into the patient and used to measure a physical dimension (e.g., diameter, cross-sectional area) of a blood vessel having the stenotic lesion during non-hyperemic blood flow. Thereafter, a pharmacologic vasodilator drug is introduced into the body of the patient so as to cause the patient to exhibit hyperemic blood flow rates. The intravascular measurement device may then be used to again measure the physical dimension of the blood vessel having the stenotic lesion, this time during hyperemic blood flow. A comparison between the physical dimension of the blood vessel during non-hyperemic and hyperemic blood flow can be used to characterize the stenotic lesion.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a method of using contextual lighting to assist a user of a medical fluid injection system. In this embodiment, the method includes providing a lighted display in proximity to a component of the injection system during setup of the medical fluid injection system. If the user has properly performed a setup function that is associated with the component of the injection system, the method further comprises providing a first visual indication on the lighted display. If the user has not properly performed the setup function that is associated with the component of the injection system, the method further comprises providing a second visual indication on the lighted display.

Abstract: A relatively compact protective apparatus for a pressure sensor includes a diaphragm, a plate, and a sleeve that couples the sensor to the apparatus; the diaphragm, whose perimeter edge is attached to the sleeve between the plate and sleeve, forms a compressible cavity in fluid communication, via an opening in the plate, with another cavity formed between the plate and the coupled sensor. A diameter of the diaphragm is relatively small, so the diaphragm includes an undulating zone for enhanced sensitivity in response to pressure. A configuration of the cavities and the opening allows a contained volume of air to transmit a relatively low pressure, via the diaphragm, to the coupled pressure sensor, yet prevents transmission of relatively high pressures to the pressure sensor. A wall of a system fluid circuit line or a manifold connector may be configured to incorporate the protective apparatus therein.

Abstract: An intravenous ultrasound (IVUS) system can include a catheter and a translation mechanism for translating the catheter. Engagement between the catheter and the translation mechanism may be detected, and the translation mechanism can be placed in a connected or disconnected mode, accordingly. When in connected mode, certain IVUS operations may be enabled when compared to disconnected mode, wherein such operations may be disabled. Thus, some embodiments may ensure proper engagement between the catheter and the translation mechanism prior to allowing certain IVUS operations to be carried out.

Abstract: A medical fluid injection system may include a powered injector and a fluid reservoir that contains a simulated contrast medium. The simulated contrast medium may exhibit a fluid flow property substantially equal to that of an active contrast medium but be devoid of any active contrast agent that provides contrast during diagnostic imaging. During operation, a syringe in the powered injector may be filled with the simulated contrast medium and then evacuated to discharge the simulated contrast medium from the syringe. The simulated contrast medium may be used to test and evaluate the performance of the powered injector prior to use in a medical procedure without exposing personnel to an active contrast agent or creating medical waste that contains the active contrast agent.

Abstract: A pressure transducer mounting device may include a support member and a pressure transducer holder. In use, the support member may attach to a support surface, such as a housing of a power injection device, while the pressure transducer holder is moveably connected to the support member. The pressure transducer holder may expand open to receive one of a plurality of different sized pressure transducers and bias closed to hold a received one of the plurality of different sized pressure transducers. In addition, the pressure transducer holder may move relative to the support member to one of a plurality of different vertically elevated positions. The pressure transducer mounting device may accommodate different pressure transducers, providing a universal mounting device that can adapt to different medical provider preferences and different pressure transducer sourcing options.

Abstract: An intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging system and catheter with an intuitive interface for rapid operator interaction using acquired medical images. In an embodiment, an IVUS imaging system and catheter are used to acquire a sequence of a specific area of interest in the human anatomy, for example, tomographic images of a coronary artery. The IVUS imaging system displays at least one tomographic image of the area of interest. The IVUS imaging system generates and displays at least one longitudinal image, wherein the longitudinal image represents a cut-plane of the sequence of tomographic images. The IVUS imaging system further includes a touch screen, wherein the system recognizes touch movements to facilitate searching the sequence of images. Touch movements in a longitudinal direction may pan the longitudinal image in the longitudinal direction. Touch movements in the transverse direction may rotate the cut-plane of the longitudinal image.

Abstract: An injection system includes a syringe, which preferably includes larger and smaller inner diameters, and a plunger. A wiper sidewall of the plunger defines a cavity, into which a plunger shaft of the system is inserted, for moving the plunger, within the syringe, for fluid injection. The plunger includes a feature for engaging the shaft, and the sidewall preferably includes a expandable-contractible portion, in which the feature is formed. When the plunger is initially mounted within the larger inner diameter of the syringe, the portion of the sidewall is expanded and the feature of the plunger does not operably engage the inserted shaft. When the shaft moves the plunger into the smaller inner diameter of the syringe, the portion of the sidewall contracts and the feature operably engages the shaft. An optional deformable end wall of the plunger may be spaced apart from a distal terminal end of the inserted shaft.

Abstract: An injector system, method and computer program product for detecting a vacuum within a syringe are provided. Various embodiments include an actuator device configured to be engaged with a piston member of a syringe for extending and retracting the piston member within the syringe. A controller device is also provided for detecting an output generated by the actuator device when retracting the piston member. The detected output may be associated with a pressure within the reservoir. The controller device determines, via the detected output, when the pressure comprises a selected negative pressure and provides an indicia of the negative pressure to a user and/or a signal to the actuator device.

Abstract: A valve apparatus for a medical injection system includes a pinching member and at least one spring-loaded anvil. A tubing line of the injection system may be positioned between the pinching member and the anvil, such that when the pinching member is moved into a pinching position adjacent to the anvil, for example, by rotation of a shaft to which the member is coupled, the pinching member compresses the tubing line against the spring-loaded anvil. The pinching member is preferably rotatable about an auxiliary axis, which is eccentric, or offset from a central axis of the shaft. A spring member of the spring-loaded anvil is preferably pre-loaded. In certain applications, the pinching member, when moved into the pinching position, applies a pinching force of greater than approximately 45 pounds, for example, to prevent flow through the tubing line at an injection pressure of up to approximately 1200 psi.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a method of using contextual lighting to assist a user of a medical fluid injection system. In this embodiment, the method includes providing a lighted display in proximity to a component of the injection system during setup of the medical fluid injection system. If the user has properly performed a setup function that is associated with the component of the injection system, the method further comprises providing a first visual indication on the lighted display. If the user has not properly performed the setup function that is associated with the component of the injection system, the method further comprises providing a second visual indication on the lighted display.

Abstract: Methods and systems for calculating a corrected Fractional Flow Reserve. Methods include delivering a pressure sensing device including a pressure sensor to a location in an artery having a stenosis, positioning the pressure sensor distal to the stenosis, measuring the distal pressure, measuring the proximal pressure, and calculating a corrected Fractional Flow Reserve using the measured proximal and distal pressures and applying a correction factor or correction equation. The correction factor or correction equation corrects for changes in the measured distal pressure caused by a presence of the pressure sensing device. A data set of correction factors or correction equations may be stored in a memory component of the system. The corrected Fractional Flow reserve may approximate the Fractional Flow Reserve that would be obtained if a different sized device was used to measure the distal pressure, such as a pressure sensing guidewire having a 0.014 inch outer diameter.

Abstract: Methods and sensor delivery devices for monitoring a fluid pressure within a vascular structure, the devices including an elongated sheath sized for sliding along a guidewire, a sensor assembly including a fiber optic sensor, a housing surrounding the sensor, a first cavity between the distal end of the sensor and a distal aperture of the housing, a filler extending from at least the distal end of the housing distally and tapering inward toward the outer surface of the sheath, a second cavity in the filler with an opening at the outer surface of the filler and adjoining the distal aperture of the housing, and an optical fiber. The sensor delivery device may also include an outer layer that partially covers the second cavity with an aperture over the opening of the second cavity.

Abstract: A pressure sensor for a medical injection system includes a cuff, a transducer embedded in the cuff, and a force transmitting member coupled to the transducer and exposed at an inner surface of the cuff, such that an outer surface of a tubing line of a fluid circuit of the system, when fitted within the cuff, contacts the force transmitting member. A limited length of the tubing line may have a greater compliance than a remainder of the line, in which case, the pressure sensor cuff fits around and encloses the limited length to provide support against plastic deformation, when pressures within the line are significantly greater than atmospheric. The pressure sensor may detect whether or not the cuff is properly fitted around the tubing line, and/or determine a characteristic of the tubing line.