Abstract: There are disclosed embodiments of devices and methods for imaging the inside of a body part, particularly a blood vessel. In particular embodiments, a catheter has a tip chamber, within which is an ultrasound transducer mounted on a pivot mechanism, a motor for turning the transducer, and an implement for pivoting the transducer. Examples of such an implement are a linear motor, a shaft or filament, and the pivot mechanism may be biased to return to a base position when the implement is not pivoting the transducer. In other embodiments, a mirror reflecting ultrasound signals from the transducer may be rotated and/or pivoted, using similar mechanisms.

Abstract: A retrieval apparatus for removing an intravascular filter from a body vessel of a patient includes an outer sheath defining an outer lumen, an inner sheath defining an inner lumen wherein the inner sheath is positioned within the outer lumen, a retrieval member positioned in the inner lumen, an ultrasound transducer positioned on the application side of the retrieval member, a guide wire cannula extending between the outer sheath and the inner sheath, the guide wire cannula including an application side end, and a dilator located at an application side end of the retrieval apparatus, said dilator being coupled to said ultrasound transducer and receiving the application side end of said guide wire cannula.

Abstract: There are disclosed embodiments of devices and methods for imaging the inside of a body part, particularly a blood vessel. In particular embodiments, a catheter has a tip chamber, within which is an ultrasound transducer mounted on a pivot mechanism, a motor for turning the transducer, and an implement for pivoting the transducer. Examples of such an implement are a linear motor, a shaft or filament, and the pivot mechanism may be biased to return to a base position when the implement is not pivoting the transducer. In other embodiments, a mirror reflecting ultrasound signals from the transducer may be rotated and/or pivoted, using similar mechanisms.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus for introducing an intravascular filter into a body vessel of a patient includes a sheath defining a lumen, an intravascular filter positioned in the lumen, an ultrasound transducer positioned to the application side of the intravascular filter, a guide wire cannula and a tip located at an application side end of the delivery apparatus.

Abstract: An injection device for injecting a medicant into a plurality of tissue sites in a patient for a selected treatment is constructed and arranged such that the number of tissue sites is the total number for the selected treatment thereby requiring a single positioning step. The injection device includes a body having a syringe and a control linkage, the syringe including a plurality of barrels, and a cooperating plunger array including a plurality of plungers. Each barrel receives a corresponding plunger. The injection device further includes a plurality of injection needles connected to the syringe wherein one injection needle is connected to each barrel, a multi-lumen tip, a shaft connected to the multi-lumen tip and extending between said multi-lumen tip and said body. The control linkage is connected to each needle so as to move each needle between a deployed injection position and a retracted position.

Abstract: Among other things, there are disclosed embodiments of a valve implant that in particular examples are implantable within a blood vessel, which include a first set of elongate members, a second set of elongate members, and a hood affixed to the first set of elongate members. The first set of elongate members is resiliently deformable, and their distal ends are flared radially outward. The distal ends of the second set of elongate members are distal to the ends of the first set of elongate members. The hood is affixed to the first set of elongate members, and seals against the interior wall of the blood vessel in an expanded configuration. When blood flows from the proximal to the distal side of the valve implant, it presses on the hood, compressing the first set of elongate members, breaking the seal.

Abstract: Described in one aspect is a multi-pressure monitoring system for cell or other therapy includes a first catheter having a first lumen for accepting a treatment device, a second lumen for inflating a balloon, a pressure sensor for monitoring fluid pressure within the first lumen, and a flow restrictor such as a hemostasis valve for limiting the exchange of fluids into and out of the first lumen while treatment devices are present or exchanged in the first lumen. Also disclosed is a method of using the first catheter with a first pressure monitor coupled to the first pressure sensor along with a second catheter attached to a second pressure sensor coupled to a second pressure monitor. The second catheter is positioned within the first lumen of the first catheter during treatment operations and the first and second pressure monitors are used to verify proper pressures throughout the procedure.

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: Disclosed are embodiments of devices and methods for imaging the inside of a body part, such as a blood vessel. In particular embodiments, a catheter has a chamber within which is a transducer. A wire guide channel extends throughout the length of the catheter. The transducer is rotatable about the wire guide channel and the transducer is driven by a cable or other device that is connected to a motor which is located outside the catheter. In one form, a torque cable connects the transducer to the motor. In other embodiments, a pusher piece having a plurality of lumens is positioned in the catheter. Each of the lumens is sized to receive a cable, wire, and/or flushing fluid. The lumens maintain the orientation and separation of the cables, wires, and/or to flushing fluid.

Abstract: Attachable implements, systems, and methods for identifying the migration of a medical device extending through a percutaneous insertion site of a patient's skin are disclosed. In one embodiment, an attachable implement for identifying migration comprises a attachable implement body having a coupling surface and a skin contacting surface, the coupling surface arranged to couple to a surface of the medical device, and the skin contacting surface arranged to contact the skin of the patient; wherein the attachable implement body is arranged to be side mountable on the medical device and wherein the attachable implement is configured to move from a first position adjacent to the patient's skin to a second position remote from the patient's skin. Systems, methods, and other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A device for internal ultrasound procedures includes a motor which rotates a drive shaft and an ultrasound transducer. A gearing assembly provides reciprocating rotational motion from a unidirectional motor. A cam assembly provides reciprocating pivotal motion to the transducer. Conductors can attach to the transducer and extend through the drive shaft.

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: Among other things, there is provided a system for providing therapeutic cooling or hypothermia to localized areas of the body such as the brain. A source of compressed gas such as a medical-use oxygen canister is connected via a delivery tube to a mask fitted to a patient. The gas undergoes adiabatic cooling as it enters the delivery tube, and is provide to the patient in such cooled state. The system may be provided as a portable or ambulatory device or kit, with the delivery tube or other part easily disconnected from one compressed gas source and connected to another, for continued therapy even during transportation.

Abstract: Described are methods and systems for testing lumens of cannulated delivery components or assemblies thereof that may be used to deliver cells to a patient. Test cells are contacted with walls of the lumens and/or liquids that contact walls of the lumens, potentially over an incubation period. The test cells are then assessed for an effect of the wall contact, or the liquid contact, on at least one and preferably multiple characteristics of the test cells such as innate immune response, metabolic activity, viability, cytotoxic response, and/or motility. Methods and systems as described can be used in the development and/or manufacture of cannulated delivery devices, for example providing specifications for design or process inputs or outputs, design or process validations, and/or device lot approvals. Also described are devices or products produced in accordance with such methods and systems.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of devices and methods for imaging the inside of a body part, such as a blood vessel. In particular embodiments, a catheter has a chamber within which is a transducer mounted to a pivot mechanism, a motor for turning the transducer, and a coil for providing a pivot force to the transducer. A magnet is attached to the transducer and is receptive of a torque applied by a magnetic field produced by energizing of the coil.

Abstract: Described are embodiments of devices and methods for imaging a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. In particular embodiments, the catheter has a chamber within which is a transducer mounted to a pivot mechanism. A coil provides a pivot force to the transducer. A magnet is attached to the transducer and is receptive of a torque applied by a magnetic field produced by energizing of the coil. A driving mechanism receives an impact from the pivot member and causes the pivot mechanism to rotate about a rotation axis.

Abstract: Described are methods, cell growth substrates, and devices that are useful in preparing cell-containing graft materials for administration to patients. Tubular passages can be defined in cell growth substrates to promote distribution of cells into the substrates. Also described are methods and devices for preparing cell-seeded graft compositions, methods and devices for preconditioning cell growth substrates prior to application of cells, and cell seeded grafts having novel substrates, and uses thereof.

Abstract: A medical device includes a guidewire with a lumen, a plastic tip, and a removable mandrel. The medical device has echogenic properties which can be altered between an echogenic state and an echolucent state by evacuating the lumen and applying a liquid or gas within the lumen.

Abstract: Described are embodiments of devices and methods for imaging a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. In particular embodiments, the catheter has a chamber within which is a transducer mounted to a pivot mechanism. A coil provides a pivot force to the transducer. A magnet is attached to the transducer and is receptive of a torque applied by a magnetic field produced by energizing of the coil. A driving mechanism receives an impact from the pivot member and causes the pivot mechanism to rotate about a rotation axis.