Abstract: Device and method for enabling independent tuning of frequency and amplitude of a reverse crankshaft motor. The reverse crankshaft motor provides periodic reciprocating motion based on periodic rotational motion from a rotational motor. The reverse crankshaft motor includes a crankshaft structure having first and second frames with a third axle arranged between them and connected to them by hinges. An amplituder is affixed to the third axle and may communicate with an external device. As the first and second frames move toward or apart from each other, the third axle moves radially toward or away from a central axis of the crankshaft structure. The position of the third axle determines the amplitude of the periodic reciprocating motion of the amplituder. By adjusting the position of the first and second frames, the operator may adjust the amplitude independently from the frequency of the periodic rotational motion supplied by the rotational motor.

Abstract: An attachment mechanism and method for attaching or coupling a guide wire to a catheter for re-canalization or opening a passage through an occlusion in a blood vessel is provided. The attachment mechanism generates friction forces against the guide wire to couple the guide wire to a catheter, which design permits a greater force to be used on the guide wire during a re-canalization procedure. The invention also encompasses use of the attachment mechanism in conjunction with active catheters, which have vibration-generating means to oscillate the distal end of the catheter or a component in the distal end of the catheter, to add vibration motion, preferably axial vibration motion, to the increased force that may be applied to the guide wire for purposes of penetrating an occlusion. The methods of the invention relate to methods of attaching the guide wire to the catheter and methods of treating a vessel having a partial or total occlusion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for guided penetration of a chronic total occlusion in a blood vessel are disclosed. The invention is directed to an apparatus that facilitates accurate placement of a drilling tip within a body lumen using ultrasound-based detection to determine the position of the intravascular catheter relative to the vessel occlusion and vessel walls.

Abstract: An attachment mechanism and method for attaching or coupling a guide wire to a catheter for re-canalization or opening a passage through an occlusion in a blood vessel is provided. The attachment mechanism generates friction forces against the guide wire to couple the guide wire to a catheter, which design permits a greater force to be used on the guide wire during a re-canalization procedure. The invention also encompasses use of the attachment mechanism in conjunction with active catheters, which have vibration-generating means to oscillate the distal end of the catheter or a component in the distal end of the catheter, to add vibration motion, preferably axial vibration motion, to the increased force that may be applied to the guide wire for purposes of penetrating an occlusion. The methods of the invention relate to methods of attaching the guide wire to the catheter and methods of treating a vessel having a partial or total occlusion.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for re-canalization or opening a passage through an occlusion in a blood vessel is provided. The apparatus and method, which are appropriate for both cardiovascular as well as peripheral vessels, use a pulling member and a spring element, for example a compression spring, to oscillate a vibratable member, and the system of the invention includes the apparatus and a control unit to permit the frequency or amplitude of oscillation of the vibratable member to be adjusted. Also provided is a method for oscillating a vibratable member using a pulling member and a spring element. The apparatus and system are useful not only for penetrating a total or partial occlusion, but also to improve deliverability of a catheter through a partially occluded vessel or a tortuous vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for re-canalization or opening a passage through an occlusion in a blood vessel is disclosed. The apparatus and method, which are appropriate for both cardiovascular as well as peripheral vessels, use hydraulic pressure to drive a vibratable member, and the system includes a control unit to permit the frequency or amplitude of oscillation of the vibratable member to be adjusted to suit the morphology or hardness of the target occlusion. Also disclosed is a method for adjusting the force of vibration.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system comprising an imaging tool for imaging an interventional device and its target organ using Doppler ultrasound are disclosed. The apparatus comprises an imaging tool and an interventional medical device; in some embodiments the imaging tool itself may be an interventional device or may comprise components of the interventional device. The imaging tool comprises a vibratory transducer and a vibratable element. The vibratory transducer is energized to generate a vibration motion in the vibratable element at first imaging frequency, which in turn is capable of oscillating a target organ at a second imaging frequency, the imaging frequencies being detectable by an ultrasound imaging system with Doppler mode. In certain applications the vibratory transducer may be energized to vibrate at a therapeutic frequency to effect treatment of the target organ, for example to clear a lumenal or vascular stenosis or to penetrate a vascular occlusion.