Abstract: Methods and systems for determining the resonance frequency of a resonator, using the Doppler effect. An interrogating sonic beam including a carrier frequency and one or more resonator exciting frequencies is directed at a resonator disposed in a measurement environment. Resonator vibrations are excited by the resonator exciting frequencies. The carrier frequency is modulated by the vibrating part(s) of the resonator. The returning signal is received and analyzed to determine the amplitude of the Doppler shifted sideband frequencies. The resulting data is processed to determine the resonator's resonance frequency. Using calibrated resonating sensors having a resonance frequency that varies as a function of a physical parameter in a measurement environment, the method and systems allow determining the value of the physical variable from the sensor's resonance frequency.

Abstract: A therapeutic device and therapeutic method for delivering electrical energy or a medicament to a body tissue or organ utilizing ultrasonic vibration to cause a device implanted in the body tissue or organ to be treated to discharge an electrical current or medicament to the target area.

Abstract: A therapeutic device and therapeutic method for delivering electrical energy to a polymer containing a medicament that allows release of the medicament to a body tissue or organ. The device and method utilizes ultrasonic vibrations to cause the device, implanted in the body tissue or organ to be treated, to discharge an electrical current to the polymer containing the medicament. The medicament is controllably released to the target area by changing the charge of the polymer with the electrical current.

Abstract: An expandable stent suitable for implantation in a lumen is covered with a biological material. In one embodiment, biological fibers are interwoven to form a stent covering. The fibers are disposed at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the stent so that when the stent is expanded, the angle increases. In another embodiment, a strip of pericardium is helically wound around a supporting stent while the stent is in a compressed state. When the stent is expanded, the strip unwinds, but maintains full coverage of the stent. Interlocking edges may be formed on the strip of pericardium to maintain full coverage of the stent.

Abstract: Apparatus for collecting emboli flowing in a lumen. A motor has a longitudinal bore, a friction area within the longitudinal bore, and a guide wire disposed within the longitudinal bore. The guide wire and friction area of the motor are sized and adapted to contact each other and impart friction between the friction area and the guide wire to permit the motor to rotate around the guide wire. A thrombus collecting gutter is attached to the motor. Paddles are attached to motor and are adapted to initiate a spiral blood flow when the motor rotates. The spiral blood flow causes thrombii in the blood to be deflected towards the internal wall of the lumen and be trapped in a thrombus collecting gutter which is positioned on the motor downstream of the paddles.

Abstract: A therapeutic device and therapeutic method for delivering electrical energy or a medicament to a body tissue or organ utilizing ultrasonic vibration to cause a device implanted in the body tissue or organ to be treated to discharge an electrical current or medicament to the target area.

Abstract: Apparatus for pulling and positioning an apparatus, e.g., a stent, in the target area of a lumen. In one embodiment, a cylindrically shaped motor has a longitudinal bore, a friction area within the longitudinal bore, and a guide wire disposed within the longitudinal bore. The guide wire and friction area of the motor are sized and adapted to contact each other and impart friction between the friction area and the guide wire to permit the motor to pull a catheter to the target area by crawling against the guide wire. In another embodiment, a cylindrical motor having a friction area on its outer surface is disposed within a guide tube.

Abstract: A prosthesis for imparting structural integrity to a blood vessel having an aneurysm comprising a longitudinal member having an external surface, a first end, a second end, and an internal surface defining a longitudinal bore. The internal surface is provided with a constriction to increase the velocity of a fluid passing through the longitudinal bore. A plurality of apertures provide fluid communication between the external surface and the longitudinal bore at the constriction to cause a suction that will diminish the pressure within the aneurysmal sack.