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 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: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for protecting walls of a body cavity during thermal ablation of tissues near that body cavity, while enabling ultrasound monitoring of the ablation process. Heating protective devices and cooling protective devices are provided. Heatable/coolable ultrasound probes and heatable/coolable independent protective devices compatible with ultrasound imaging by moving ultrasound probes are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a probe-insertion guiding apparatus for guiding a user towards correct insertion of therapeutic probes into a patient. The apparatus comprises a template which comprises a plurality of apertures sized to accommodate therapeutic probes and to guide insertion of such probes into a body, a probe command receiver for receiving probe insertion commands specifying template apertures through which probes are to be inserted, and at least one of a) a sensory output device operable to indicate to a user which aperture is to receive a next inserted probe, and b) a probe detection device operable to detect insertion of a probe into an aperture. Preferred embodiments include feedback modules providing feedback to a user indicating whether the user's probe did or did not correspond to a probe insertion specified by a received probe insertion command.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for planning and supervising minimally invasive surgery. Included are enhancements to systems for planning, monitoring, and controlling cryosurgery.

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.

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: Methods and systems for inserting therapeutic probes into a patient are present. Embodiments include an automated probe insertion system and a probe insertion guide comprising a moveable probe guide sleeve; a positioner for positioning said probe guide sleeve; and a controller operable to receive a definition of a locus within a body of a patient and to direct positioning and orienting of said probe guide sleeve so that a probe advanced through said sleeve will advance in direction of said locus. Cryosurgery applications are presented.

Abstract: A method of detecting ionizing radiation is provided. The method includes pixelating a semiconductor substrate such that each pixel comprises a central region and a region of variable response, substantially blocking the ionizing radiation from reaching the region of variable response, and receiving the ionizing radiation with the central region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for protecting walls of a body cavity during thermal ablation of tissues near that body cavity, while enabling ultrasound monitoring of the ablation process. Heating protective devices and cooling protective devices are provided. Heatable/coolable ultrasound probes and heatable/coolable independent protective devices compatible with ultrasound imaging by moving ultrasound probes are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for protecting walls of a body cavity during thermal ablation of tissues near that body cavity, while enabling ultrasound monitoring of the ablation process. Heating protective devices and cooling protective devices are provided. Heatable/coolable ultrasound probes and heatable/coolable independent protective devices compatible with ultrasound imaging by moving ultrasound probes are provided.

Abstract: A method of detecting ionizing radiation is provided. The method includes pixelating a semiconductor substrate such that each pixel comprises a central region and a region of variable response, substantially blocking the ionizing radiation from reaching the region of variable response, and receiving the ionizing radiation with the central region.

Abstract: A gamma camera comprising: a plurality of pixelated detectors wherein each pixelated detector provides a detector signal responsive to photons that are incident on it; a plurality of processing circuits that receive said detector signals and provide processed signals responsive to said detector signals; and at least one printed circuit board on which said processing circuits are mounted and having conductors thereon that carry said detector signals to said processing circuits; wherein said processing circuits are mounted on said printed circuit board at locations remote from said detectors; and wherein said plurality of pixelated detectors form a two-dimensional planar array.

Abstract: A gamma camera comprising:

Abstract: A multilayer pixelated detector comprising a plurality of strip array detectors each said strip array detector including a rectangular semiconductor crystal having first and second relatively large parallel planar face surfaces having edges and a thickness; a cathode electrode covering substantially all of said first face surface; and an anode electrode comprising a plurality of anode strip pixels, wherein an anode strip pixel comprises a rectangular electrode having a length and a width. A long dimension of each of said anode strip pixels is parallel to a same edge of said second face surface, the pixelated detectors have contiguous face surfaces and wherein edges of contiguous face surfaces are aligned and wherein anode strip pixels of all pixelated detectors are parallel and electrodes on contiguous surfaces of pixelated detectors are identical and overlap substantially completely.

Abstract: A multilayer pixelated detector comprising a plurality of strip array detectors each said strip array detector including a rectangular semiconductor crystal having first and second relatively large parallel planar face surfaces having edges and a thickness; a cathode electrode covering substantially all of said first face surface; and an anode electrode comprising a plurality of anode strip pixels, wherein an anode strip pixel comprises a rectangular electrode having a length and a width. A long dimension of each of said anode strip pixels is parallel to a same edge of said second face surface, the pixelated detectors have contiguous face surfaces and wherein edges of contiguous face surfaces are aligned and wherein anode strip pixels of all pixelated detectors are parallel and electrodes on contiguous surfaces of pixelated detectors are identical and overlap substantially completely.

Abstract: A pixelated detector for detecting photons is provided comprising: a semiconductor crystal; a cathode electrode on a first surface of the crystal; an anode comprising a plurality of anode pixel electrodes on a second surface of the crystal; and a signal generator that receives signals from at least one electrode of the electrodes. When a photon is incident on the detector the signal generator generates a timing signal responsive to signals induced on the at least one electrode by electrons and holes produced by the incident photon and the at least one electrode has a size larger than the size of a single anode pixel electrode.

Abstract: A scintillator, having two faces, for use in medical diagnostic imaging devices, said devices including a plurality of light sensors for converting light generated in said scintillators to electrical signals, processors for converting the electrical signals to images and a monitor for displaying the images, said scintillator including a two dimensional distribution of intrinsic light controllers, said controllers changing the light distribution among the sensors to achieve a desired distribution wherein the light controllers focus the light such that the spread of light to detectors is reduced.