Abstract: Systems for characterizing tissue comprise: a tissue probe comprising a plurality of probe electrodes; a signal generator, a controller, and a user interface. The signal generator is in communication with the probe electrodes for delivering a drive signal to at least one probe electrode. The controller receives a recorded signal from one or more probe electrodes, the recorded signal resulting from delivery of the drive signal through tissue proximate the plurality of probe electrodes. The controller is configured to determine patient-to-patient differences when the tissue probe is proximate a known type of patient tissue and/or bodily fluid, and it produces tissue characterization information based on the recorded signal and the patient-to-patient differences. The user interface provides the tissue characterization information to an operator of the system. Methods of characterizing tissue are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates, generally, to thermography catheters and, more particularly, to thermography catheters which use flex circuit technology to create the connections and thermocouples used to detect hot spots (areas with high metabolic activity) of the atherosclerotic plaque, vascular lesions, and aneurysms in human vessels.

Abstract: A hookswitch actuator including an activating mechanism which maintains the hookswitch circuit of a telephone in an "on hook" state when the activating mechanism is in a first position, or in an "off hook" state when the activating mechanism is in the second position. The movement of the activating mechanism between the two positions is accomplished through the use of a shape memory alloy mechanism. The shape memory alloy mechanism is coupled to the activating mechanism in such a way that heating or cooling of the shape memory alloy mechanism moves the activating mechanism between its two positions. Control of the heating and cooling of the shape memory alloy mechanism is effectuated by controlling the amount of electric current passing through it.