Abstract: An imaging system is provided with an ultrasound catheter and a controller coupled to the ultrasound catheter. The catheter includes a localizer sensor configured to generate positional information for the ultrasound catheter, and an imaging ultrasound sensor having a restricted field of view. The controller co-registers images from the imaging ultrasound sensor with positional information from the localizer sensor.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for predicting, diagnosing, and preventing adverse events during an ablation procedure are described. A method for providing ablation energy includes receiving a first signal based on biological activity of a tissue of a patient. The method further includes analyzing the first signal to yield a first data set, establishing a threshold parameter according to the first data set, and providing ablation energy for the ablation of a biological site.

Abstract: In an electrophysiology (EP) lab, a bedside interface device allows an EP physician to directly control various diagnostic and therapeutic systems, including an electro-anatomic mapping system. The bedside interface device can include a computer with wireless communication capability as well as a touch-responsive display panel and voice recognition. The bedside interface device can also be a hand-graspable wireless remote control device that is configured to detect motions or gestures made with the remote control by the physician, allowing the physician to directly interact with the mapping system. The bedside interface device can also be a motion capture camera configured to determine motion patterns of the physician's arms, legs, trunk, face and the like, which are defined in advance to correspond to commands for the mapping system. The bedside interface device may also include voice recognition capabilities to allow a physician to directly issue verbal commands to the mapping system.

Abstract: In an electrophysiology (EP) lab, a bedside interface device allows an EP physician to directly control various diagnostic and therapeutic systems, including an electro-anatomic mapping system. The bedside interface device can include a computer with wireless communication capability as well as a touch-responsive display panel and voice recognition. The bedside interface device can also be a hand-graspable wireless remote control device that is configured to detect motions or gestures made with the remote control by the physician, allowing the physician to directly interact with the mapping system. The bedside interface device can also be a motion capture camera configured to determine motion patterns of the physician's arms, legs, trunk, face and the like, which are defined in advance to correspond to commands for the mapping system. The bedside interface device may also include voice recognition capabilities to allow a physician to directly issue verbal commands to the mapping system.

Abstract: A system for sharing data in an electrophysiology (EP) lab including a plurality of systems comprises a data server configured to be electrically coupled with a memory device and with the plurality of systems, the memory device being coupled with a medical device. The data server is configured to receive device data stored on the memory device, to transmit the received device data to at least one of the plurality of systems, to receive device use data from at least one of the plurality of systems, and to transmit the device use data to the memory device. The systems may comprise one or more of a mapping and navigation system, an ablation system, and an EP recording system.

Abstract: An imaging system is provided with an ultrasound catheter and a controller coupled to the ultrasound catheter. The catheter includes a localizer sensor configured to generate positional information for the ultrasound catheter, and an imaging ultrasound sensor having a restricted field of view. The controller co-registers images from the imaging ultrasound sensor with positional information from the localizer sensor.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for predicting, diagnosing, and preventing adverse events during an ablation procedure are described. A method for providing ablation energy includes receiving a first signal based on biological activity of a tissue of a patient. The method further includes analyzing the first signal to yield a first data set, establishing a threshold parameter according to the first data set, and providing ablation energy for the ablation of a biological site.

Abstract: An imaging system is provided with an ultrasound catheter and a controller coupled to the ultrasound catheter. The catheter includes a localizer sensor configured to generate positional information for the ultrasound catheter, and an imaging ultrasound sensor having a restricted field of view. The controller co-registers images from the imaging ultrasound sensor with positional information from the localizer sensor.

Abstract: An imaging system is provided with an ultrasound catheter and a controller coupled to the ultrasound catheter. The catheter includes a localizer sensor configured to generate positional information for the ultrasound catheter, and an imaging ultrasound sensor having a restricted field of view. The controller co-registers images from the imaging ultrasound sensor with positional information from the localizer sensor.

Abstract: In an electrophysiology (EP) lab, a bedside interface device allows an EP physician to directly control various diagnostic and therapeutic systems, including an electro-anatomic mapping system. The bedside interface device can include a computer with wireless communication capability as well as a touch-responsive display panel and voice recognition. The bedside interface device can also be a hand-graspable wireless remote control device that is configured to detect motions or gestures made with the remote control by the physician, allowing the physician to directly interact with the mapping system. The bedside interface device can also be a motion capture camera configured to determine motion patterns of the physician's arms, legs, trunk, face and the like, which are defined in advance to correspond to commands for the mapping system. The bedside interface device may also include voice recognition capabilities to allow a physician to directly issue verbal commands to the mapping system.

Abstract: An integrated electrophysiology and ultrasound imaging system includes a workstation, electrophysiology processing circuits, a compact ultrasound imaging system having a combination of an isolation circuit, an ultrasound signal generator, and a beam former within a single unit. The integrated workstation provides a single control interface and data display for the electrophysiology and ultrasound imaging subsystems. Integrating the control of electrophysiology and ultrasound imaging equipment within a single workstation reduces clinician workload.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging catheter system includes a pivot head assembly coupled between a ultrasound transducer array and the distal end of the catheter. The pivot head assembly includes a pivot joint enabling the transducer array to pivot through a large angle about the catheter centerline in response pivot cables controlled by a wheel within a handle assembly. Pivoting the ultrasound transducer array approximately 90° once the catheter is positioned by rotating the catheter shaft and bending the distal section of the catheter, clinicians may obtain orthogonal 2-D ultrasound images of anatomical structures of interest in 3-D space. Combining bending of the catheter by steering controls with pivoting of the transducer head enables a greater range of viewing perspectives. The pivot head assembly enables the transducer array to pan through a large angle to image of a larger volume than possible with conventional ultrasound imaging catheter systems.

Abstract: An imaging system is provided with an ultrasound catheter and a controller coupled to the ultrasound catheter. The catheter includes a localizer sensor configured to generate positional information for the ultrasound catheter, and an imaging ultrasound sensor having a restricted field of view. The controller co-registers images from the imaging ultrasound sensor with positional information from the localizer sensor.

Abstract: An imaging system is provided with an ultrasound catheter and a controller coupled to the ultrasound catheter. The catheter includes a localizer sensor configured to generate positional information for the ultrasound catheter, and an imaging ultrasound sensor having a restricted field of view. The controller co-registers images from the imaging ultrasound sensor with positional information from the localizer sensor.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system is provided with an interface for receiving user input, and a controller coupled to the interface, the controller being adapted and configured to adjust parameters for a catheter-based ultrasound probe in response to received user input. Preferably, the controller is programmed to receive a user request for a desired imaging depth, determine an imaging frequency that corresponds to the desired imaging depth, and adjust the imaging frequency of the system to the determined imaging frequency that corresponds to the desired imaging depth.

Abstract: A system and method for limiting a temperature induced in a body by an ultrasound imaging catheter are provided. The method includes receiving, at an isolation box, an imaging signal from an imaging catheter, receiving, at an isolation box, a signal indicative of a temperature of tissue adjacent to the imaging catheter, removing power to the imaging catheter at the isolation box if the signal indicates the temperature of tissue adjacent to the imaging catheter exceeds a known value, and sending the imaging signal from the catheter to a processor if the signal indicates the temperature of tissue adjacent to the imaging catheter is less than the limit.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging catheter system includes a pivot head assembly coupled between a ultrasound transducer array and the distal end of the catheter. The pivot head assembly includes a pivot joint enabling the transducer array to pivot through a large angle about the catheter centerline in response pivot cables controlled by a wheel within a handle assembly. Pivoting the ultrasound transducer array approximately 90° once the catheter is positioned by rotating the catheter shaft and bending the distal section of the catheter, clinicians may obtain orthogonal 2-D ultrasound images of anatomical structures of interest in 3-D space. Combining bending of the catheter by steering controls with pivoting of the transducer head enables a greater range of viewing perspectives. The pivot head assembly enables the transducer array to pan through a large angle to image of a larger volume than possible with conventional ultrasound imaging catheter systems.

Abstract: Steerable catheters are provided including an elongated flexible member having a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen extending therebetween (i.e., between the proximal end and the distal end). A plurality of electrical cables is bundled together and positioned within the lumen of the flexible member. The cross-section of the bundle of electrical cables is substantially ovular or rectangular so as to be bendable in two approximately opposite directions. Methods of steering such a catheter within a body include advancing the catheter within a body while a first force is applied to the bundle of electrical cables to cause the distal end of the elongate flexible member to form a bend. The catheter is farther advanced within the body while a second, opposite force is applied to the bundle of electrical cables to remove the bend in the distal end.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system includes a catheter-based ultrasound transducer, an external ultrasound transducer and a compact ultrasound unit including an isolation circuit, an ultrasound signal generator, and a beam former within a single unit. The ultrasound unit may include circuitry and software to enable simultaneous imaging by both transducers. The isolation circuit may limit unintended, leakage current from the ultrasound system through the transducer array of the ultrasound system.

Abstract: An integrated electrophysiology and ultrasound imaging system includes a workstation, electrophysiology processing circuits, a compact ultrasound imaging system having a combination of an isolation circuit, an ultrasound signal generator, and a beam former within a single unit. The integrated workstation provides a single control interface and data display for the electrophysiology and ultrasound imaging subsystems. Integrating the control of electrophysiology and ultrasound imaging equipment within a single workstation reduces clinician workload.