Abstract: An intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) device includes a catheter body having a proximal portion and an opposing distal portion; a transducer array disposed adjacent the distal portion, the transducer array having a plurality of transducers and each of the plurality of transducers having a maximum width, wherein the plurality of transducers are positioned circumferentially around the catheter body with a minimum spacing between adjacent transducers that is at least twice as large as the maximum width. A minimally invasive measuring device includes an elongate body configured for insertion in a patient, the elongate body having a proximal portion and an opposing distal portion; and a transducer array disposed adjacent the distal end, the transducer array having a plurality of transducers disposed circumferentially around the elongate body, the plurality of transducers comprising 3 to 16 transducers. A method of generating an intravascular measurement using an intravascular device is provided.

Abstract: An intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) device includes a catheter body having a proximal portion and an opposing distal portion; a transducer array disposed adjacent the distal portion, the transducer array having a plurality of transducers and each of the plurality of transducers having a maximum width, wherein the plurality of transducers are positioned circumferentially around the catheter body with a minimum spacing between adjacent transducers that is at least twice as large as the maximum width. A minimally invasive measuring device includes an elongate body configured for insertion in a patient, the elongate body having a proximal portion and an opposing distal portion; and a transducer array disposed adjacent the distal end, the transducer array having a plurality of transducers disposed circumferentially around the elongate body, the plurality of transducers comprising 3 to 16 transducers. A method of generating an intravascular measurement using an intravascular device is provided.

Abstract: Solid-state ultrasound imaging devices, systems, and methods are provided. Some embodiments of the present disclosure are particularly directed to transducer arrays that employ a relatively large number of transducers yet are configured for fitting within space constraints associated with lumen and/or catheter dimensions. In one embodiment, an ultrasound imaging device includes a flexible elongate member; and an ultrasound scanner assembly disposed at a distal portion of the flexible elongate member, wherein the ultrasound scanner assembly includes an ultrasound transducer array, wherein the ultrasound transducer array includes a plurality of rings of transducers. In one aspect, the transducer arrays may be oscillated between multiple positions along the length of the flexible elongate member.

Abstract: A method for imaging a volume within a patient is provided. The method includes generating an ultrasonic signal at a first selected frequency, using a first transducer located within the tissue structure; directing the ultrasonic signal on a spot in the volume within the patient; scanning the spot in a predetermined pattern about the wall of the volume within the patient; receiving an ultrasonic echo in a second transducer at a second selected frequency; converting the ultrasonic echo into a voltage; amplifying the voltage with a processing circuit; and providing an image of the volume within the patient from the voltage. In some embodiments, the method may include classifying the image according to a characterization tool; and providing a plurality of images of the volume from the voltage.

Abstract: Catheters having expandable members, e.g., balloons, incorporating heating elements and temperature sensors for controlled delivering of energy to tissues, i.e., to treat diseases, especially hypertension. The invention also describes methods for monitoring and controlling the amount of energy delivered to the tissue.