Abstract: Example ultrasound medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device includes a support member having a proximal end region and a distal end region and a sensing member having a proximal end region and a distal end region, the distal end region of the sensing member coupled to the distal end region of the support member. The medical device also includes one or more ultrasound sensors disposed along the sensing member and a support shaft having a first end coupled to the sensing member and a second end coupled to the support member. Additionally, the sensing member is configured to shift from a first configuration in which the sensing member is adjacent to the support member to a second configuration in which at least a portion of the sensing member extends away from the support member.

Abstract: Example ultrasound medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device includes a support member having a proximal end region and a distal end region and a sensing member having a proximal end region and a distal end region, the distal end region of the sensing member coupled to the distal end region of the support member. The medical device also includes one or more ultrasound sensors disposed along the sensing member and a support shaft having a first end coupled to the sensing member and a second end coupled to the support member. Additionally, the sensing member is configured to shift from a first configuration in which the sensing member is adjacent to the support member to a second configuration in which at least a portion of the sensing member extends away from the support member.

Abstract: A navigation-assisting flexible elongate member, a navigation-assisting system, and a navigation-assisting method for use in navigating within a body to a treatment site. A navigation-assisting sensor, such as an optic fiber, an inductive sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, or a camera, is provided within the wall of the flexible elongate member, so as not to occupy space within a working channel defined by and through the flexible elongate member. When the distal end of the flexible elongate encounters an obstacle/another object (e.g., body tissue or a lumen wall), the navigation-assisting sensor generates a signal indicative of such encounter. Such signal is converted into information (such as by a control unit) usable to navigate the flexible elongate member away from the obstacle and on course to the treatment site.

Abstract: A navigation-assisting flexible elongate member, a navigation-assisting system, and a navigation-assisting method for use in navigating within a body to a treatment site. A navigation-assisting sensor, such as an optic fiber, an inductive sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, or a camera, is provided within the wall of the flexible elongate member, so as not to occupy space within a working channel defined by and through the flexible elongate member. When the distal end of the flexible elongate encounters an obstacle/another object (e.g., body tissue or a lumen wall), the navigation-assisting sensor generates a signal indicative of such encounter. Such signal is converted into information (such as by a control unit) usable to navigate the flexible elongate member away from the obstacle and on course to the treatment site.

Abstract: A navigation-assisting flexible elongate member, a navigation-assisting system, and a navigation-assisting method for use in navigating within a body to a treatment site. A navigation-assisting sensor, such as an optic fiber, an inductive sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, or a camera, is provided within the wall of the flexible elongate member, so as not to occupy space within a working channel defined by and through the flexible elongate member. When the distal end of the flexible elongate encounters an obstacle/another object (e.g., body tissue or a lumen wall), the navigation-assisting sensor generates a signal indicative of such encounter. Such signal is converted into information (such as by a control unit) usable to navigate the flexible elongate member away from the obstacle and on course to the treatment site.

Abstract: Example ultrasound medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device includes a support member having a proximal end region and a distal end region and a sensing member having a proximal end region and a distal end region, the distal end region of the sensing member coupled to the distal end region of the support member. The medical device also includes one or more ultrasound sensors disposed along the sensing member and a support shaft having a first end coupled to the sensing member and a second end coupled to the support member. Additionally, the sensing member is configured to shift from a first configuration in which the sensing member is adjacent to the support member to a second configuration in which at least a portion of the sensing member extends away from the support member.