Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes a method of capturing a series of images of a subject patient with a medical probe having a magnification factor, a frame rate, and an image resolution. The method includes the determining a relative motion between a subject patient and a medical probe and comparing the relative motion to a threshold. The method also includes, the method includes selecting a motion mode for the medical probe and capturing a first series of images of the subject patient with the medical probe in the motion mode if the relative motion is greater than the threshold. The method also includes selecting a stability mode for the medical probe and capturing a second series of images of the subject patient with the medical probe in the stability mode if the relative motion is less than the threshold.

Abstract: A method of monitoring physiological parameters for diagnosis and treatment of congestive heart failure in a patient. The method includes implanting at least one sensing device in a cavity of the patient's cardiovascular system, preferably so that the sensing device passes through and is anchored to a septum of the heart and, to minimize the risk of thrombogenicity, a larger portion of the sensing device is located in the right side of the heart and a smaller portion of the sensing device is located in the left side of the heart. Electromagnetic telecommunication and/or wireless powering of the sensing device is performed with an external readout device. The method can be used to perform effective monitoring, management, and tailoring of treatments for patients suffering from congestive heart failure, as well as many other diseases.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the invention includes a single integrated circuit for a handheld probe of an ultrasound system. The integrated circuit includes a two-dimensional array of at least 512 transducer cells, each transducer cell is adapted to receive a beam signal, generate an ultrasonic beam, detect an ultrasonic echo at multiple locations, and combine the ultrasonic echoes into a single multiplexed echo signal. Each transducer cell includes at least one ultrasonic beam generator and at least four ultrasonic echo detectors. The integrated circuit also includes a series of beam signal leads adapted to carry the beam signals to the transducer cells and a series of echo signal leads adapted to carry the multiplexed echo signals from the transducer cells.

Abstract: The present invention defines an implantable microfabricated sensor device for measuring a physiologic parameter of interest within a patient. The sensor device includes a substrate and a sensor, integrally formed with the substrate, that is responsive to the physiologic parameter of interest. At least one conductive path is integrally formed with said substrate and coupled to the sensor. Connected to the conductive path is an active circuit. The active circuit is further electrically connected to the sensor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implantable microfabricated sensor device and system for measuring a physiologic parameter of interest within a patient. The implantable device is micro electromechanical system (MEMS) device and includes a substrate having an integrated inductor and at least one sensor formed thereon. A plurality of conductive paths electrically connect the integrated inductor with the sensor. Cooperatively, the integrated inductor, sensor and conductive paths defining an LC tank resonator.

Abstract: A microminiature sensing module and a sensing catheter system are provided. The module includes a sensor and signal conditioning circuit mounted on a substrate having electrical contacts positioned to facilitate connection of the module to an electrical bus, such as a dual lead electrical bus. The catheter system incorporates a dual lead electrical bus and one or more sensor modules. Methods of fabricating sensing catheter systems are also provided.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the invention include an ultrasound system, a handheld probe of the ultrasound device, and an integrated circuit for the handheld probe of the ultrasound system. The ultrasound system of the preferred embodiment includes a central console and a handheld probe. The handheld probe is adapted to receive a wireless beam signal from the central console, generate an ultrasonic beam, detect an ultrasonic echo at multiple locations, combine the ultrasonic echoes into a single multiplexed echo signal, and transmit a multiplexed echo signal to the central console. The ultrasound system, including the handheld probe and the integrated circuit, provides an improved ultrasound system that collects enough echo data for 3D imaging and that transmits the echo data by a wireless link to overcome the limitations and drawbacks of typical ultrasound systems.

Abstract: A microminiature sensing module and a sensing catheter system are provided. The module includes a sensor and signal conditioning circuit mounted on a substrate having electrical contacts positioned to facilitate connection of the module to an electrical bus, such as a dual lead electrical bus. The catheter system incorporates a dual lead electrical bus and one or more sensor modules. Methods of fabricating sensing catheter systems are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implantable microfabricated sensor device and system for measuring a physiologic parameter of interest within a patient. The implantable device is micro electromechanical system (MEMS) device and includes a substrate having an integrated inductor and at least one sensor formed thereon. A plurality of conductive paths electrically connect the integrated inductor with the sensor. Cooperatively, the integrated inductor, sensor and conductive paths defining an LC tank resonator.

Abstract: The present invention defines an implantable microfabricated sensor device for measuring a physiologic parameter of interest within a patient. The sensor device includes a substrate and a sensor, integrally formed with the substrate, that is responsive to the physiologic parameter of interest. At least one conductive path is integrally formed with said substrate and coupled to the sensor. Connected to the conductive path is an active circuit. The active circuit is further electrically connected to the sensor.