Abstract: A micromanipulator comprising a tubular structure and a structural compliance mechanism that are formed from a tube made of an elastic and/or superelastic material. The micromanipulator is useful for intravascular interventional applications and particularly ultrasonic imaging when coupled with an ultrasound transducer. Also disclosed are medical devices for crossing vascular occlusions using radio-frequency energy or rotary cutting, preferably under the guidance of real-time imaging of the occlusion, as well as accompanying methods.

Abstract: A shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator made from tubular structures is disclosed. The current invention is a tubular monolithic SMA actuator made from a tubular monolithic SMA substrate of NiTi, CuAlNi, CuAl, CuZnAl, TiV, or TiNb. The tubular monolithic SMA actuator has a first end, a second end and a middle portion, and can be made out or a substrate with a cross-section shape such as a circle, an ellipse, a rectangle or any irregular shape. The middle portion is formed into an actuator pattern that maintains unity and electrical continuity, along the path of the actuator pattern, with the first end and second end. The actuator pattern can be any number of patterns, for example, a Greek key pattern or a zigzag pattern. A first electrode is optionally formed in the first end and a second electrode is formed in the second end of the tubular monolithic SMA actuator.

Abstract: A technique for enhancing the image quality in intravascular ultrasound imaging increases contrast between blood and vessel wall processes image data using a point-wise t-statistic technique. Data from an ultrasound transducer is digitized and stored in a memory buffer [500]. For each point in the image, a t-statistic value is derived from signal amplitude values for the same point at a sequence of previous frames [502]. An image is then generated and displayed using the t-statistic values for the intensity of each point [504]. The improvement in contrast ratio as compared to averaging techniques is most significant at highly oblique angles when contrast ratio is particularly poor in the unprocessed signal.

Abstract: Contaminants from surfaces of temperature sensitive substrates, such as glass substrates are removed by exposing the surfaces to a hydrogen Surface-mixed diffusion flame for a predetermined duration of time. The predetermined duration of time being insufficient to heat up the surfaces substantially thereby causing damage to the temperature sensitive substrates.

Abstract: A dual-mode, capable of imaging and ablation, ultrasound array integrated in a catheter is provided for minimally invasive treatment of arrhythmias. The catheter array is small enough for insertion through a peripheral vein and is longitudinally integrated with the catheter to have a side-view for tissue imaging and ablation. A high length/width array ratio creates a large aperture necessary for high power ablation densities. A catheter stabilization device maintains a distance between the catheter array and the wall of a heart or vein. Visualization of anatomy and imaging of ablated tissue provides a guide for placing the lesion and assists in achieving a pattern of ablated tissue. The catheter is advanced to another area by catheter rotation and/or array steering or focusing. Gating the imaging and ablation processes to a heart cycle allows for accounting and compensation of heart motion and enables automation of an arrhythmia treatment.

Abstract: The improved mousepad has one or more bumpers on the ends or sides of said mousepad, which prevent a computer mouse from traveling off the ends or sides of said mousepad while the mouse is in use, and which may be used as a promotional item and or miniature sport simulation game.

Abstract: A combination of utensils including a table defining an upperside and an underside. The upperside of the table defines a first recess, a second recess, a cutout being in communication with the first and second recesses, a third recess and two shaft-receiving recesses each defining a narrow entry. The table defines an aperture within the second recess. A chopping board is receivable in the first recess. A mandolin/grater is receivable in the second recess. A sharpening wheel is formed on a shaft. The sharpening wheel is pivotably receivable in the third recess as two ends of the shaft are retained in the shaft-receiving recesses. Two first flanges are formed on the underside of the table. A tool-receiving box includes two flanges formed thereon. The flanges of the tool-receiving box are engageable with the first flanges of the table so that the tool-receiving box is slidably mounted on the underside of the table. Two second flanges are formed on the underside of the table.