Abstract: A remotely controlled medical instrument enhances safety and reliability. The medical instrument may be remotely enabled (unlocked) or disabled (locked). The medical instrument may be intended for limited-use. The medical instrument may be enclosed within a medical packaging and subsequently sterilized. After the medical instrument is determined to meet desired specifications, a remote control device may remotely enable the medical instrument. The remote control device may remotely enable the medical instrument through the sterile barrier and without making direct contact with the medical instrument such that the medical instrument remains sterilized. The non-contact interaction between the medical instrument and the remote control device may be via infrared, electromagnetic, magnetic, or other non-contact communication techniques. The remote control device may remotely disable the medical instrument.

Abstract: The preferred embodiments described herein provide a medical diagnostic ultrasound catheter with a tip portion carrying an ultrasound transducer. The tip portion comprises a first portion that is in the acoustic path of the ultrasound transducer, and a second portion that is outside the acoustic path of the ultrasound transducer. The first and second portions comprise different acoustic and mechanical properties. For example, the mechanical properties of the second portion can give the catheter tip sufficient durability to withstand normal use without bowing, while the acoustic properties of the first portion can give the catheter tip desired acoustic properties. This may be especially important for small diameter catheters (e.g., maximum cross-sectional dimensions less than or equal to about 10 French or 8 French) where the stiffness of the catheter tip is reduced.

Abstract: A controller for an ultrasonic transducer assembly includes a housing having a longitudinal axis that extends generally parallel to the proximal end of a conduit, such as a catheter. A steering actuator is mounted to the housing for rotation about the longitudinal axis, and a steering hub is mounted for rotation in the housing and coupled to the steering actuator such that rotation of the steering ring with respect to the housing causes rotation of the steering hub. A steering line is secured adjacent the steering hub and extends to the distal end of the conduit such that rotation of the steering hub alters the effective length of the steering line to steer the distal end. The steering line is wrapped at least partially around a stator to avoid threading the steering line through multiple holes and slots prior to termination to the steering hub.