Abstract: A database management engine provides a user interface that allows users to access and modify employee information in a database. The database includes entries for employees, and each database entry includes identifying information about the associated employee. A user can request to modify data within database entries, for instance in order to update information associated with an employee. Responsive to the request, the database management engine identifies liabilities associated with the database modification stemming from associated tax laws. Based on the identified tax liabilities, the engine computes the aggregate tax liability owed by the employer and/or employee. Before modifying a database entry, the engine modifies the user interface to include interface elements detailing the computed aggregate tax liability. The user explicitly can be required to confirm the database modification in view of the aggregate tax liability.

Abstract: Medical tool positioning and control devices, systems, and methods. Handle assemblies that allow a steerable shaft to be steered, while allowing the separate movement of a medical tool. The handle assemblies can allow for rotation and axial movement of the medical tool, and optionally with an actuator disposed distal to a second actuator that controls steering of the steerable shaft.

Abstract: Medical tool positioning and control devices, systems, and methods. Handle assemblies that allow a steerable shaft to be steered, while allowing the separate movement of a medical tool. The handle assemblies can allow for rotation and axial movement of the medical tool, and optionally with an actuator disposed distal to a second actuator that controls steering of the steerable shaft.

Abstract: A system to navigate an object traveling in an imaged subject is provided. The system includes a four-dimensional (4D) imaging system to create a first three-dimensional model of the acquired imaged data correlated relative to a time reference and defined relative to a first image coordinate system. A second imaging system creates a second three-dimensional model of the imaged subject defined relative to a second image coordinate system. A tracking system tracks movement and orientation of the object relative to a tracking coordinate system. A controller includes program instructions in combination with the processor operable to register the first and second image coordinate systems and the tracking coordinate system relative to a world coordinate system, and to combine the three-dimensional model created by the 4D imaging system with the three-dimensional model created by the second imaging system with a tracked location of the object relative to the world coordinate system.

Abstract: A system to navigate an object traveling in an imaged subject is provided. The system includes a four-dimensional (4D) imaging system to create a first three-dimensional model of the acquired imaged data correlated relative to a time reference and defined relative to a first image coordinate system. A second imaging system creates a second three-dimensional model of the imaged subject defined relative to a second image coordinate system. A tracking system tracks movement and orientation of the object relative to a tracking coordinate system. A controller includes program instructions in combination with the processor operable to register the first and second image coordinate systems and the tracking coordinate system relative to a world coordinate system, and to combine the three-dimensional model created by the 4D imaging system with the three-dimensional model created by the second imaging system with a tracked location of the object relative to the world coordinate system.

Abstract: A catheter tip (50, 170) is provided that is adapted for mating attachment to a catheter body (90, 300). In an embodiment, the catheter tip (50,170) comprises a transducer array (32, 60, 110, 210) in electrical communication with an interconnect (120, 220) and in a mechanical driven relationship with an actuator (80), also in the catheter tip (50, 170), via a drive shaft (38, 82). Oscillating back and forth motion of the transducer array (32, 60, 110, 210) provides ultrasonic imaging functionality that may include real time three-dimensional imaging. Other embodiments of the catheter tip (50, 170) and methods of fabrication also are provided.

Abstract: Alternative embodiments are provided, for use individually or in combination, for thermal management of catheter distal ends and other types of probes such as may be used in catheter and other instruments' diagnostic and interventional devices. In an exemplary embodiment, a catheter distal end (1000) comprises an ultrasound imaging assembly (1003) that comprises an actuator (1004), a drive shaft (1006), a section (1008) of an interconnect (1010), and a transducer assembly (1009). A circulation fin (1018) optionally may be affixed to the bottom (1016) of transducer assembly (1009), and extends into a defined space (1017) to enhance circulation of acoustic transmission medium that is in the defined space (1017). This disperses heat from the actuator (1004) and the transducer assembly (1009). A similar fin (1018) may also, or alternatively, be positioned on the section (1008) of interconnect (1010). Other thermal management approaches also are disclosed.

Abstract: A rotating transducer assembly and method for use in volumetric ultrasound imaging and catheter-guided procedures are provided. The rotating transducer assembly comprises a transducer array mounted on a drive shaft and the transducer array is rotatable with the drive shaft, a motion controller coupled to the transducer array and the drive shaft for rotating the transducer, and at least one interconnect assembly coupled to the transducer for transmitting signals between the transducer and an imaging device, wherein the interconnection assembly is configured to reduce its respective torque load on the transducer and motion controller due to a rotating motion of the transducer.

Abstract: A catheter tip (50, 170, 750) is provided that is adapted for mating attachment to a catheter body (90, 300, 790). In an embodiment, the catheter tip (50, 170, 750) comprises a transducer array (32, 60, 110, 210, 710) in electrical communication with an interconnect (120, 220, 720) and in a mechanical driven relationship with an actuator (80, 730), also in the catheter tip (50, 170, 750), via a drive shaft (38, 82, 732). The transducer array (710) is encapsulated in a potting material body 711 providing a desired ultrasound acoustical transmission, A defined annular space 761 exists between an outer capsule 752 of the catheter tip 750 and the potting material body 711. Oscillating back and forth motion of the transducer array (32, 60, 110, 210, 710) provides ultrasonic imaging functionality that may include real time three-dimensional imaging. Other embodiments of the catheter tip (50, 170, 750) and methods of fabrication also are provided.

Abstract: A method to fabricate a catheter tip that encapsulates a mechanically actuated ultrasound transducer assembly is provided.

Abstract: A composite structure of a z-axis interconnect is presented. The composite structure includes a plurality of layers of backing material alternatingly arranged between a plurality of interconnect layers, where the plurality of interconnect layers is configured to facilitate coupling the composite structure of the z-axis interconnect to a transducer array, where the composite structure of z-axis interconnect is configured for use in an invasive probe.

Abstract: An interconnect assembly is presented. The assembly includes an interconnect structure including a plurality of interconnect layers disposed in a spaced relationship, where each of the plurality of interconnect layers comprises a plurality of conductive traces disposed thereon. Furthermore, the assembly includes a redistribution layer disposed proximate the interconnect structure, where the redistribution layer is configured to facilitate coupling the interconnect structure to the one or more transducer elements on the transducer array.

Abstract: A system for imaging and providing therapy to one or more regions of interest is presented. The system includes an imaging and therapy catheter configured to image an anatomical region to facilitate assessing need for therapy in one or more regions within the anatomical region and delivering therapy to the one or more regions of interest within the anatomical region. The catheter includes a therapy device having a plurality of independently controllable therapy elements. The independence of the therapy elements is exploited when multiple regions are to receive therapy simultaneously or at a given catheter position within a subject.

Abstract: A system for imaging and providing therapy to one or more regions of interest is presented. The system includes an imaging and therapy catheter configured to image an anatomical region to facilitate assessing need for therapy in one or more regions within the anatomical region and delivering therapy to the one or more regions of interest within the anatomical region. In addition, the system includes a medical imaging system operationally coupled to the catheter and having a display area and a user interface area, wherein the medical imaging system is configured to facilitate defining a therapy pathway to facilitate delivering therapy to the one or more regions of interest.

Abstract: A system for guiding probe is presented. The system includes a probe configured to acquire image data representative of a region of interest. Additionally, the system includes an imaging system in operative association with the probe and configured to facilitate guiding the probe to a desirable location based on the acquired image data and indications of change in position of the probe.

Abstract: A composite structure of a backing material with enhanced conductivity for use in a transducer is presented. The composite structure includes a plurality of layers of backing material alternatingly arranged with a plurality of thermal conductive elements, wherein the plurality of thermal conductive elements are configured to transfer heat from a center of the transducer to a plurality of points on the composite structure of backing material.

Abstract: A micromachined ultrasonic transducer array comprising a multiplicity of cMUT cells built on a substrate. Each cMUT cell comprises a compliant support structure built on the substrate, a membrane supported over a cavity by the compliant support structure, a first electrode supported by the membrane, and a second electrode that forms a capacitor with the first electrode, the cavity being disposed between the first and second electrodes. The compliant support structure uncouples the non-membrane outer surface of each cMUT cell from the supporting substrate.

Abstract: A composite structure of a backing material with enhanced conductivity for use in a transducer is presented. The composite structure includes a plurality of layers of backing material alternatingly arranged with a plurality of thermal conductive elements, wherein the plurality of thermal conductive elements are configured to transfer heat from a center of the transducer to a plurality of points on the composite structure of backing material.

Abstract: A high-density connection of multiple circuit boards having overlapping ends arranged in a stack. The metal traces on the stacked circuit boards are electrically connected by contact of the ends of the traces, which ends may be pads. The stacked circuit boards can be clamped, soldered or bonded together. Multiple circuit boards may be connected to a single circuit board. In one embodiment, double-sided circuit boards are stacked so that a first circuit board connects to a second circuit board through a third circuit board disposed intermediate the first and second circuit boards. The circuit boards may be flexible or rigid.

Abstract: A micromachined ultrasonic transducer array comprising a multiplicity of cMUT cells built on a substrate. Each cMUT cell comprises a compliant support structure built on the substrate, a membrane supported over a cavity by the compliant support structure, a first electrode supported by the membrane, and a second electrode that forms a capacitor with the first electrode, the cavity being disposed between the first and second electrodes. The compliant support structure uncouples the non-membrane outer surface of each cMUT cell from the supporting substrate.