Abstract: The present invention provides ultrasound-guided ablation catheters and methods for their use. In one embodiment, a tissue ablation apparatus (2) includes a flexible elongate body (12) having proximal (14) and distal (12) ends. A plurality of spaced-apart electrodes (24) are operably attached to the flexible body near the distal end. A plurality of transducer elements (28) are disposed between at least some of the electrodes. Transducers assist the physician in determining whether or not the ablation elements are in contact with the tissue to be ablated.

Abstract: A device and method for mapping, diagnosing and treating the intestinal tract is provided using a capsule passing through the intestinal tract. Further, a capsule tracking system is provided for tracking a capsule's location along the length of an intestinal tract as various treatment and/or sensing modalities are employed. In one variation, an acoustic signal is used to determine the location of the capsule. A map of sensed information may be derived from the pass of a capsule. Capsules may be subsequently passed through to treat the intestinal tract at a determined location along its length. One variation uses an electrical stimulation capsule to treat and/or diagnose a condition in the intestinal tract.

Abstract: The addition of surfactant additives to facilitate efficient laminar flow through the lumens of certain medical devices, including catheters. The surfactant can be added to an injection medium, or otherwise located within the catheter itself.

Abstract: A catheter tube carries an imaging element for visualizing tissue. The catheter tube also carries a support structure, which extends beyond the imaging element for contacting surrounding tissue away from the imaging element. The support element stabilizes the imaging element, while the imaging element visualizes tissue in the interior body region. The support structure also carries a diagnostic or therapeutic component to contact surrounding tissue.

Abstract: A catheter tube carries an imaging element for visualizing tissue. The catheter tube also carries a support structure, which extends beyond the imaging element for contacting surrounding tissue away from the imaging element. The support element stabilizes the imaging element, while the imaging element visualizes tissue in the interior body region. The support structure also carries a diagnostic or therapeutic component to contact surrounding tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides ultrasound-guided ablation catheters and methods for their use. In one embodiment, a tissue ablation apparatus (2) includes a flexible elongate body (12) having proximal (14) and distal (12) ends. A plurality of spaced-apart electrodes (24) are operably attached to the flexible body near the distal end. A plurality of transducer elements (28) are disposed between at least some of the electrodes. Transducers assist the physician in determining whether or not the ablation elements are in contact with the tissue to be ablated.

Abstract: The present invention provides ultrasound-guided ablation catheters and methods for their use. In one embodiment, a tissue ablation apparatus (2) includes a flexible elongate body (12) having proximal (14) and distal (12) ends. A plurality of spaced-apart electrodes (24) are operably attached to the flexible body near the distal end. A plurality of transducer elements (28) are disposed between at least some of the electrodes. Transducers assist the physician in determining whether or not the ablation elements are in contact with the tissue to be ablated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combination device comprising two catheters, or a dual catheter assembly, for use in vascular procedures wherein the shaft of the first catheter functions as a guidewire for the second catheter. The dual catheter assembly comprises a first balloon catheter and a second balloon catheter wherein the second balloon catheter is slidably disposed on the shaft of the first balloon. In preferred embodiments, the first catheter is a low profile balloon on a wire catheter and the second catheter is a full size balloon catheter having a plurality of balloons mounted thereon. Optionally, a stent is carried by at least one of the balloons on the second catheter. In more preferred embodiments, the second catheter includes a manifold that may be used to inflate and deflate any combination of the plurality of balloons via a single port.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multiple valve single port manifold for use with a multiple lumen catheter. The inventive manifolds comprise a conduit with an entry port; a plurality of means for connecting the conduit to a plurality of catheter lumens, such that each lumen is capable of being in fluid communication with the entry port; and a plurality of means for controlling access from the conduit to the plurality of catheter lumens, such that each controlling means independently regulates access from the conduit to its corresponding catheter lumen. Because each catheter lumen is independently accessible from the same manifold port, the inventive devices are useful in any medical context where a need exists to independently control access to spatially proximal sites within a patient's passageway.

Abstract: An imaging element characterizes tissue morphology by analyzing perfusion patterns of a contrast media in tissue visualized by the imaging element, to identify infarcted tissue. In a preferred implementation, a catheter tube introduced into a heart region carries the imaging element, as well as a support structure spaced from the imaging element, which contacts endocardial tissue. The imaging element is moved as the imaging element visualizes tissue. A selected electrical event is sensed in surrounding myocardial tissue, which regulates movement of the imaging element. The support element stabilizes the moving imaging element as it visualizes tissue, providing resistance to dislodgment or disorientation despite the presence of dynamic forces.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer having an extended focus for enabling an ultrasound imaging catheter to image features at a distance from the transducer with a high resolution and a high penetration depth. The ultrasound transducer is configured such that the acoustic path-length from the periphery of the transducer is increased relative to the acoustic path-length from the center of the transducer thereby increasing the transition length and focal length of the transducer. The ultrasound transducer may include an acoustic element having a convex surface on a side which transmits and receives ultrasound waves. An acoustic backing material may be attached to the acoustic element opposite the side where ultrasound waves are transmitted and received, and an acoustic matching layer may be provided on the convex surface of the acoustic element. The acoustic matching layer may have a substantially uniform thickness such that it also has a convex outer surface.

Abstract: An imaging element characterizes tissue morphology by analyzing perfusion patterns of a contrast media in tissue visualized by the imaging element, to identify infarcted tissue. In a preferred implementation, a catheter tube introduced into a heart region carries the imaging element, as well as a support structure spaced from the imaging element, which contacts endocardial tissue. The imaging element is moved as the imaging element visualizes tissue. A selected electrical event is sensed in surrounding myocardial tissue, which regulates movement of the imaging element. The support element stabilizes the moving imaging element as it visualizes tissue, providing resistance to dislodgment or disorientation despite the presence of dynamic forces.

Abstract: A catheter tube carries an imaging element for visualizing tissue. The catheter tube also carries a support structure, which extends beyond the imaging element for contacting surrounding tissue away from the imaging element. The support element stabilizes the imaging element, while the imaging element visualizes tissue in the interior body region. The support structure also carries a diagnostic or therapeutic component to contact surrounding tissue.

Abstract: An imaging structure has a periphery adapted to selectively assume an expanded geometry and a collapsed geometry. The periphery of the imaging structure carries an array of spaced apart ultrasound transducers.

Abstract: A multi-function intraluminal ultrasound catheter assembly includes an axially disposed lumen having at least a first portion with a flat inner wall forming a "D-shaped" cross-section. An acoustic imaging window having a circular cross-section is connected to a distal end of the catheter assembly, wherein the cross-sectional dimension of the D-shaped portion of the lumen that extends from the flat inner wall is less that the available inner diameter of the imaging window. A flexible drive-shaft extends through the lumen and is connected to a transducer housing disposed in the acoustic imaging window area, the transducer housing having a substantially "D-shaped" outer perimeter, wherein the drive-shaft and connected transducer housing may thereby be retracted from the catheter assembly by first rotating the transducer housing until its D-shaped outer perimeter is substantially oriented with the D-shaped cross-section of the lumen.

Abstract: A method for imaging an organ or internal structure within a body to obtain three-dimensional reconstruction of the organ or internal structure. The method includes steps of providing an intraluminal ultrasound imaging system capable of obtaining echographic images of the surrounding of a catheter imaging tip located inside the body of a patient.

Abstract: An imaging system for visualizing an interior body region comprises a catheter tube having a proximal end and a distal end adapted for introduction into the interior body region. The distal end carries an element that forms a three-dimensional support structure for contacting peripheral tissue in the interior body region. The three-dimensional support structure has an open interior. The distal end also carries an imaging element for visualizing the interior body region. The three-dimensional support structure peripherally surrounds the imaging element, thereby keeping peripheral tissue from contacting the imaging element. A steering mechanism on the proximal end of the catheter tube moves the imaging element within the open interior of the three-dimensional support structure. The system provides a stable platform through which accurate displays of interior body images can be created for viewing and analysis by the physician, so the appropriate treatment or therapy can be prescribed.

Abstract: A method for imaging an organ or internal structure within a body to obtain three-dimensional reconstruction of the organ or internal structure. The method includes steps of providing an intraluminal ultrasound imaging system capable of obtaining echographic images of the surrounding of a catheter imaging tip located inside the body of a patient, and a catheter tracking system comprising at least one ultrasound transducer mounted adjacent the imaging tip of an intraluminal ultrasound catheter for insertion into a patient, a plurality of transducers located away from said intraluminal ultrasound catheter so as to form a reference frame, and circuitry for calculating positions of the plurality of frame transducers relative to each other and positions of said catheter tip transducers relative to said plurality of frame transducers.