Abstract: A tracking data sheath (20,20',100) arrangable on a variety of different surgical instruments (e.g., catheters and probes) to provide the surgical instruments with 3-D tracking capability. The tracking data sheath (20,20',100) being generally elastomeric or rigid for convenient installation and removal, and having transducers (30) and conductors (32) embedded therein.

Abstract: A system for displaying a 2-D ultrasound image in a 3-D viewing environment. Within the same 3-D viewing environment, various surgical instruments can be tracked and displayed, thus correlating 3-D virtual surgery with ultrasound imaging for verification. A detachable housing (220) containing position transducers (222) is attached to a conventional 2-D ultrasound imaging head (200) to provide position data of an imaging plane generated by an image transducer (204).

Abstract: A method for carrying out a medical procedure using a 3-D tracking and imaging system (1600). A surgical instrument, such as a catheter, probe, sensor, needle or the like is inserted into a living being, and the position of the surgical instrument is tracked as it moves through a medium in a bodily structure. The location of the surgical instrument relative to its immediate surroundings is displayed to improve a physician's ability to precisely position the surgical instrument. The medical procedures including removal of an obstruction from the circulatory system, a biopsy, amniocentesis, brain surgery, measurement of cervical dilation, evaluation of knee stability, assessment of myocardial contractibility, eye surgery, prostate surgery and transmyocardial myocardial revascularization (TMR). In addition, the method of the present invention also finds use in connection with the generation of 2-D echo planes.

Abstract: A device having a combined electrode (20) and position tracking transducer (30) mounted to a surgical instrument, such as a catheter (10). In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the electrode (20) serves dual functions, namely as a standard ECG electrode for communicating an ECG voltage, and as an electrode transducer, such as a conductor for a transducer. The combined ECG electrode and position tracking transducer minimizes the amount of space needed on the surgical instrument and the number of required components.

Abstract: A system for determining a time delay of a signal propagating through a medium. The time delay is used to determine the distance between transducers arrangable within a body. One or more Digital Signal Processors (DSP) are programmed to recognize various waveform patterns by matching a received waveform to a template waveform.

Abstract: A reusable surgical device for holding a stentless valve during implantation. The surgical device has a generally cylindrical body mountable on a disposable, elongated handle. The generally cylindrical body defines a reduced diameter at one end for receiving the stentless valve thereon and permitting maneuvering space during suturing. A plurality of radial marking lines spaced approximately 120.degree. apart indicated suture placement. Annular ridges form a groove permitting the stentless valve to be secured in place by a pressure-exerting fastener such as a tie wrap. The cylindrical body is inserted through the stentless valve with the marking lines oriented in predetermined relation to the valve leaflets until the stentless valve is properly positioned on the body, and the disposable handle is attached to the body.

Abstract: A bioprosthetic valve comprising a support ring having three spaced apart end stops projecting upwardly therefrom, a stent post ring having three spaced apart stent posts pivotally connected thereto and adapted to engage respective ones of the end stops so as to permit outward pivoting of the stent posts and to prevent inward pivoting thereof, a leaflet valve having three generally triangular leaflets defining respective cusps, the leaflets being joined at respective commissures, and a sewing ring for attaching the leaflet valve to the stent post ring and support ring.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simultaneous measurement of multiple distances by means of networked piezoelectric transducers. Through the use of high frequency digital counters, the propagation delay between the activation of an ultrasonic transducer and the reception by similar transducers is quickly and accurately defined. By alternating the duty cycle between transmit and receive modes, the system can track and triangulate the three-dimensional positions for each transducer.

Abstract: A universal tool for the fitting and removal of brake shoe return springs of trucks, truck trailers and omnibuses in the form of a slender bar which may be used as a first, second or third class lever and has at least one draw hook member pivoted thereon so as to be able to swing through an angle of at least 90.degree. in relation to the lever. The lever furthermore bears a spur and its distal or outer end is in the form of a hook.

Abstract: A universal tool for caulking windows with different types of glazing sealant.In order to achieve this aim the tool has as its main parts a handle and a caulking portion distally ending in a beak adjoining a channel on the side of the tool to be turned towards the window pane. In its part extending proximally from the beak the tool is formed with a hole to receive the glazing sealant. This hole extends from its proximal end in the part of the caulking portion adjacent to the handle to a position adjacent to the channel. The part of the tool including the beak, the channel and the distal end of the hole is made so as to have an elliptical outline when viewed in the proximal direction from the tip.