Abstract: A method and apparatus for locating a Doppler ultrasound transceiver tipped guide wire in the orifice of a stenotic aortic valve. The guide wire is inserted into a peripheral blood vessel, and the transceiver generates electrical signals reflective of the maximum velocity of the blood passing through the stenotic aortic valve, thus aligning the tip of the guide wire with the axis of the orifice of the stenotic aortic valve. Upon removal of the guide wire, a catheter is inserted over the guide wire. The guide wire is removed from the catheter, and a second, stiffer guide wire is inserted through the catheter, and the catheter is removed. A sheath comprising a collapsed caged bioprosthetic valve circumscribing a dilation balloon is inserted over the second guide wire to a location in the orifice of the stenotic aortic valve, which has been located by blood velocity images shown on a display screen electrically connected to a velocimeter.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for ultrasound imaging of internal structures near a stomach of a patient. Under the present invention, high resolution images of abdominal structures may be obtained including, for example, the abdominal aorta, kidneys, the liver, superior mesenteric, both renal arteries, the hepatic arteries, the splenic artery, the vena cava, renal veins, portal vein, splenic and mesenteric veins. High resolution imaging of blood flow within blood vessels including those within organs may also be obtained. High-resolution imaging of these structures thereby obviates the need for otherwise invasive procedures. The imaging device of the present invention includes a probe having a head, a body and an end opposite the head. An ultrasonic transducer is coupled to the head of the probe and a gel material covers the ultrasonic transducer to enable a good contact with a stomach wall portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for localizing a tip of a probe inside a biotic structure. The apparatus includes a probe with an ultrasonic transmitter attached proximate a tip of an insertion end of the probe. The apparatus further includes a color Doppler ultrasonic imaging system coupled to a sonifying transducer and a speaker coupled to the ultrasonic imaging system which reproduces sound information indicative of a position of the probe relative to the sonifying transducer.

Abstract: This invention is for a new device and method for 2 dimensional, real time ultrasonic imaging of deep internal organs and vascular structures. This device and method allows clear unattenuated images of these organs and vessel by placing a 2 dimensional, real time ultrasonic transducer immediately adjacent the organ or vessel by introduction of the transducer, on the end of probe, into either the colon or the esophogus. The transducer can then be positioned adjacent the organ or vessel of interest of imaging.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for Doppler-guided, imaged intravascular catherization of a higher mammal includes inserting into a peripheral blood vessel a steerable catheter which has a guide wire provided with a Doppler ultrasound transceiver at its tip, generating from signals produced by the ultrasound transceiver a continuous indication of the direction of blood flow direction relative to the catheter tip, visually displaying the indications on a display monitor, and advancing the catheter towards the heart in accordance with the indication of blood flow direction until the catheter is positioned at a desired location within the circulatory system of the mammal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for Doppler-guided, imaged intravascular catheterization of a higher mammal includes inserting into a peripheral blood vessel a steerable catheter which has a Doppler ultrasound transceiver at its tip, generating from signals produced by the ultrasound transceiver a continuous indication of the direction of blood flow direction relative to the catheter tip, visually displaying the indications on a display monitor, and advancing the catheter towards the heart in accordance with the indication of blood flow direction until the catheter is positioned at a desired location within the circulatory system of the mammal, and once the catheter is located at a designated position, removing the ultrasound transceiver and replacing it with an ultrasonic imaging transducer for generating a two-dimensional image of the vascular area surrounding the transducer.

Abstract: A method is claimed for the intravascular catheterization of a higher mammal without fluoroscopy, which comprises inserting into a peripheral blood vessel a steerable catheter which has a Doppler ultrasound transceiver at its tip, generating from signals produced by the ultrasound transceiver a continuous indication of the direction of blood flow direction relative to the catheter tip, visually displaying the indication on a display monitor, and advancing the catheter towards the heart in accordance with the indication of blood flow direction until the catheter is positioned at a desired location within the circulatory system of the mammal.A device for use in carrying out the inventive method is also claimed.