Abstract: A disposable imaging catheter that produces high resolution, color images comparable to those obtained from an endoscope. The device may also be made to function as a guidewire. The device may also include a sheath which slides over the catheter body for stiffening and which may include a working channel for accepting interventional devices, as well as LEDs to illuminate the field of view. The vision catheter system includes a detector assembly, scanning mechanism, and distal objective lens. In one embodiment, a photodetector is mated to a lens/pinhole assembly that allows the detector to read light from a small discrete point. This assembly is then scanned in raster or spiral patterns via electric wire coils that actuate a magnetic scan plate to read the area of interest.

Abstract: A large area thermal ablation apparatus for use with an endoscope includes a housing and at least one electrode. The housing is removably attachable to a distal terminating end of the endoscope. The housing includes an outer surface and a cross-sectional area that is at least as large as a cross-sectional area of the distal terminating end of the endoscope. The electrode is supported by the outer surface of the housing. The electrode is capable of delivering energy to a tissue region inside a body to ablate the tissue region.

Abstract: An imaging transducer assembly is combined with a sensor of a medical positioning system, forming a transducer/sensor assembly. In one embodiment, the sensor includes a coil proximally coupled with the imaging transducer. A cable having first and second wires are proximally coupled to the coil. A non-conductive potting layer is wrapped around the coil. Traces are formed in the non-conductive potting layer that are used to electrically couple the imaging transducer with the first and second wires of the cable.

Abstract: A catheter with a small optical fiber or bundle of fibers includes a scanning mechanism constructed with the use of any vibration capable component. Magnetic, piezoelectric or other mechanisms are used to vibrate the end of the fiber and thus create a scanning effect which extends the field of view. This configuration can be used in a catheter with a relatively small diameter. A glass lens or lenses placed in front of the fiber focuses and magnifies the image. A CCD, CMOS, or photodiode camera at the proximal end of the fiber captures the image and transfers it to a computer or processor. A light splitter coupled to a light source provides light through an illumination fiber. The resulting vision catheter is relatively inexpensive and disposable.

Abstract: A catheter with a small optical fiber or bundle of fibers includes a scanning mechanism constructed with the use of any vibration capable component. Magnetic, piezoelectric or other mechanisms are used to vibrate the end of the fiber and thus create a scanning effect which extends the field of view. One or more lenses may be utilized, including a lens attached to the distal tip of the image fiber, or a lens attached to the distal tip of the catheter for creating an image plane which can be scanned by the fiber. In one embodiment, multiple light sources may be connected to the fiber for enabling the use of field sequential color techniques for real-time imaging, as well as real-time fluorescent imaging for disease detection. A photodetector assembly connected to the proximal end may contain both filtered and unfiltered detectors for use with both standard imaging and fluorescent imaging. The resulting vision catheter is relatively inexpensive and disposable.

Abstract: An optical catheter connection system is described which has two mating assemblies: a motor unit and an optical catheter connector. The optical catheter connector mates to the motor unit for coupling optical signal into and out of a catheter optical fiber and providing drive torque to the catheter optical fiber. The motor unit includes a rotary shaft powered by a motor for providing drive torque to the catheter optical fiber to rotate the fiber. The motor unit further includes a split sleeve for aligning a motor optical fiber with the catheter optical fiber for coupling optical signals between the two fibers. In one embodiment, a shield is provided around the outer surface of the optical catheter connector to help maintain a sterile field by forming a barrier between a clinician's sterile hand, which holds the optical catheter connector, and the non-sterile motor unit.

Abstract: An improved medical imaging device assembly includes an imaging transducer coupled to the distal end of a drive shaft, and a conductive wire is wrapped around a distal portion of the drive shaft, wherein the conductive wire reinforces the imaging device assembly. In one embodiment, the conductive wire is part of a sensor adapted to communicate with a medical positioning system. In another embodiment, the conductive wire is configured to be a matching circuit for the imaging transducer. The conductive wire may be configured to be in parallel with the imaging transducer or configured to be in series with the imaging transducer.

Abstract: An optical catheter connection system is described which has two mating assemblies: a motor unit and an optical catheter connector. The optical catheter connector mates to the motor unit for coupling optical signal into and out of a catheter optical fiber and providing drive torque to the catheter optical fiber. The motor unit includes a rotary shaft powered by a motor for providing drive torque to the catheter optical fiber to rotate the fiber. The motor unit further includes a split sleeve for aligning a motor optical fiber with the catheter optical fiber for coupling optical signals between the two fibers. In one embodiment, a shield is provided around the outer surface of the optical catheter connector to help maintain a sterile field by forming a barrier between a clinician's sterile hand, which holds the optical catheter connector, and the non-sterile motor unit.

Abstract: A medical device and system capable of providing on-demand delivery of biologically active material to a body lumen patient, and a method of making such medical device. A first coating layer comprising a biologically active material and optionally a polymeric material is disposed on the surface of the medical device. A second coating layer comprising magnetic particles and a polymeric material is disposed on the first coating layer. The second coating layer, which is substantially free of a biologically active material, protects the biologically active material prior to delivery. The system includes the medical device and a source of energy, such as an electromagnetic or mechanical vibrational energy. When the patient is exposed to the energy source, the magnetic particles move out of the second coating layer and create channels therein through which the biologically active material can be released.

Abstract: An imaging device such as a catheter has a plurality of infusion holes adapted to infuse liquid into the blood stream while substantially preventing radial jetting. An example imaging catheter includes an elongated member, having distal and proximal ends, an axis, a lumen along the axis, and an outer surface. Preferably, a plurality of infusion holes are defined along the axis of said elongated member between the lumen and the outer surface. The plurality of infusion holes may be tapered from the outer surface to the lumen. Further, the plurality of infusion holes may be angled outwardly toward the proximal end of the elongated member. The size, shape, spacing and configuration of the infusion holes may be varied as desired.

Abstract: An optical catheter connection system is described which has two mating assemblies: a motor unit and an optical catheter connector. The optical catheter connector mates to the motor unit for coupling optical signal into and out of a catheter optical fiber and providing drive torque to the catheter optical fiber. The motor unit includes a rotary shaft powered by a motor for providing drive torque to the catheter optical fiber to rotate the fiber. The motor unit further includes a split sleeve for aligning a motor optical fiber with the catheter optical fiber for coupling optical signals between the two fibers. In one embodiment, a shield is provided around the outer surface of the optical catheter connector to help maintain a sterile field by forming a barrier between a clinician's sterile hand, which holds the optical catheter connector, and the non-sterile motor unit.

Abstract: A large area thermal ablation apparatus for use with an endoscope includes a housing and at least one electrode. The housing is removably attachable to a distal terminating end of the endoscope. The housing includes an outer surface and a cross-sectional area that is at least as large as a cross-sectional area of the distal terminating end of the endoscope. The electrode is supported by the outer surface of the housing. The electrode is capable of delivering energy to a tissue region inside a body to ablate the tissue region.

Abstract: A miniature spectrometer can be used in situ to diagnose tissue and organs through tissue autofluorescence.

Abstract: A large area thermal ablation apparatus for use with an endoscope includes a housing and at least one electrode. The housing is removably attachable to a distal terminating end of the endoscope. The housing includes an outer surface and a cross-sectional area that is at least as large as a cross-sectional area of the distal terminating end of the endoscope. The electrode is supported by the outer surface of the housing. The electrode is capable of delivering energy to a tissue region inside a body to ablate the tissue region.

Abstract: A portable tissue spectroscopy apparatus includes at least one light source, at least one light detector, a power source and a controller module all disposed inside a housing that is insertable inside a body. The housing may be in the form of a hand-holdable probe or in the form of a capsule that can be swallowed or implanted in the body. The probe further includes a display mounted at a proximal end of the housing for displaying tissue characteristics. The capsule further includes a transmitter mounted inside the capsule and a receiver placed outside the body for transmitting signals representative of tissue characteristics to a remote receiver.

Abstract: Coupling devices for coupling a lens to a single mode optical fiber are disclosed. In one aspect, a lens alignment assembly is the coupling device and includes a single mode optical fiber, a lens, and a locating tube. The locating tube includes a hollow bore having an internal diameter such that the lens and single mode optical fiber are held in a tight, sliding fit within the locating tube. In another aspect, the device includes a single mode optical fiber located adjacent to a cylindrically shaped lens. The lens includes an angled facet having a reflective surface for directing light normal, or near normal, to the optical axis. The lens further includes a flat surface opposite the angle facet. The lens and single mode optical fiber are rotatable to scan a region of a biological surface.

Abstract: A miniature spectrometer can be used in situ to diagnose tissue and organs by detecting tissue autofluorescence. The miniature spectrometer is disposed at the distal end of an interventional device.

Abstract: The invention features a medical guidewire constructed for insertion into the body for providing access to a body passage. The medical guidewire has a main proximal portion in the form of an elongated tube extending the majority of the length of the guidewire, and a distal tubular portion integral with the main proximal portion. The distal portion includes a distal end and a flexible section having a slot cut in the wall of the distal tubular portion. The slot crosses the right sections of the distal tubular portion at an oblique angle and extends continuously about the distal tubular portion, in excess of at least one rotation about the distal tubular portion, to increase the flexibility of the distal tubular portion with respect to the main proximal portion.

Abstract: A connection includes an interventional medical device having a rotatable optical fiber, an assembly having a conduit for conveying a light beam to the rotatable fiber as well as a rotor and a fixed housing, and a coupling. A drive mechanism is attached to the rotor for continuously rotating the rotor. The coupling includes a rotatable portion attachable to a proximal end of the rotatable fiber and to the rotor so as to permit the rotatable fiber to rotate continuously with the rotor while the rotatable fiber remains in axial alignment with the light beam. The coupling also includes a stationary shield surrounding the rotatable portion. The stationary shield is attachable to the fixed housing so as to urge the rotatable portion and the rotor together. The proximal end of the rotatable portion of the coupling has a vee-shaped coupling surface that complements a distal end surface of the rotor.

Abstract: A connection includes an interventional medical device having a rotatable optical fiber, an assembly having a conduit for conveying a light beam to the rotatable fiber as well as a rotor and a fixed housing, and a coupling. A drive mechanism is attached to the rotor for continuously rotating the rotor. The coupling includes a rotatable portion attachable to a proximal end of the rotatable fiber and to the rotor so as to permit the rotatable fiber to rotate continuously with the rotor while the rotatable fiber remains in axial alignment with the light beam. The coupling also includes a stationary shield surrounding the rotatable portion. The stationary shield is attachable to the fixed housing so as to urge the rotatable portion and the rotor together. The proximal end of the rotatable portion of the coupling has a vee-shaped coupling surface that complements a distal end surface of the rotor.