Abstract: The field of the invention relates to medical imaging systems, and more particularly to systems and methods for estimating the size and position of a stent or other medical device within a patient. In one embodiment, a medical imaging system includes an elongated tubular member having distal and proximal ends, configured to be inserted into a vessel of a patient, an imaging device coupled to the distal end of the elongated tubular member, and a console electrically coupled to the imaging device, wherein the console includes a computer-usable medium, electrically coupled to the imaging device, having a sequence of instructions which, when executed by a processor, causes said processor to execute a process including generating an image of the vessel, and overlay one or more shapes onto the image age to provide a visual approximation of the size and position of a medical device to be applied within the patient.

Abstract: The field of the invention relates to medical imaging systems, and more particularly to systems and methods for estimating the size and position of a stent or other medical device within a patient. In one embodiment, a medical imaging system includes an elongated tubular member having distal and proximal ends, configured to be inserted into a vessel of a patient, an imaging device coupled to the distal end of the elongated tubular member, and a console electrically coupled to the imaging device, wherein the console includes a computer-usable medium, electrically coupled to the imaging device, having a sequence of instructions which, when executed by a processor, causes said processor to execute a process including generating an image of the vessel, and overlay one or more shapes onto the image age to provide a visual approximation of the size and position of a medical device to be applied within the patient.

Abstract: The field of the invention relates to medical imaging systems, and more particularly to systems and methods for estimating the size and position of a stent or other medical device within a patient. In one embodiment, a medical imaging system includes an elongated tubular member having distal and proximal ends, configured to be inserted into a vessel of a patient, an imaging device coupled to the distal end of the elongated tubular member, and a console electrically coupled to the imaging device, wherein the console includes a computer-usable medium, electrically coupled to the imaging device, having a sequence of instructions which, when executed by a processor, causes said processor to execute a process including generating an image of the vessel, and overlay one or more shapes onto the image to provide a visual approximation of the size and position of a medical device to be applied within the patient.

Abstract: The field of the invention relates to medical imaging systems, and more particularly to systems and methods for estimating the size and position of a stent or other medical device within a patient. In one embodiment, a medical imaging system includes an elongated tubular member having distal and proximal ends, configured to be inserted into a vessel of a patient, an imaging device coupled to the distal end of the elongated tubular member and configured to emit one or more energy pulses and receive one or more echo signals, and a console electrically coupled to the imaging device, wherein the console includes a computer-usable medium, electrically coupled to the imaging device, having a sequence of instructions which, when executed by a processor, causes said processor to execute a process including generating an image of the vessel, and providing a graphical representation of a stent to be overlaid onto the image.

Abstract: An improved ultrasonic imaging catheter assembly (4) includes an elongate tubular assembly (8) having an imaging assembly (12) at one end (14) and one or more connectors (16) at the other end (17). The catheter assembly includes a digital identification circuit (26), used to permit the automatic identification of the catheter assembly, having a common ID terminal (32) and at least first (34) and second (36) signal terminals. The common ID terminal is connected to each of the first and second signal terminals in one of four different ways: a short circuit, an open circuit, by a diode (80a) with the cathode of the diode towards the common ID terminal, and by a diode (80b) with the cathode of the diode towards the signal terminal.

Abstract: A dispenser comprising a base and a reel rotatably mounted on the base. An elongated flexible member which is to be dispensed is wound on the reel, and a housing is provided for the reel and the flexible member. Interlocking members on the reel and the housing hold the reel against rotation in the housing. The reel has first and second sets of radially extending fingers at the periphery of the reel, with the first set of fingers being inclined relative to the second set of fingers. The flexible member is wound on the reel between the first and second sets of fingers.

Abstract: A flexible tip catheter for electrically stimulating the heart comprising an elongated body having an elongated passage therein and an elongated conductor partially in the passage. The elongated conductor has a distal end portion outside of the passage which is flexible and resilient along its length. The distal end portion includes a flexible resilient electrode exposed at the outer periphery of the catheter so that current can be passed along the conductor to the electrode to electrically stimulate the heart. The distal end portion is more flexible at distal locations than at proximal locations along its length. The flexibility of the distal end portion and of the electrode greatly reduces the risk of penetration of the heart wall.

Abstract: A dispenser comprising a base and a reel rotatably mounted on the base. An elongated flexible member which is to be dispensed is wound on the reel, and a housing is provided for the reel and the flexible member. Interlocking members on the reel and the housing hold the reel against rotation in any direction in the housing until the housing is removed from the base. The reel has first and second sets of radially extending fingers at the periphery of the reel, with the first set of fingers being inclined relative to the second set of fingers. The flexible member is wound on the reel between the first and second sets of fingers.

Abstract: A guiding catheter adapted to be passed through the right side of the heart into the pulmonary artery and comprising a catheter body having at least first and second lumens extending longitudinally in the catheter body and a port extending from the first lumen to the exterior of the catheter body. The port is between the ends of the catheter and is in the right heart when the catheter is in use. An elongated stiffening element is locked within the second lumen and extends from a location on the proximal side of the port to a location on the distal side of the port. The stiffening element is flexible, but it is sufficiently stiff to cause the catheter to be gently curved along the stiffening element without forming a kink when the catheter is in use. The first lumen is adapted to have an inner catheter passed through it and out of the port into the right heart.