Abstract: A method of manufacturing an ultrasound transducer is provided. The ultrasound transducer is activated and the activity across the transducer is measured to determine whether the activity at any area does not meet an acceptance criteria. The transducer is then modified so that the area meets the acceptance criteria. The transducer may be modified with a laser which removes material from the area which does not meet the acceptance criteria.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an ultrasound transducer is provided. The ultrasound transducer is activated and the activity across the transducer is measured to determine whether the activity at any area does not meet an acceptance criteria. The transducer is then modified so that the area meets the acceptance criteria. The transducer may be modified with a laser which removes material from the area which does not meet the acceptance criteria.

Abstract: An ablation and visualization device includes a shaft, at least one ablation element coupled to the distal end of the shaft, and a scope coupled to the shaft proximate the distal end. The scope may be a fiber optic endoscope, an infrared sensor, or an ultrasound sensor, and may be coupled to an output device to display imagery collected by the scope. The scope includes at least one aperture, which may be movable. An optical element, such as a lens or filter, may be positioned over the aperture. The scope may be positioned laterally relative to the ablation elements or in a plane substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the ablation elements. The scope may be positioned with the aperture positioned distally or proximally relative to the ablation elements. The scope may be slidably or rotatably coupled to the shaft.

Abstract: A device for ablating tissue includes an elongate body, which may be flexible to wrap about a cardiac structure, and at least one movable ablation element coupled to the body. The movable ablation element is adjustable relative to the body to form an angle with a longitudinal axis thereof between about zero degrees and about 180 degrees. The movable ablation element may be a two element array, and a pivot pin may depend from an underside thereof to pivotably connect the array to the body via a mating pivot hole in the body. The body may be formable into both a substantially flat configuration and a generally curved configuration. In other embodiments, the body is wand-shaped. The device may further include at least one non-movable ablation element coupled to the body and forming an angle of about zero degrees with the longitudinal axis of the body.

Abstract: An ablating device has a cover which holds an interface material such as a gel. The cover contains the interface material during initial placement of the device. The ablating device may also have a removable tip or a membrane filled with fluid. In still another aspect, the ablating device may be submerged in liquid during operation.

Abstract: A device for generating microbubbles in a gas and liquid mixture and injection device, the device comprising a housing defining a mixing chamber; means for mixing solution contained in the mixing chamber to generate microbubbles in the solution; and a needle array removably attached to the housing and in fluid connection with the mixing chamber, the needle array including at least one needle.

Abstract: An ablation and visualization device includes a shaft, at least one ablation element coupled to the distal end of the shaft, and a scope coupled to the shaft proximate the distal end. The scope may be a fiber optic endoscope, an infrared sensor, or an ultrasound sensor, and may be coupled to an output device to display imagery collected by the scope. The scope includes at least one aperture, which may be movable. An optical element, such as a lens or filter, may be positioned over the aperture. The scope may be positioned laterally relative to the ablation elements or in a plane substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the ablation elements. The scope may be positioned with the aperture positioned distally or proximally relative to the ablation elements. The scope may be slidably or rotatably coupled to the shaft.

Abstract: A device for ablating tissue includes an elongate body, which may be flexible to wrap about a cardiac structure, and at least one movable ablation element coupled to the body. The movable ablation element is adjustable relative to the body to form an angle with a longitudinal axis thereof between about zero degrees and about 180 degrees. The movable ablation element may be a two element array, and a pivot pin may depend from an underside thereof to pivotably connect the array to the body via a mating pivot hole in the body. The body may be formable into both a substantially flat configuration and a generally curved configuration. In other embodiments, the body is wand-shaped. The device may further include at least one non-movable ablation element coupled to the body and forming an angle of about zero degrees with the longitudinal axis of the body.

Abstract: A device for ablating cardiac tissue includes a plurality of ablation elements substantially aligned along a common axis and adjustable between first and second predetermined positions. In the first predetermined position, the plurality of ablation elements form a curved contact surface. In the second predetermined position, the plurality of ablation elements form a substantially straight insertion configuration. At least one hinge may connect adjacent ones of the plurality of ablation elements. Each of the plurality of ablation elements may be located within a housing, which may have at least a portion of a hinge integrally formed therewith to connect adjacent ablation elements. Alternatively, a strand of superelastic material, such as a Nitinol wire, may interconnect ablation elements. The superelastic material may bias the plurality of ablation elements into at least one of the first and second predetermined positions.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an ultrasound transducer is provided. The ultrasound transducer is activated and the activity across the transducer is measured to determine whether the activity at any area does not meet an acceptance criteria. The transducer is then modified so that the area meets the acceptance criteria. The transducer may be modified with a laser which removes material from the area which does not meet the accceptance criteria.