Abstract: A method of operating a remote medical navigation system using ultrasound, employs ultrasound imaging from a medical device to supplement or to replace conventional x-ray imaging of the operating region during navigation.

Abstract: A medical device guide having an inner member having a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one lumen therein. An outer member surrounds the proximal portion of the inner member such that the distal end of the inner member projects beyond the distal end of the outer member, the portion of the inner member being sufficient flexible to flex with a guide wire extending through the lumen. The outer member is sufficiently stiff that the proximal end of the medical device guide can be engaged by a driven by a medical device advancer.

Abstract: A method is provided to facilitate the movement of a medical device for automated mapping of anatomical surfaces of a subject's heart with a remote navigation. The method may include one or more distinct movements for moving a medical device for mapping a portion of an anatomical surface of a subject's heart. Upon establishing contact of the tip of the medical device with a surface of the heart, one method provides for moving the medical device along the surface of the heart towards an anatomical feature until a loss of contact with the surface is sensed, and determining the point where the loss of contact occurred to identify at least one point along the anatomical feature. The process may be repeated to identify a multiplicity of points that serve to define the ridge on the interior heart surface. The ridge location in the anatomical map can be used as a reference or guide to facilitate the further mapping of physiological properties and to plan therapy delivery during the medical procedure.

Abstract: A display for operating a plurality of separate computer systems, each having a visual display. The display includes comprising a composite display, a video system for receiving display input from each of the plurality of separate computer systems and displaying it on the composite display, a processor which controls the content of the composite display based upon a planned procedure workflow.

Abstract: An integrated control and display system for operating a plurality of separate computer systems each having a visual display, includes at least one cursor control device for seamlessly moving a cursor among the visual displays of the separate computer systems, the cursor control device operating to control the computer system associated with the display on which the cursor appears.

Abstract: A method of performing a multi-step medical procedure requiring the operation of a plurality of separate computer systems, each accepting inputs and providing a visual display, the method including displaying the displays from the separate computer controlled systems on a composite display; and based in part from information from one of the separate computer systems, automatically selecting the next step from a plurality of possible next steps, and displaying a prompt for the automatically selected next step, and automatically reconfiguring the composite display for the automatically selected next step.

Abstract: A work flow driven method of performing multi-step medical procedures includes displaying the visual displays from separate computer controlled systems on a composite display, and displaying prompts for a plurality of steps of the multi-step medical procedure, and in response to user selection from the prompts, automatically reconfiguring the composite display based in part on the selection. Alternatively the display can be changed in response to user actions other than selection. In other embodiments, the composite display can change automatically to match a planned work flow.

Abstract: A method of operating a plurality of computer systems includes translating inputs generated by the operation of an input device associated with a first computer into control signals for operating at least one other computer system to operate the at least one other computer system in a corresponding manner.

Abstract: A control for, and method of, operating at least two medical systems, each of which generates its own visual display output and accepts commands from an input device. The control includes a display, having an active display area, and at least one inactive display area, at least one input device which provides inputs to the medical system whose visual display output is being displayed on the active display area, and a controller that automatically selects the medical system whose visual display output is displayed on the active display area.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for remotely navigating an elongate medical device in an operating region in a subject's body at a local procedure site, under the control of a user at a remote site. A navigation system having a controller responsive to signals from a local computer is provided. An imaging system displays an image of the operating region on a local display, and a physiology monitoring system displays information about the subject. The system utilizes a local computer for providing instructions from a local user to the navigation system controller, and a remote computer for providing instructions from a remote user to the navigation system controller. A display is provided at the remote site, and a video linking system provides a combined video display at the remote site. The system further includes an audio linking system and a data linking system for providing data communication between the remote and local sites.

Abstract: A method of defining automated movement sequences of a remotely controlled medical device actuated by a remote navigation system includes the steps of: defining a reference length for a medical device inserted into an anatomical chamber where subsequent device length measurements are made and automated device length changes are applied with respect to the reference length, and defining a movement sequence as a concatenation of automated movement building block primitives for subsequent automated execution by the remote navigation system.

Abstract: A method of operating a remote medical navigation system using ultrasound, employs ultrasound imaging from a medical device to supplement or to replace conventional x-ray imaging of the operating region during navigation.