Abstract: A system and method for providing interactive graphical and multi-media connectivity between a plurality of users, especially in the context of shared content. In aspects, the users are placed into common virtual rooms or virtual interactive environments to permit sharing of content and chat between the individuals in a same virtual interactive environment. Participating users can thereby exchange social layer content as an enhanced content layer beyond a common broadcast content they are experiencing together. Other features and associated functions are also described.

Abstract: Rotational shape-memory actuators and associated devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, a rotational shape-memory actuator includes a first anchor, a second anchor, a spring element extending between the first and second anchors, a first shape memory element extending between the first and second anchors, a second shape memory element extending between the first and second anchors, and a communication line wrapped around the first and second shape memory elements. The first and second shape memory elements are configured to transition between a first configuration in which the first and second shape memory elements are twisted together and a second configuration in which the first and second shape memory elements are less twisted together such that transitions of the first and second shape memory elements between the first and second configurations cause the second anchor to rotate with respect to the first anchor.

Abstract: A system and method for providing interactive graphical and multi-media connectivity between a plurality of users, especially in the context of shared content. In aspects, the users are placed into common virtual rooms or virtual interactive environments to permit sharing of content and chat between the individuals in a same virtual interactive environment. Participating users can thereby exchange social layer content as an enhanced content layer beyond a common broadcast content they are experiencing together. Other features and associated functions are also described.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for controlling an intravascular imaging device are provided. For example, in one embodiment a method includes communicating a control signal to an actuator of the intravascular imaging device to cause oscillation of an imaging element of the intravascular imaging device, wherein the intravascular imaging device further includes an acoustic marker; receiving imaging data from the imaging element of the intravascular imaging device; identifying the acoustic marker in the imaging data by determining a correlation between the imaging data and a template representative of the acoustic marker; adjusting an aspect of the control signal based on identifying the acoustic marker; and communicating the adjusted control signal to the actuator of the intravascular imaging device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new forward-looking ultrasound device including a local actuator embedded inside an elongate member such as a guide wire or catheter. The present invention includes an ultrasound transducer element configured to engage with the local actuator and rotate about an axis of rotation at least when the ultrasound transducer element and the local actuator are engaged. Also disclosed are methods of using the same.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for controlling the field of view in imaging systems are provided. For example, in one embodiment an imaging system includes a flexible elongate member sized and shaped for use within an internal structure of a patient, an imaging transducer positioned within the distal portion of the flexible elongate member, an imaging marker positioned to be detectable within a field of view of the imaging transducer, and a controller in communication with the flexible elongate member and configured to adjust a control signal of the flexible elongate member based on the detection of the imaging marker in data received from the flexible elongate member in order to achieve a desired field of view for the imaging transducer.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for controlling the field of view in imaging systems are provided. For example, in one embodiment an imaging system includes a flexible elongate member sized and shaped for use within an internal structure of a patient, an imaging transducer positioned within the distal portion of the flexible elongate member, an imaging marker positioned to be detectable within a field of view of the imaging transducer, and a controller in communication with the flexible elongate member and configured to adjust a control signal of the flexible elongate member based on the detection of the imaging marker in data received from the flexible elongate member in order to achieve a desired field of view for the imaging transducer.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for controlling the field of view in imaging systems are provided. For example, in one embodiment an imaging system includes a flexible elongate member sized and shaped for use within an internal structure of a patient, an imaging transducer positioned within the distal portion of the flexible elongate member, an imaging marker positioned to be detectable within a field of view of the imaging transducer, and a controller in communication with the flexible elongate member and configured to adjust a control signal of the flexible elongate member based on the detection of the imaging marker in data received from the flexible elongate member in order to achieve a desired field of view for the imaging transducer.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for controlling the field of view in imaging systems are provided. For example, in one embodiment an imaging system includes a flexible elongate member sized and shaped for use within an internal structure of a patient, an imaging transducer positioned within the distal portion of the flexible elongate member, an imaging marker positioned to be detectable within a field of view of the imaging transducer, and a controller in communication with the flexible elongate member and configured to adjust a control signal of the flexible elongate member based on the detection of the imaging marker in data received from the flexible elongate member in order to achieve a desired field of view for the imaging transducer.

Abstract: A mobile communication system comprising a multiplicity of mobile devices, and a server communicating with the mobile devices via a communication network, and a central database which is in data communication with the server and which is operative for storing sensitive data encrypted using at least one key, at least a portion of which is provided, only on certain occasions, by an individual one of the mobile devices and is not retained between the occasions by the central database.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to intraluminal systems and devices for use in lead extraction procedures. According to certain aspects, an intraluminal system includes an cutting element configured to cut tissue coupled to an implantable device, and an imaging element configured to simultaneously image the tissue cutting. In certain embodiments, the cutting element is an ablation element.

Abstract: A system for displaying computerized invitations to end users, the system including an invitation server, networked to a multiplicity of end-user's browsers via a network, and operative to send a response to an individual end-user's browser, wherein said response is operative to command the individual end user's browser to: a. open a window on top of publisher content previously selected by the individual end-user and currently present in user's browser; b. display, inside the window, an invitation including invitation consummation information allowing the individual end user to consummate the invitation, and c. close the window once the individual end user consummates the invitation, thereby returning her or him to said publisher content previously selected by her or him.

Abstract: An accelerometer for sensing acceleration along a sensing axis, includes a flexure member (having a pendulum member pivotably connected to a support member via a hinge arrangement), a housing, and at least one mounting structure configured for clamping the support member to the housing in load bearing contact while concurrently allowing for differential movement between the support member and the housing. Also disclosed are a corresponding housing member for use with a flexure member of an accelerometer, and a flexure member for use with a housing of an accelerometer.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods, devices and systems for determining the rotational orientation of a device. The invention can involve providing a device comprising a plurality of markers, wherein each marker within the plurality of markers differs from an adjacent marker by size, shape, and/or position on the device. The invention can also involve inserting the device into a vessel and imaging the device to capture an image of the device in an imaging plane. The invention can further involve processing the captured image to determine an orientation of the device relative to the imaging plane based on the markers.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for controlling the field of view in imaging systems are provided. For example, in one embodiment an imaging system includes a flexible elongate sized and shaped for use within an internal structure of a patient, an imaging transducer positioned within the distal portion of the flexible elongate member, and a monitor positioned within the distal portion of the flexible elongated member and configured to generate a feedback signal indicative of a position of the imaging transducer relative to the transducer's motion profile. The imaging system may also include a controller in communication with the monitor and configured to adjust a control signal based on the feedback signal in order to achieve a desired field of view for the imaging transducer.

Abstract: A system and method for providing interactive graphical and multi-media connectivity between a plurality of users, especially in the context of shared content. In aspects, the users are placed into common virtual rooms or virtual interactive environments to permit sharing of content and chat between the individuals in a same virtual interactive environment. Participating users can thereby exchange social layer content as an enhanced content layer beyond a common broadcast content they are experiencing together. Other features and associated functions are also described.

Abstract: A system and method for providing interactive graphical and multi-media connectivity between a plurality of users, especially in the context of shared content. In aspects, the users are placed into common virtual rooms or virtual interactive environments to permit sharing of content and chat between the individuals in a same virtual interactive environment. A common theme or subject of interest can be a basis for creating one or more virtual interactive environments or virtual rooms that users may be placed into or move between. Other features and associated functions are also described.

Abstract: Rotational shape-memory actuators and associated devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, a rotational shape-memory actuator includes a first anchor, a second anchor, a spring element extending between the first and second anchors, a first shape memory element extending between the first and second anchors, a second shape memory element extending between the first and second anchors, and a communication line wrapped around the first and second shape memory elements. The first and second shape memory elements are configured to transition between a first configuration in which the first and second shape memory elements are twisted together and a second configuration in which the first and second shape memory elements are less twisted together such that transitions of the first and second shape memory elements between the first and second configurations cause the second anchor to rotate with respect to the first anchor.

Abstract: Rotational shape-memory actuators and associated devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, a rotational shape-memory actuator includes a first anchor, a second anchor, a spring element extending between the first and second anchors, a first shape memory element extending between the first and second anchors, a second shape memory element extending between the first and second anchors, and a communication line wrapped around the first and second shape memory elements. The first and second shape memory elements are configured to transition between a first configuration in which the first and second shape memory elements are twisted together and a second configuration in which the first and second shape memory elements are less twisted together such that transitions of the first and second shape memory elements between the first and second configurations cause the second anchor to rotate with respect to the first anchor.

Abstract: A system is provided for aortic valve imaging utilizing forward looking imaging sensors. A method of imaging the aortic valve is provided that can be utilized for diagnostic evaluation and the delivery of a therapy. In one form, the imaging system can be used to place a replacement aortic valve. In another aspect, an imaging system is combined with a valve replacement delivery system.