Abstract: The invention relates to photoacoustic imaging and ultrasound echo imaging, in combination, and applies in particular to the field of imaging a lumen of an organ or vessel of a subject, wherein the images are acquired from within a lumen of the organ or vessel, especially a lumen of a blood vessel to diagnose and treat vascular disease. An exemplary embodiment of the invention is a catheter having an ultrasound transducer, the transducer comprising a probe suitable for generating and detecting photoacoustic signals and ultrasound echo signals, wherein the photoacoustic signals and the ultrasound echo signals are convertible to images which are integrated into an enriched image. The photoacoustic signals are generated by a multiplicity of energy sources suitable for inducing the walls of the blood vessel to generate acoustic waves, wherein the energy sources are arrayed in an annulus around the flexible tubular member.

Abstract: A magnetic coupling for connecting a cannula to the apex of a ventricle comprising a first member having a first orifice, a first magnetic material attached to the first member, a means for attaching a cannula to the first member, a second member having a second orifice, a second magnetic material attached to the second member, a means for attaching the second member to a ventricle, so that when the first magnet is placed in proximity to the second magnet the first member and second member are held substantially concentric by magnetic force to allow for the communication of fluid between the first and second orifices.

Abstract: A magnetic coupling for connecting a cannula to the apex of a ventricle comprising a first member having a first orifice, a first magnetic material attached to the first member, a means for attaching a cannula to the first member, a second member having a second orifice, a second magnetic material attached to the second member, a means for attaching the second member to a ventricle, so that when the first magnet is placed in proximity to the second magnet the first member and second member are held substantially concentric by magnetic force to allow for the communication of fluid between the first and second orifices.

Abstract: The invention relates to photoacoustic imaging and ultrasound echo imaging In combination, and applies in particular to the field of imaging a lumen of an organ or vessel of a subject, wherein the Images are acquired from within a lumen of the organ or vessel, especially a lumen of a blood vessel to diagnose and treat vascular disease An exemplary embodiment of the invention is a catheter having an ultrasound transducer, the transducer comprising a probe suitable for generating and detecting photoacoustic signals and ultrasound echo signals, wherein the photoacoustic signals and the ultrasound echo signals are convertible to images which are integrated into an enriched image. The photoacoustic signals are generated by a multiplicity of energy sources suitable for inducing the walls of the blood vessel to generate acoustic waves, wherein the energy sources are arrayed in an annulus around the flexible tubular member.

Abstract: A low profile, abdominal aortic aneurysm exclusion device with iliac vessel extensions. The present invention includes a sectional, bifurcated stent that forms part of an endoluminal prosthesis to eliminate or reduce the risk of rupture of aortic aneurysms as well as an apparatus and a method for introducing the bifurcated stent in sections into the vasculature and assembling the sections in situ to form a “scaffold” for introduction of material to re-endothelialize and/or occlude the aneurysm cavity. After trans-stent embolization of the aneurysm cavity with thrombogenic material, laminar flow stimulates endothelialization of the stent lumen. Subsequent organization and fibrosis of the peri-stent thrombus reinforces the wire-mesh or etched metal tubular scaffold comprising the stent and serves to stabilize and shrink the aneurysm. A single stent deployed with the same method may be used in non-bifurcated vessels.

Abstract: A low profile, abdominal aortic aneurysm exclusion device with iliac vessel extensions. A sectional, bifurcated stent forms part of an endoluminal prosthesis to eliminate or reduce the risk of rupture of aortic aneurysms. An apparatus and a method for introducing the bifurcated stent in sections into the vasculature and assembling the sections in situ to form a “scaffold” for introduction of material to re-endothelialize and/or occlude the aneurysm cavity. After trans-stent embolization of the aneurysm cavity with thrombogenic material, laminar flow stimulates endothelialization of the stent lumen. Subsequent organization and fibrosis of the persistent thrombus reinforces the wire-mesh or etched metal tubular scaffold comprising the stent and serves to stabilize and shrink the aneurysm. A single stent deployed with the same method may be used in non-bifurcated vessels.