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: 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: 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: A multi functional assembly adaptable within a tubing string conduit to serve as a safety valve against the possibility of a blow out. Both surface and subsurface controllable, it offers both a partially retrievable or totally retrievable system that allows unbiased and unlimited work over and wire line access to an entire tubing string and can provide safety for down hole well work. The preferred invention comprises a housing mandrel system including closure elements reciprocally mounted vertically within the safety valve conduit that when unengaged provides unrestricted flow and when engaged provides restriction amounting from limited flow to complete closure of a tubing string. The invention provides operational options to function hydraulically and mechanically while having the additional capability of being remotely controlled automatically, electronically, and manually.

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.

Abstract: A method for preparing an electrokinetic element is provided and generally includes providing a porous membrane adapted for use in an electrokinetic pump and encapsulating the porous membrane within a polymer substrate to yield an electrokinetic element base member having the porous membrane encapsulated by the polymer. In one embodiment, the method can include laminating the porous membrane between opposed sheets of a polymer before the step of encapsulating. The method can also include cutting the electrokinetic element base member into a plurality of slices and assembling an electrokinetic infusion pump by inserting a slice into a chamber of the pump.

Abstract: A method for preparing an electrokinetic element is provided and generally includes providing a porous membrane adapted for use in an electrokinetic pump and encapsulating the porous membrane within a polymer substrate to yield an electrokinetic element base member having the porous membrane encapsulated by the polymer. In one embodiment, the method can include laminating the porous membrane between opposed sheets of a polymer before the step of encapsulating. The method can also include cutting the electrokinetic element base member into a plurality of slices and assembling an electrokinetic infusion pump by inserting a slice into a chamber of the pump.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for precise absolute time event generation and capture. One embodiment of the present invention is a programmable hardware module for TTL pulse generation and capture in absolute time. The nominal accuracy of the programmable hardware module is 25 ns. The time reference is an on-board GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver. The hardware embodiment of the present invention can generate eight independently programmable outputs and capture the times on eight independently programmable inputs. An exemplary application for the present invention is triggering external light sources, and flash-lamp pumped lasers in particular, at specific times for calibration of cosmic-ray observatories. A software embodiment of the present invention is implemented in a Linux software device driver interface featuring an extensive set of user commands.