Abstract: A method and system is provided for using backscattered data and known parameters to characterize vascular tissue. Specifically, methods and devices for identifying information about the imaging element used to gather the backscattered data are provided in order to permit an operation console having a plurality of Virtual Histology classification trees to select the appropriate VH classification tree for analyzing data gathered using that imaging element. In order to select the appropriate VH database for analyzing data from a specific imaging catheter, it is advantageous to know information regarding the function and performance of the catheter, such as the operating frequency of the catheter and whether it is a rotational or phased-array catheter. The present invention provides a device and method for storing this information on the imaging catheter and communicating the information to the operation console.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for using backscattered data and known parameters to characterize vascular tissue. Specifically, methods and devices for identifying information about the imaging element used to gather the backscattered data are provided in order to permit an operation console having a plurality of Virtual Histology classification trees to select the appropriate VH classification tree for analyzing data gathered using that imaging element. In order to select the appropriate VH database for analyzing data from a specific imaging catheter, it is advantageous to know information regarding the function and performance of the catheter, such as the operating frequency of the catheter and whether it is a rotational or phased-array catheter. The present invention provides a device and method for storing this information on the imaging catheter and communicating the information to the operation console.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for using backscattered data and known parameters to characterize vascular tissue. Specifically, methods and devices for identifying information about the imaging element used to gather the backscattered data are provided in order to permit an operation console having a plurality of Virtual Histology classification trees to select the appropriate VH classification tree for analyzing data gathered using that imaging element. In order to select the appropriate VH database for analyzing data from a specific imaging catheter, it is advantageous to know information regarding the function and performance of the catheter, such as the operating frequency of the catheter and whether it is a rotational or phased-array catheter. The present invention provides a device and method for storing this information on the imaging catheter and communicating the information to the operation console.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for using backscattered data and known parameters to characterize vascular tissue. Specifically, methods and devices for identifying information about the imaging element used to gather the backscattered data are provided in order to permit an operation console having a plurality of Virtual Histology classification trees to select the appropriate VH classification tree for analyzing data gathered using that imaging element. In order to select the appropriate VH database for analyzing data from a specific imaging catheter, it is advantageous to know information regarding the function and performance of the catheter, such as the operating frequency of the catheter and whether it is a rotational or phased-array catheter. The present invention provides a device and method for storing this information on the imaging catheter and communicating the information to the operation console.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a vascular image are disclosed wherein a single composite display simultaneously provides a first view of a patient including an angiogram image and a second view including an intravascular image rendered from information provided by an imaging probe mounted on a distal end of a flexible elongate member. A cursor, having a position derived from image information provided by a radiopaque marker proximate the imaging probe, is displayed within the angiogram image to correlate the position of the imaging probe to a presently displayed intravascular image and thus provide an easily discernable identification of a position within a patient corresponding to a currently displayed intravascular image. The resulting composite display simultaneously provides: an intravascular image that includes information about a vessel that is not available from an angiogram and a current location within a vessel of a source of intravascular image data from which the intravascular image is rendered.

Abstract: Shock-waves are applied using a combination lithotripsy probe/balloon system, comprising a needle and cannular balloon which can be inserted through the skin at a point between the ribs into the cavity beneath the chest wall and overlying the heart. Alternatively, the shock-wave can be administered extracorporally or via a catheter. A fluid injector is connected to the balloon, allowing it to be inflated with saline or other appropriate fluid to fill the space (for transmission of shock waves and/or to displace tissue—such as lung) and contact the surface of the heart. A shock-wave (acoustic) generator is used to generate shock-waves through the lithotripsy probe, through the fluid and into the myocardial tissue. The fluid provides a uniform medium for transmission of the acoustic energy, allowing precise focus and direction of the shock-wave to induce repeatable cavitation events, producing small fissures which are created by the cavitation bubbles.

Abstract: A method of controlling laser energy removal of plaque or other obstructions from a vessel of the cardiovascular system includes advancing a laser delivery catheter to a position in proximity with a targeted lesion, placing a laser energy sensor device in a monitoring position adapted to sense laser energy from the catheter that passes beyond the lesion, and controlling the laser energy according to the output of the sensor. An intraoperative approach places the sensor external to the vessel, while a percutaneous approach places the sensor within the vessel utilizing an additional sensor fiber on the catheter that extends beyond the lesion to the monitoring position. Each fiber in a multifiber laser delivery bundle may be controlled according to sensor output for precision aiming and improved laser control.

Abstract: A multi-line NH.sub.3 laser is disclosed pumped by a multi-longitudinal mode and multi-transverse mode laser beam from a high-pressure CO.sub.2 laser operating on the R(30) 9.2 .mu.m transition. The resulting comb of pumping wavelengths simultaneously pumps several close-lying sR(5,K) transitions in ammonia from the symmetric ground state to the antisymmetric .nu..sub.2 =1 state, providing simultaneous lasing on a plurality of sP(7,K) transitions of different K-values. A plurality of sP(5,K) ammonia laser lines originating in the .nu..sub.2 =1 antisymmetric band and terminating in the depleted lower pump levels are also generated.

Abstract: The disclosed laser employs a working gas comprising ammonia and a buffer gas which is chemically non-reactive with ammonia. A pumping laser beam at a wavelength of 9.2 .mu.m, provided by a carbon dioxide laser tuner to the R(30) transition of the 001-020 band, irradiates the working gas to excite ammonia molecules from the symmetric ground state to the anti-symmetric .nu..sub.2 =1 vibrational manifold. Collisions with buffer gas molecules cause the excited ammonia molecules to undergo intra-molecular energy transfer to a plurality of energy levels in the symmetric .nu..sub.2 =1 vibrational manifold. Laser oscillation is achieved simultaneously on a plurality of .nu..sub.2 =1 to ground transitions in the wavelength range extending from about 9.3 .mu.m to about 13.8 .mu.m.

Abstract: A laser range finder utilizing a mode locked laser for measuring target range with a high degree of accuracy and simplicity by measuring the time of flight of a transmitted pulse utilizing the pulses in the laser cavity for clocking a range counter. The laser consists of mirrors with at least one being semi-reflective, an amplifying medium and a suitable method of mode locking. A switch is provided outside of the cavity for transmitting a gated train of ultra short pulses or a single pulse to a target. The return signal is processed, detected and sent to an electronic circuit which uses the detected signal to stop a counter at the proper range count. The pulses inside the cavity are detected after they pass through one of the mirrors to provide the range counting pulses as well as to energize the switch outside of the cavity at the proper switching time.

Abstract: A test device is used in combination with two selectable resistors to indte when the pulse forming network voltage of a tank laser range finder system is properly adjusted. The test device utilizes a precision temperature compensated current source, an operational amplifier, and a comparator and a lamp driver circuit, electrically coupled intermediate a pulse forming network power supply and a receiver transmitter unit, to indicate overvoltage, undervoltage and null conditions.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a vascular image are disclosed wherein a single composite display simultaneously provides a first view of a patient including an angiogram image and a second view including an intravascular image rendered from information provided by an imaging probe mounted on a distal end of a flexible elongate member. A cursor, having a position derived from image information provided by a radiopaque marker proximate the imaging probe, is displayed within the angiogram image to correlate the position of the imaging probe to a presently displayed intravascular image and thus provide an easily discernable identification of a position within a patient corresponding to a currently displayed intravascular image. The resulting composite display simultaneously provides: an intravascular image that includes information about a vessel that is not available from an angiogram and a current location within a vessel of a source of intravascular image data from which the intravascular image is rendered.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a vascular image are disclosed wherein a single composite display simultaneously provides a first view of a patient including an angiogram image and a second view including an intravascular image rendered from information provided by an imaging probe mounted on a distal end of a flexible elongate member. A cursor, having a position derived from image information provided by a radiopaque marker proximate the imaging probe, is displayed within the angiogram image to correlate the position of the imaging probe to a presently displayed intravascular image and thus provide an easily discernable identification of a position within a patient corresponding to a currently displayed intravascular image. The resulting composite display simultaneously provides: an intravascular image that includes information about a vessel that is not available from an angiogram and a current location within a vessel of a source of intravascular image data from which the intravascular image is rendered.