Abstract: Devices and methods for ultrasound image-guided percutaneous, cardiac valve implantation and repair comprise, in combination, a plurality of devices including but not limited to an ultrasound-image guided catheter, a pericardial sheath, a cardiac-valve delivery system and an ascending aortic filter. An image-guided catheter is utilized to introduce via an introducer needle and a guide wire a pericardium portal for permitting entry from the chest wall to inside the pericardial space between the pericardial outer lining and inner lining. The pericardium portal permits the use of ultrasound vision to locate a site proximate the left ventricular apex, for introduction of a sheath via a .myocardium needle into the left ventricular space at an angle and avoiding any coronaries or vessels. A first delivery system permits placement of at least one aortic filter which collects any emboli, particulate matter, plaque and prevents such matter travelling via the ascending aorta to the brain, causing a stroke.

Abstract: An interventional medical device is provided that incorporates a forward-directed ultrasound or optical coherence tomography imaging system that is replaceable depending on how close the device is to the target site for a given medical procedure, the device and system integrated into a single minimally invasive device comprising a first probe housing, needle guide assembly and sheath, a sleeve lock for closing a normally open needle channel of a needle guide of the first distal assembly and a second probe and cable housing assembly locked to the first distal probe housing, needle guide assembly and sheath by a locking tab. The probe and cable housing assembly may comprise a linear phased ultrasound array and an accelerometer for orienting an image produced by the device with the gravitational field of the earth. The medical device can be in the form of an image guided catheter or probe, used in a body orifice, externally on skin tissue or subcutaneously.

Abstract: An interventional medical device is provided that incorporates a forward-directed ultrasound or optical coherence tomography imaging system that is replaceable depending on how close the device is to the target site for a given medical procedure, the device and system integrated into a single minimally invasive device comprising a first probe housing, needle guide assembly and sheath, a sleeve lock for closing a normally open needle channel of a needle guide of the first distal assembly and a second probe and cable housing assembly locked to the first distal probe housing, needle guide assembly and sheath by a locking tab. The probe and cable housing assembly may comprise a linear phased ultrasound array and an accelerometer for orienting an image produced by the device with the gravitational field of the earth. The medical device can be in the form of an image guided catheter or probe, used in a body orifice, externally on skin tissue or subcutaneously.

Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for performing transradial catheterization.

Abstract: A pericardial implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) may be delivered to the heart through the chest wall using an ultrasound image guided catheter. The ICD may comprise a patch and wire leads which may be secured by a clam shell-like pad at a distal end and comprise a pig-tail shaped securing tail at the other end so that the ICD is firmly attached to the pericardium of a human heart. The ICD may be attached where most needed and serve as either a pacemaker or a defibrillator. In one embodiment, the ICD may emit radio frequency warning signals of heart failure sensed when pacemaker or defibrillator usage is rendered necessary.

Abstract: An interventional medical device is provided that incorporates a forward-directed ultrasound or optical coherence tomography imaging system that is replaceable depending on how close the device is to the target site for a given medical procedure, the device and system integrated into a single minimally invasive device comprising a first probe housing, needle guide assembly and sheath, a sleeve lock for closing a normally open needle channel of a needle guide of the first distal assembly and a second probe and cable housing assembly locked to the first distal probe housing, needle guide assembly and sheath by a locking tab. The probe and cable housing assembly may comprise a linear phased ultrasound array and an accelerometer for orienting an image produced by the device with the gravitational field of the earth. The medical device can be in the form of an image guided catheter or probe, used in a body orifice, externally on skin tissue or subcutaneously.

Abstract: A pericardial implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) may be delivered to the heart through the chest wall using an ultrasound image guided catheter. The ICD may comprise a patch and wire leads which may be secured by a clam shell-like pad at a distal end and comprise a pig-tail shaped securing tail at the other end so that the ICD is firmly attached to the pericardium of a human heart. The ICD may be attached where most needed and serve as either a pacemaker or a defibrillator. In one embodiment, the ICD may emit radio frequency warning signals of heart failure sensed when pacemaker or defibrillator usage is rendered necessary.

Abstract: An interventional medical device is provided that incorporates a forward-directed ultrasound or optical coherence tomography imaging system that is replaceable depending on how close the device is to the target site for a given medical procedure, the device and system integrated into a single minimally invasive device comprising a first probe housing, needle guide assembly and sheath, a sleeve lock for closing a normally open needle channel of a needle guide of the first distal assembly and a second probe and cable housing assembly locked to the first distal probe housing, needle guide assembly and sheath by a locking tab. The probe and cable housing assembly may comprise a linear phased ultrasound array and an accelerometer for orienting an image produced by the device with the gravitational field of the earth. The medical device can be in the form of an image guided catheter or probe, used in a body orifice, externally on skin tissue or subcutaneously.

Abstract: An interventional medical device is provided that incorporates a forward-directed ultrasound or optical coherence tomography imaging system that is replaceable depending on how close the device is to the target site for a given medical procedure, the device and system integrated into a single minimally invasive device comprising a first probe housing, needle guide assembly and sheath, a sleeve lock for closing a normally open needle channel of a needle guide of the first distal assembly and a second probe and cable housing assembly locked to the first distal probe housing, needle guide assembly and sheath by a locking tab. The probe and cable housing assembly may comprise a linear phased ultrasound array and an accelerometer for orienting an image produced by the device with the gravitational field of the earth. The medical device can be in the form of an image guided catheter or probe, used in a body orifice, externally on skin tissue or subcutaneously.

Abstract: An interventional medical device is provided that incorporates a forward-directed ultrasound or optical coherence tomography imaging system that is replaceable depending on how close the device is to the target site for a given medical procedure, the device and system integrated into a single minimally invasive device comprising a first probe housing, needle guide assembly and sheath, a sleeve lock for closing a normally open needle channel of a needle guide of the first distal assembly and a second probe and cable housing assembly locked to the first distal probe housing, needle guide assembly and sheath by a locking tab. The probe and cable housing assembly may comprise a linear phased ultrasound array and an accelerometer for orienting an image produced by the device with the gravitational field of the earth. The medical device can be in the form of an image guided catheter or probe, used in a body orifice, externally on skin tissue or subcutaneously.

Abstract: Devices and methods for ultrasound image-guided percutaneous, cardiac valve implantation and repair comprise, in combination, a plurality of devices including but not limited to an ultrasound-image guided catheter, a pericardial sheath, a cardiac-valve delivery system and an ascending aortic filter. An image-guided catheter is utilized to introduce via an introducer needle and a guide wire a pericardium portal for permitting entry from the chest wall to inside the pericardial space between the pericardial outer lining and inner lining. The pericardium portal permits the use of ultrasound vision to locate a site proximate the left ventricular apex, for introduction of a sheath via a .myocardium needle into the left ventricular space at an angle and avoiding any coronaries or vessels. A first delivery system permits placement of at least one aortic filter which collects any emboli, particulate matter, plaque and prevents such matter travelling via the ascending aorta to the brain, causing a stroke.

Abstract: An interventional medical device is provided that incorporates a forward-directed ultrasound or optical coherence tomography imaging system that is replaceable depending on how close the device is to the target site for a given medical procedure, the device and system integrated into a single minimally invasive device comprising a first probe housing, needle guide assembly and sheath, a sleeve lock for closing a normally open needle channel of a needle guide of the first distal assembly and a second probe and cable housing assembly locked to the first distal probe housing, needle guide assembly and sheath by a locking tab. The probe and cable housing assembly may comprise a linear phased ultrasound array and an accelerometer for orienting an image produced by the device with the gravitational field of the earth. The medical device can be in the form of an image guided catheter or probe, used in a body orifice, externally on skin tissue or subcutaneously.

Abstract: An interventional medical device is provided that incorporates a forward-directed ultrasound or optical coherence tomography imaging system that is replaceable depending on how close the device is to the target site for a given medical procedure, the device and system integrated into a single minimally invasive device comprising a first probe housing, needle guide assembly and sheath, a sleeve lock for closing a normally open needle channel of a needle guide of the first distal assembly and a second probe and cable housing assembly locked to the first distal probe housing, needle guide assembly and sheath by a locking tab. The probe and cable housing assembly may comprise a linear phased ultrasound array and an accelerometer for orienting an image produced by the device with the gravitational field of the earth. The medical device can be in the form of an image guided catheter or probe, used in a body orifice, externally on skin tissue or subcutaneously.

Abstract: A pericardial implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) may be delivered to the heart through the chest wall using an ultrasound image guided catheter. The ICD may comprise a patch and wire leads which may be secured by a clam shell-like pad at a distal end and comprise a pig-tail shaped securing tail at the other end so that the ICD is firmly attached to the pericardium of a human heart. The ICD may be attached where most needed and serve as either a pacemaker or a defibrillator. In one embodiment, the ICD may emit radio frequency warning signals of heart failure sensed when pacemaker or defibrillator usage is rendered necessary.

Abstract: Devices and methods for ultrasound image-guided percutaneous cardiac valve implantation and repair comprise, in combination, a plurality of devices including but not limited to an ultrasound-image guided catheter, a pericardial sheath, a cardiac valve delivery system and an ascending aortic filter. An image-guided catheter is utilized to introduce via an introducer needle and a guide wire a pericardium portal for permitting entry from the chest wall to inside the pericardial space between the pericardial outer lining and inner lining. The pericardium portal permits the use of ultrasound vision to locate a site proximate the left ventricular apex for introduction of a sheath via a myocardium needle into the left ventricular space at an angle and avoiding any coronaries or vessels. A first delivery system permits placement of at least one aortic filter which collects any emboli, particulate matter, plaque and prevents such matter travelling via the ascending aorta to the brain, causing a stroke.

Abstract: An interventional medical device is provided that incorporates a forward-directed ultrasound or optical coherence tomography imaging system that is replaceable depending on how close the device is to the target site for a given medical procedure, the device and system integrated into a single minimally invasive device comprising a first probe housing, needle guide assembly and sheath, a sleeve lock for closing a normally open needle channel of a needle guide of the first distal assembly and a second probe and cable housing assembly locked to the first distal probe housing, needle guide assembly and sheath by a locking tab. The probe and cable housing assembly may comprise a linear phased ultrasound array and an accelerometer for orienting an image produced by the device with the gravitational field of the earth. The medical device can be in the form of an image guided catheter or probe, used in a body orifice, externally on skin tissue or subcutaneously.

Abstract: An interventional medical device is provided that incorporates a forward-directed ultrasound imaging system integrated into a single minimally invasive device. The medical device can be in the form of an image guided catheter having a replaceable and reusable ultrasound imaging assemble and replaceable interventional devices such as a removable introducer needle and syringe, the device having a tapered distal tip, particularly those suitable for minimally invasive direct introduction into the human or other mammalian body. The imaging system comprises one or more small ultrasound transducers that can be replaceably integrated into the device via a longitudinal slot in an expendable elongate body and may be inserted into and removed from the device to customize the device for a particular use.

Abstract: An interventional medical device is provided that incorporates a forward-directed ultrasound imaging system integrated into a single minimally invasive device. The medical device can be in the form of an image guided catheter having a replaceable and reusable ultrasound imaging assemble and replaceable interventional devices such as a removable introducer needle and syringe, the device having a tapered distal tip, particularly those suitable for minimally invasive direct introduction into the human or other mammalian body. The imaging system comprises one or more small ultrasound transducers that can be replaceably integrated into the device via a longitudinal slot in an expendable elongate body and may be inserted into and removed from the device to customize the device for a particular use.

Abstract: An interventional medical device is provided that incorporates a forward-directed ultrasound imaging system integrated into a single minimally invasive device. The medical device can be in the form of catheters and interventional devices having a tapered distal tip, particularly those suitable for minimally invasive direct introduction into the human or other mammalian body. The imaging system comprises one or more small ultrasound transducers that can be permanently integrated into the device or integrated into an interchangeable ultrasound transducer that may be inserted into and removed from the device to customize the device for a particular use. An ultrasound system can be provided in the device either alone or in combination with fiber optic imaging to provide a range of forward imaging and therapeutic capabilities of the device for direct access to a target site from the skin via an introducer needle.

Abstract: A remote ultrasound assessment and intervention system comprises a console having a controller for an ultrasound imaging device attachable to a human skin surface or implantable in a human body cavity. Commands from a remote work station located, for example, at a hospital may remotely control a transducer of the device to move in x, y, z, rotate and tilt directions to remotely assess an injury to a victim, for example, of a war zone injury or terrorist attack. A first responder, who need not be medically trained, may be instructed via a communications link or via a predetermined controller program stored in computer memory to move the imaging device from one location to another on the human skin surface or in a human body cavity. Intervention is also remotely controlled, once an injury is assessed and diagnosed from the hospital work station via an image guided catheter manipulated by the first responder via commands received from the hospital work station.