Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a three dimensional representation of an ear canal are disclosed whereby an ear canal of a patient is imaged using optical coherence tomography (OCT). In a first embodiment, cross-section images of an ear canal are taken by, for example, rotating an OCT imaging sensor about a predetermined axis at each of a plurality of positions. In accordance with another embodiment, a contour line is then identified in each of the cross section images and a flow algorithm is used to identify the boundary of the ear canal cross section. Once the boundaries of each cross section have been identified, all of the cross section images are combined to generate a three dimensional image of the ear canal.

Abstract: A medical imaging assembly includes a sheath with a lumen. An imaging core is disposed at one end of an imaging core shaft disposed in the lumen. The imaging core shaft bends along a shape memory region when the imaging core is extended from the lumen. The imaging core includes a transducer to image patient tissue, a mirror to redirect acoustic signals between the transducer and patient tissue, and a magnet to drive rotation of the mirror. The magnet is rotatable by a magnetic field generated at the location of the magnet. An imaging core shaft rotator rotates the imaging core shaft such that, when the imaging core is extended from the lumen, rotation of the imaging core shaft causes radial rotation of the imaging core about the sheath. The imaging core shaft rotator includes rotatable imaging core shaft magnets fixedly disposed over a portion of the imaging core shaft.

Abstract: A sterile cover for an ultrasound guidance system. The sterile cover may be included as part of a sterile kit for an ultrasound probe. The kit includes the sterile cover and a needle guide for use with the sterile cover. The sterile cover includes a shell and a sheath connected to the shell. The shell receives the head of the probe and the needle clip. The sheath covers the remainder of the probe.

Abstract: An image diagnostic system controls a probe to perform radial scanning within a body cavity and to acquire reflected signals through the probe. The system produces data based on the signals, constructs and outputs tomographic images of the body cavity and biotissue surrounding the body cavity. The system includes an extraction unit for extracting portions of the produced data on the basis of a frame rate upon successively outputting the tomographic images, and a first output control unit for forming, based on the extracted data, real time tomographic images of the body cavity and biotissue which are outputted in real time during radial scanning. A storage device stores the produced data, and a second output control unit forms, subsequent to the radial scanning, tomographic images of the body cavity and biotissue based on the stored data which are then outputted.

Abstract: A high frequency ultrasound analog beamformer comprises a linear array of surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices formed on a single crystal piezoelectric substrate, such as a PMN-PT single crystal piezoelectric substrate. Each SAW device comprises ultrasound input and output electrode structures separated by a variable delay structure. The beamformer further comprises a delay controller operably connected to each variable delay structure to control the delay of each SAW device to dynamically focus signals received at each input electrode.

Abstract: An ultrasound system comprises a probe including a two-dimensional (2D) array of transducer elements that form an aperture having a plurality of receive elements that are configured to receive ultrasound signals. The transducer elements form at least one transmit sub-aperture that is configured to be interconnected with a fixed group of the transducer elements within the aperture. Transmitters generate electrical transmit signals, and at least one transmit sub-aperture processor (tx SAP) maps the transducer elements within the fixed group of the transducer elements to the transmitters in a transmit configuration based on a beam steering direction.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging catheter apparatus and a method of using the same to scan the inner wall of a body lumen. The ultrasonic imaging catheter apparatus comprises: (a) a flexible elongate element adapted for insertion into a body lumen, the elongate element having distal and proximal ends; (b) an ultrasonic transducer generating and detecting ultrasonic energy disposed proximate the distal end of the elongate element; (c) a reflective member disposed proximate the ultrasonic transducer and optionally rotatable with respect to an axis of the body lumen, wherein the reflective member is adapted to reflect (i) ultrasonic energy generated by the ultrasonic transducer to a wall of the body lumen and (ii) ultrasonic energy reflected by the wall back to the transducer; and (d) an actuator, for example, an electroactive polymer actuator, adapted to change the angle of incidence of the ultrasonic energy relative to the reflective member.

Abstract: Methods for displaying a vessel with the aid of intravascular ultrasound images and current location and cycle information provided by detectors and sensors. A sequence of intravascular ultrasound images are stored and indexed-by location and by heartbeat and breathing phase. During a subsequent medical intervention, ultrasound images that correspond to the current phase and location of an object of interest such as a catheter can be selected and displayed on a monitor in real time along with an x-ray image of the vessel, the display showing the geometric position of the ultrasound images with reference to the x-ray image.

Abstract: Needles are deployed in tissue under direct ultrasonic or other imaging. To aid in deploying the needle, a visual needle guide is projected on to the image prior to needle deployment. Once the needle guide is properly aligned, the needle can be deployed. After needle deployment, a safety boundary and treatment region are projected on to the screen. After confirming that the safety boundary and treatment regions are sufficient, the patient can be treated using the needle.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe according to the present invention includes an inserting portion to be inserted into a body cavity and a grip portion 1 held by an operator outside of the body cavity. The inserting portion 2 includes a transducer unit 4, a rotation axis provided in the transducer unit 4, and a swing mechanism for swinging the transducer unit 4 around the rotation axis as a center, and the grip portion 1 includes a motor 5 for generating a driving force for driving the swing mechanism. The swing mechanism includes a shaft 9 connected to the motor 5, a first pulley 6 attached coaxially to the shaft 9, a second pulley 7 attached coaxially to the rotation axis of the transducer unit 4, and a wire 8 connecting the first pulley 6 and the second pulley 7.

Abstract: A connectorized ultrasound probe includes a distal section that is configured for insertion into a patient's body and a proximal section configured to interface the distal section with an ultrasound system. The distal section is easily attachable and detachable from the proximal section using at least one set of connectors. When connected, a user-operated actuator located on the proximal section controls the bending of the distal section, and the ultrasound system sends driving signals to and receives return signals from the ultrasound transducer via the proximal section. This arrangement is particularly advantageous for long term monitoring, because the disconnectability of the proximal section makes it possible to leave the distal section in place in the patient for longer periods of time without undue discomfort.

Abstract: A method and system for ultrasound treatment utilizing a multi-directional transducer to facilitate treatment, such as therapy and/or imaging or other tissue parameter monitoring, in two or more directions. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a multi-directional transducer comprises at least two transduction elements configured to provide for ultrasound energy, such as radiation, acoustical energy, heat energy, imaging, positional information and/or tissue parameter monitoring signals in two or more directions. The transduction elements can comprise various materials for providing ultrasound energy or radiation, such as piezoelectric materials, with and without matching layers. In addition, the transduction elements can be configured for substantially uniform, focused and/or defocused radiation patterns, as well as for single, multiple-element and/or multiple-element array configurations.

Abstract: A connectorized ultrasound probe includes a distal section that is configured for insertion into a patient's body and a proximal section configured to interface the distal section with an ultrasound system. The distal section is easily attachable and detachable from the proximal section using at least one set of connectors. When connected, a user-operated actuator located on the proximal section controls the bending of the distal section, and the ultrasound system sends driving signals to and receives return signals from the ultrasound transducer via the proximal section. This arrangement is particularly advantageous for long term monitoring, because the disconnectability of the proximal section makes it possible to leave the distal section in place in the patient for longer periods of time without undue discomfort. In some preferred embodiments, the mechanical interface is made before the electrical interface when the distal section is connected to the proximal section.

Abstract: A method for discriminating particle groups comprises generating, by a particle analyzer, a particle characteristic distribution histogram in which the abscissa indicates respective channels for representing the characteristics of the particles, and the ordinate indicates the particle count; setting a valid area selection height in the particle characteristics distribution histogram; and generating an equivalent negative histogram based on the set height and the particle characteristic distribution histogram.

Abstract: A combined imaging/HIFU probe includes an imaging scan head, a HIFU transducer, and an outlet port that delivers a flow of fluid across the HIFU transducer. At least a portion of the body cavity is filled with fluid in which the probe is immersed. The fluid provides a coupling for transmission of ultrasound energy between the probe and the patient. A flow of fluid may also be used to flush obstructions from an area of tissue near the HIFU transducer. Further described herein is a cuff to help retain fluid in the body cavity, a regulator to regulate fluid flow with respect to the body cavity according to a desired fluid pressure, and a cover for the HIFU transducer that has at least one perforation defined therethrough to allow fluid to flow through the cover. Further disclosed herein are methods of deploying a combined imaging/HIFU probe in a body cavity.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for intravascular analysis combine at least three analytical modalities. In one implementation, intravascular ultrasound, optical coherence tomography, and near infrared spectroscopy are combined to enable detection of multiple, different abnormalities in the arterial morphology during a single intravascular procedure.

Abstract: Transducers to measure fluid flow using Doppler ultrasound that are suitable for integrating into or connecting to intravascular devices are disclosed. These transducers meet the requirement for long, thin, flexible transducers, and consist of one or more diffraction-grating transducers, with or without non-diffraction-grating transducers. An exemplary configuration of the transducers utilizes the diffraction caused by narrow transducers to produce beam overlap for Doppler detection of moving blood, and stripline transmission lines are used to bring energy to and receive energy from the transducers and may carry the disclosed transducer configurations as well as carry signals into and out of the blood vessels.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging catheter system includes a pivot head assembly coupled between a ultrasound transducer array and the distal end of the catheter. The pivot head assembly includes a pivot joint enabling the transducer array to pivot through a large angle about the catheter centerline in response pivot cables controlled by a wheel within a handle assembly. Pivoting the ultrasound transducer array approximately 90° once the catheter is positioned by rotating the catheter shaft and bending the distal section of the catheter, clinicians may obtain orthogonal 2-D ultrasound images of anatomical structures of interest in 3-D space. Combining bending of the catheter by steering controls with pivoting of the transducer head enables a greater range of viewing perspectives. The pivot head assembly enables the transducer array to pan through a large angle to image of a larger volume than possible with conventional ultrasound imaging catheter systems.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for significantly reducing or substantially eliminating angular geometric distortions in devices designed for imaging and/or inspection of an interior portion or surface of a cavity. A series of processing steps or methods may be employed to eliminate Non-Uniform Rotational Distortion (NURD) in such devices, for example, unidirectional and bi-directional intravascular ultrasonic (IVUS) imaging systems. The system may include a processor and an electronic module which control operation of a transducer assembly provided at a distal end of a catheter assembly. The system invokes a first processing step or method to collect and store raw angle and line data, as well as one or more of second and third processing steps or methods which adjust for NURD experienced during backlash of a bi-directional imaging system and a fourth processing step or method which performs a line-to-line correlation function.

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: A therapeutic endocavity probe for treating tissues in particular of the prostate by emission of focused ultrasonic waves, including a support forming a guide tube extended by a mounting head for at least one therapy transducer component with an active surface emitting focused ultrasonic waves and having a spherical front of a total surface area in which a surface window is laid out for mounting an imaging transducer. According to the invention, the therapy transducer component has a front face having a total surface area equal to the sum of the active surface area equal to 1,500 mm2±200 mm2, and of the surface area of the window for letting through the imaging transducer, the ratio of the surface area of the window over the active surface area of the therapy transducer component being less than or equal to 0.45.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes plural ultrasonic transducers, a catheter signal detection unit and a position detection unit. The plural ultrasonic transducers are arrayed two-dimensionally for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from an object. The catheter signal detection unit is configured to acquire a reception signal of a frequency modulated continuous wave from reception signals from at least three of the plural ultrasonic transducers. The frequency modulated continuous wave is transmitted from a catheter inserted in the object. The position detection unit is configured to detect a position of the catheter based on the acquired reception signal of the frequency modulated continuous wave.

Abstract: A medical device removal system includes a vessel filter repositioning or removal device to remove and/or reposition a medical device, such as a vessel filter. The system includes a gripper to grip a medical device that is located within a body vessel, and a detector, linked to the gripper, to detect the proximity of the medical device to the gripper. The system may also include an output to indicate a signal from the detector.

Abstract: A non-invasive (having sufficiently small diameter so as not to give much pain to a subject) ultrasonic ultrasound probe of high spatial resolution and high signal-to-noise ratio, an ultrasonograph using the probe, and an ultrasonography are provided. The ultrasound probe is inserted into the tissue under examination and transmits an ultrasonic wave.

Abstract: A technique for reducing the looseness of a wire and reducing the positional error of an ultrasonic transducer is disclosed. According to the technique, inside a tip portion 3 of an insertion portion 2, middle pulleys 11a, 11b are placed between pulleys 6, 7. The middle pulley 11a is attached to a slider portion 14, and the slider portion (and the middle pulley 11a) is supported slidably in the direction orthogonal to the rotation direction of the pulley 6 along a slider guide portion 15 formed at the tip portion, and the position of a sliding direction is supported so as to be able to be fixed at the tip portion by a screw 13.

Abstract: An intravascular ultrasound catheter system is provided and enables a simplified, economical technique for ultrasound visualization of a blood vessel. The catheter may include a spark ablation system for crossing chronic total occlusions and severe stenoses. The catheter is advanceable and is oriented entirely under manual control of the clinician and the application of radiofrequency energy for spark erosion of the stenosis also is controlled manually by the clinician. The system enables the clinician to observe an ultrasound image sufficiently to determine where to orient the ablation electrode so as to reduce the risk of dissection or perforation of the blood vessel. The ultrasound image is generated in response to manual rotation of the catheter and the ablation spark is generated only when the physician is satisfied as to the orientation of the electrode within the vessel.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes an ultrasound probe which transmits/receives an ultrasound wave with respect to a subject to be diagnosed, an ultrasound wave transmit section which transmits an ultrasound wave for driving the ultrasound probe, a pressing section which applies an external pressure to the subject, a displacement measuring section which obtains two tomographic image data different in time series from a reflected echo signal received from the ultrasound probe and measures a displacement of each part in the subject based on the two tomographic image data, an image generating section which generates an elastic image from elasticity information based on the displacement of each part measured by the displacement measuring section, and a display section which displays the generated elastic image. Further, a pressing decision section decides whether or not the pressing operation by the pressing section is proper.

Abstract: A medical system includes an inner core and an imager located at the distal end of the inner core, wherein the imager is extendable from within an elongated tubular member and configured to penetrate a body tissue within a living body. The elongated tubular member is configured to slideably receive the inner core. The inner core is configured to rotate radially around a longitudinal axis of the elongated member, and the imager can be configured to image a body tissue and output an image signal to an imaging system communicatively coupled with the imager. The imaging system is configured to generate an image of the body tissue from the image signal of the imager when the imager is rotated and placed into contact with the body tissue.

Abstract: Methods, systems and probes communicate signals from a transducer for imaging or connection with an imaging system. Beamforming-related electronics are positioned in the connector housing of the transducer probe assembly. For example, analog-to-digital converters are positioned in the connector housing. Power is provided through connection with the ultrasound imaging system. Fans or other heat-dissipating structures are also positioned within the connector housing. Other beamformer electronics, such as delays and sums, are positioned in the imaging system, partly in the connector housing or entirely in the connector housing. Since the analog-to-digital converters are provided in the connector housing, partial digital beam forming may be provided in the transducer probe assembly. The length of the transducer cables is held constant to avoid interference and transmission line effects due to line-length variation.

Abstract: A needle biopsy guide system is disclosed for attachment to an endoluminal ultrasound probe or like sonographic instrument. The device includes a biopsy-guide attachment that allows for trocar catheter placement for abscess drainage or like procedures, using the transvaginal or transrectal route under sonographic control. The device has a base portion, which is attachable to an ultrasound probe. A removable retainer is provided that slides into the base unit to hold a biopsy needle in place. A physician may locate the target area in the body with the ultrasound probe, insert the biopsy needle into the target area, and then remove the insert (retainer) from the base unit and ultrasound probe, and leave the biopsy needle in place in the body.

Abstract: A catheter system is disclosed. The catheter system includes a catheter body having an external surface and an ultrasound transducer having a side between a first end and a second end. A first medium is positioned adjacent to the first end of the ultrasound transducer and a second medium is positioned adjacent to the external side of the ultrasound transducer. The second medium is harder than the first medium to encourage flexibility of the catheter body adjacent to the first end of the ultrasound transducer and efficient transmission of ultrasound energy from the external side of the ultrasound transducer.

Abstract: The present invention provides an imaging probe for imaging mammalian tissues and structures using high resolution imaging, including ultrasound and optical coherence tomography. The imaging probe uses electrostatic discharge for actuating a metalized cantilever which holds the end portion of imaging assembly which emits energy in the imaging probe device by holding the cantilever at a potential such that it is neither grounded or charged such that the only electrical path to ground is through a dissipative polymer forming part of the device which is enveloped by a wire or coil held at ground potential. A high voltage electrode attracts the metalized cantilever and the dissipative polymer is used to connect to the cantilever to ground causing the cantilever to move about thereby scanning the region in front of the probe.

Abstract: Provided herein are Pulse-Inversion (PI) sequences that provide for fundamental frequency suppression in nonlinear imaging applications. In an embodiment, a weighting scheme is applied to the received echo pulses resulting from transmit pulses of alternating polarity to reduce the effect of transducer motion. In an embodiment, a three-pulse weighting scheme is applied to a PI sequence. In other embodiments, different combinations of the three-pulse weighting scheme are applied to a PI sequence.

Abstract: A system for monitoring blood flow confined by at least one vessel wall, the system including: at least one implantable diffraction-grating transducer being embedded within or adjacent to a vessel wall, the diffraction-grating transducer being suitable for emitting ultrasound into or receiving Doppler shifted ultrasound from the blood flow; and, a source for pulse-exciting the implantable diffraction grating; wherein, the Doppler shift is indicative of the blood flow.

Abstract: A needle-guide device, particularly for ultrasound probes, or the like, comprising a base body constructed and arranged for connection to the probe and at least one elongated guide hole for receiving a needle-like surgical tool, characterized in that said needle-guide device is made of at least two removably connectable parts, which are shaped in such a manner that each of them forms complementary parts of the peripheral delimiting wall of the elongated guide hole for the surgical tool, which peripheral wall parts complete each other when said two parts of the needle-guide device are connected, thereby forming an elongated guide hole for guiding the needle with a 360° covering delimiting wall.

Abstract: An ultrasonic endoscope comprises an insertion portion including: an angle portion; a hard distal portion; an endoscopic observation unit comprising a lighting portion and an observation portion; and an ultrasonic test unit comprising an ultrasonic transducer constituting an ultrasonic test unit, wherein the hard distal portion includes: a distal end main body including an entire portion whereat the ultrasonic transducer is attached; an observation portion block that includes a portion whereat the observation portion is attached and that is separably coupled with the distal end main body; and an elevator block that is securely held between the distal end main body and the observation portion block by engaging the distal end main body and the observation portion block, and that comprises the elevator, and wherein the distal end main body, the observation portion block and the elevator block are assembled so as to be capable of being disassembled.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an inserted unit for being inserted into a celomic cavity of a body and having therein at least one channel, and an ultrasonic treatment apparatus including a transmitting member that transmits an ultrasonic wave produced by an ultrasonic vibrator, and a treatment unit provided on a distal end of the transmitting member and for being inserted, together with the transmitting member, into the channel. The ultrasonic treatment apparatus is arranged within the channel by positioning a distal end of the treatment unit within a field of vision of the endoscope.

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 transvaginal ultrasound probe speculum is designed for use with a generally cylindrical elongated ultrasound probe. The speculum has an elongated blade having a proximal end and a distal end, and a connector, such as a collar. The speculum has a lever that cooperates with the collar and the elongated blade for pivoting the blade relative to the ultrasound probe so that the blade and the ultrasound probe serve as the blades of the speculum.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe includes an ultrasound wave transmit/receive surface coming into contact with a contact surface of a subject, an ultrasound wave transmit/receive section which transmits an ultrasound wave to the subject via the ultrasound wave transmit/receive surface and the contact surface and receives an ultrasound wave reflected in the subject, and a pressing mechanism for performing a pressing operation for applying a pressure to the contact surface perpendicularly to the ultrasound wave transmit/receive surface via the ultrasound wave transmit/receive surface.

Abstract: An ultrasound catheter is described herein for insertion into a cavity such as a blood vessel to facilitate imaging within a vasculature. The catheter comprises an elongate flexible shaft, a capacitive microfabricated ultrasonic transducer, and a sonic reflector. The elongate flexible shaft has a proximate end and a distal end. A capacitive microfabricated ultrasonic transducer (cMUT) is mounted to the shaft near the distal end. The reflector is positioned such that a reflective surface redirects ultrasonic waves to and from the transducer. In other embodiments, the catheter comprises a plurality of cMUT elements and operates without the use of reflectors. In further embodiments, integrated circuitry is incorporated into the design.

Abstract: A method for minimizing tracking system interference caused by a motor driven ultrasonic imaging device is disclosed herein. The method includes providing an ultrasonic imaging device adapted to obtain a generally real time three-dimensional image. The ultrasonic imaging device includes a motor configured to rotate a transducer array within a catheter housing. The method for minimizing tracking system interference also includes estimating a noise signal produced by the motor, selecting a tracking system signal strength and/or frequency adapted to minimize a tracking system interference, and implementing a field generator to produce a tracking system signal at the selected tracking system signal strength and/or frequency.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed towards an imaging transducer assembly. Generally, the imaging transducer assembly includes an imaging transducer located within the lumen of a sheath, wherein the sheath is configured such that an energy beam emitted from the imaging transducer narrows as it exits the sheath, resulting in an image with a higher resolution.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe to be inserted into a body cavity internally contains an ultrasonic transducer. An ultrasonic observation apparatus to which the ultrasonic probe is connected outputs transmit signals in a pulse shape. A cabinet of the ultrasonic observation apparatus is connected to a ground of a secondary circuit and is insulated is direct current from the ground of a patient circuit. The secondary circuit has a timing generating circuit generating timing signals for generating the transmit signals. An insulating circuit insulates the timing signals from the secondary circuit and transmits the timing signals to the patient circuit. The patient circuit has a transmit signal generating circuit generating the transmit signals in synchronization with the inputted timing signals.

Abstract: Within the tip portion of a cylindrical shaped sheath a capacitive ultrasonic transducer which is an array type two-dimensionally arrayed on the outer surface of the cylindrical face is disposed. Capacitive ultrasonic transducer units employ m capacitive ultrasonic transducer elements arrayed in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical face as a division unit, thereby providing an arrangement wherein the respective capacitive ultrasonic transducer units are readily disposed in the circumferential direction, whereby radial scanning or the like can be performed within a body cavity.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for reducing noise in an imaging catheter system. In an embodiment, a catheter comprises an imaging transducer and a transmission line within the catheter to transmit signals to and from the transducer. To reduce noise caused by exposure of the transmission line to external interference, a choke balun is coupled to the transmission line. In another embodiment, the signal from a rotating imaging transducer of the catheter is coupled to a motor drive unit by a slip ring assembly. The transducer signal is passed through first and second transformers placed on opposite sides of the slip ring assembly to reduce noise from the slip ring assembly. In another embodiment, the catheter includes a position sensor to track the position of the catheter. The position sensor is coupled to a second choke balun to further reduce noise.

Abstract: A method for visualizing one or more objects of interest within a volume of imaging data includes the steps of receiving a volume of imaging data and displaying the one or more objects of interest within the volume by adaptively changing the amount of information displayed from the volume based on (1) a viewing direction of the volume, (2) a position of the one or more objects of interest within the volume, and (3) importance values of materials within the volume.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer assembly of the present invention includes a flexible circuit to which an ultrasound transducer array and integrated circuitry are attached during fabrication of the ultrasound transducer assembly. The flexible circuit comprises a flexible substrate to which the integrated circuitry and transducer elements are attached while the flexible substrate is in a substantially flat shape. The flexible circuit further comprises electrically conductive lines that are deposited upon the flexible substrate. The electrically conductive lines transport electrical signals between the integrated circuitry and the transducer elements. After assembly, the flexible circuit is re-shapable into a final form such as, for example, a substantially cylindrical shape.

Abstract: An endoventricular injection catheter with integrated echocardiographic capability enables injections into heart tissue under visualization. The catheter includes an elongated body having a distal end and an imaging core arranged to be inserted into a heart. The imaging core is arranged to transmit ultrasonic energy and to receive reflected ultrasonic energy at the distal end to provide electrical signals representing echocardiographic images to enable cardiac visualization. The catheter further includes an injector carried on the elongated body with the imaging core. The injector is arranged to inject a therapeutic agent into tissue of the heart visualized by the imaging core.

Abstract: The invention uses a transducer and ultrasound system to form and direct ultrasound beams through the blood stream that will detect the Doppler shift in frequency between the beams and the return echo off the blood. The transducer can be secured onto the surface of the patient's skin with a transducer housing holder. A 1-D transducer, subject to an optimized angle with respect to the blood vessel, will generate and direct ultrasound beams electronically through a blood vessel below the skin and analyze the received echo, searching for the maximum signal amplitude of the Doppler frequency shift from the blood. Furthermore, the device continuously controls the direction of the ultrasound beams to achieve maximum return signal amplitude. Then, the condition and trend of the blood flow is recorded and displayed continuously over the desired diagnostic interval the device is in use.