Abstract: An ultrasound medical system includes an ultrasound transducer assembly having various combinations of ultrasound transducers having different-shaped ultrasound emitting surfaces and/or different ultrasound transducer types, wherein the types are ultrasound-medical-treatment-only type, ultrasound-medical-treatment-and-imaging type, and ultrasound-medical-imaging-only type ultrasound transducers. Another ultrasound medical system includes a transducer assembly having an RF (radio-frequency) medical-treatment electrode and an ultrasound medical transducer.

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: An ultrasound system used for both imaging and delivery high intensity ultrasound energy therapy to treatment sites and a method for treating tumors and other undesired tissue within a patient's body with an ultrasound device. The ultrasound device has an ultrasound transducer array disposed on a distal end of an elongate, relatively thin shaft. In one form of the invention, the transducer array is disposed within a liquid-filled elastomeric material that more effectively couples ultrasound energy into the tumor, that is directly contacted with the device. Using the device in a continuous wave mode, a necrotic zone of tissue having a desired size and shape (e.g., a necrotic volume selected to interrupt a blood supply to a tumor) can be created by controlling at least one of the f-number, duration, intensity, and direction of the ultrasound energy administered. This method speeds the therapy and avoids continuously pausing to enable intervening normal tissue to cool.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe according to the present invention includes: an ultrasonic element unit for transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic wave while carrying out ultrasonic scanning; a storage portion for storing the ultrasonic element unit; and an acoustic medium liquid charged in the storage portion. The ultrasonic element unit is supported by an elastic supporting member, and the storage portion is sealed by the supporting member in a liquid-tight state.

Abstract: An ultrasound medical system includes a tube and resiliently flexible fingers. The tube has a distal end insertable into a patient and has a lumen with a distal opening. The fingers are extendable out of the distal opening of the lumen creating a deployed state and are at-least-partially retractable into the distal opening of the lumen creating a stowed state. Each finger includes an ultrasound transducer, wherein the distance between the transducers of adjacent fingers is greater in the deployed state than in the stowed state. In one example, at least one of the transducers is an ultrasound imaging transducer, an ultrasound medical-treatment transducer, or an ultrasound imaging and medical-treatment transducer.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer manufactured by using a micromachining process comprises: a first electrode into which a control signal for transmitting ultrasound is input; a substrate on which the first electrode is formed; a second electrode that is a ground electrode facing the first electrode with a prescribed space between the first and second electrodes; a membrane on which the second electrode is formed and which vibrates and generates the ultrasound when a voltage is applied between the first and second electrodes; a piezoelectric film contacting the membrane; and a third electrode electrically continuous to the piezoelectric film.

Abstract: An ultrasound endoscope has an ultrasound probe which is disposed at a distal end side of a distal end rigid portion configuring a distal end portion out of a flexible tube portion, a bending portion and the distal end rigid portion configuring an insertion portion, and forms an ultrasound scanning surface having a normal line in a direction orthogonal to an endoscope insertion axis L1, and a treatment instrument outlet of a treatment hole in the distal end rigid portion. The ultrasound probe is configured by a plurality of ultrasound transducers arranged in a convex circular arc shape, and a center of curvature of the plurality of ultrasound transducers is disposed at a proximal end side from the treatment instrument outlet.

Abstract: An ultrasonic endoscope having a small size and a slight temperature rise even when the transmission output is increased. The ultrasonic endoscope includes: an ultrasonic transducer part; a Peltier element having a cooling surface coupled to the ultrasonic transducer part and a radiating surface; a flexing part for supporting the ultrasonic transducer part and the Peltier element; a coupling part for coupling the flexing part to an operation part; a covering material for covering the flexing part and the coupling part; a thermal insulating material provided inside of the covering material, for thermally insulating a part from the radiating surface of the Peltier element to the operation part from outside; and a heat-conducting member provided inside of the thermal insulating material and coupled to the radiating surface of the Peltier element, for transferring heat generated in the ultrasonic transducer part to the operation part.

Abstract: An ultrasonic endoscope having a small size and a slight temperature rise of an insertion part even when the transmission output of an ultrasonic transducer part is increased or an imaging device is attached thereto. The ultrasonic endoscope includes: an ultrasonic transducer part having plural ultrasonic transducers for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves; a flexing part for flexibly supporting the ultrasonic transducer part; a coupling part for coupling the flexing part to an operation part; a covering material for covering at least the flexing part and the coupling part; and a heat-conducting member provided inside of the covering material and coupled to the ultrasonic transducer part, for transferring heat generated in the ultrasonic transducer part to the operation part.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for guiding a needle in conjunction with a biopsy using a medical imaging device, where an open-ended needle guide with an adjustable pivoting multi-gauge needle stop is used to guide a needle during insertion and during a tilting of the needle with respect to the medical imaging device.

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. The proximal section also has a control bottom ergonomically arranged in relation to the actuator to allow actuation of the actuator and button with one hand.

Abstract: A transducer assembly is presented. The transducer assembly includes a support structure configured to be reversibly changed between a first position and a second position. Additionally, the transducer assembly includes a multi-dimensional transducer array comprising a plurality ‘N’ of one-dimensional sub-groups of transducer elements arranged on the support structure, wherein each of the ‘N’ sub-groups of transducer elements is disposed in a spatial relationship such that an angle formed between one of the ‘N’ sub-groups of transducer elements and at least one other sub-group of transducer elements is less than about 180 degrees, and wherein ‘N’ is an integer.

Abstract: A medical device for determining the position of intracorporeal implants such as fixation systems, plates or the like, comprises at least one impedance-measuring device and an ultrasound device which are both connected to at least one intracorporeal probe, the impedance-measuring device being additionally equipped with at least one connector for connection to the implant. The device is suitable for determining the position of pedicle screws and the like in a spinal column fixation system with metal rods as stabilizers.

Abstract: A transducer assembly is provided including a transducer array comprising a plurality ‘M’ of transducer elements and a sub-aperture processor comprising a plurality ‘P’ of input channels and an output channel. The plurality ‘P’ of input channels is coupled to the ‘M’ transducer elements and a plurality ‘R’ of switching elements in operative association with the output channel of the sub-aperture processor to switchably couple the output channel to at least one of a plurality of ‘N’ system channels.

Abstract: A means for holding a selected cannula such that the cannula is controllably restricted in motion in all but one line, but still able to slide along the line relatively freely. The motion restricting force may be selectively varied, thereby allowing an unrestricted separation of the cannula and the holding/guide device.

Abstract: An ultrasound endoscope comprises an ultrasonic probe where a plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements for transmitting/receiving ultrasounds are arranged in a nearly cylindrical form, a distal rigid section which configures the tip of an endoscopic insertion tube and in which the ultrasonic probe is provided, a bending tube to which the distal rigid section is connected and which bends with remote operation, a flexible tube connected to the bending tube, and a signal line bundle which is a bundle of signal lines corresponding to respective ultrasonic transducer elements for transmitting a drive signal driving each of the ultrasonic transducer elements and which passes through the insides of the distal rigid section, the bending tube, and the flexible tube.

Abstract: In an ultrasonic transducer array in which plural kinds of ultrasonic transducers having different areas of ultrasonic transmission/reception surfaces are arranged, electric impedances among the ultrasonic transducers are made substantially equal. The ultrasonic transducer array, in which at least two kinds of ultrasonic transducers having different areas of ultrasonic transmission/reception surfaces from one another and having substantially equal total thicknesses to one another are arranged, includes: a first ultrasonic transducer; and a second ultrasonic transducer having a larger number of layers than that of the first ultrasonic transducer and a smaller area of an ultrasonic transmission/reception surface than that of the first ultrasonic transducer.

Abstract: A collapsible ultrasonic reflector incorporates a gas-filled reflector balloon, a liquid-filled structural balloon an ultrasonic transducer disposed within the structural balloon. Acoustic energy emitted by the transducer is reflected by a highly reflective interface between the balloons. In a cardiac ablation procedure, the ultrasonic energy is focused into an annular focal region to ablate cardiac tissue extending in an annular path along the wall. Devices for stabilizing the balloon structure and for facilitating collapse and withdrawal of the balloon structure are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a biopsy system having a biopsy needle guide secured to a needle guide support bracket, a biopsy needle guide is provided that includes a body having a periphery that defines an edge of the needle guide, the periphery defining a top surface, a bottom surface and a pair of side surfaces. A cradling aperture is positioned in the body and sized to engage the needle guide support bracket. A channel is provided in communication with the cradling aperture. The channel extends inwardly from one of the side surfaces of the body toward the cradling aperture. The needle guide of the present invention inhibits movement of the needle guide relative to the support bracket during a biopsy procedure.

Abstract: In an ultrasonic transducer array in which plural kinds of vibrators having different shapes from one another are arranged, electric impedances of the plural kinds of element are made equal to one another. An ultrasonic transducer array, in which plural ultrasonic transducers having at least two kinds of shapes are arranged, includes a first ultrasonic transducer, and a second ultrasonic transducer having a different shape from that of the first ultrasonic transducer, and an area of an ultrasonic transmission/reception face of the second ultrasonic transducer is substantially equal to an area of an ultrasonic transmission/reception face of the first ultrasonic transducer.

Abstract: A method for medically employing ultrasound within a body cavity of a patient. An end effector is obtained having a medical ultrasound transducer assembly. A biocompatible hygroscopic substance is obtained having a non-expanded anhydrous state and having an expanded and fluidly-loculated hydrated state. The end effector, including the transducer assembly, and the substance in substantially its anhydrous state are inserted into a body cavity (such as endoscopically inserted into a uterus) of a patient. The transducer assembly is used to medically image and/or medically treat patient tissue (such as stopping blood flow to, and/or ablating, a uterine fibroid). A system for medically employing ultrasound includes the end effector and the substance. In another system, the end effector includes the substance. The substance in its hydrated state expands inside the body cavity providing acoustic coupling between the wall of the body cavity and the transducer assembly.

Abstract: Ultrasound detectable instrument including a bubble generator having two elements which, upon contact with each other in the presence of a fluid, react with each other to produce gas bubbles which may be detected by sonic imaging equipment. The two elements comprise first and second radially displaced layers of the elements within a fluid permeable carrier material.

Abstract: Elastographic images provide visualization in two or three dimensions of RF ablation lesions to guide in the ablation process. Compression may be applied using the RF probe. A similar technique may be applied to in vivo imaging of soft tissue without ablation.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted for use with a trans-esophageal probe. The apparatus comprises a disinfecting unit and a storage unit, each of which includes a tubular housing having an interior, upper and lower ends, and an opening at the upper end for access to the interior. The disinfecting unit includes a support above the upper end of its housing for supporting a handle of a probe whose probe end is within the interior of the housing. The interior of the disinfecting unit is adapted to contain a fluid, and is equipped with a fluid level indicator and a drain for draining the fluid from the housing. The storage unit includes an enclosure removably mounted to the upper end of its housing for enclosing the handle end of a probe whose probe end is within the interior of the housing. Both units further include a support for a connector of a probe placed in the unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a therapeutic probe adapted to aid in the insertion and navigation of the probe into delicate tissue structures, and to provide protection of adjacent tissue structures.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system has an ultrasound probe adapted to be placed in an instrument working channel of an endoscope, the ultrasound probe having a probe housing; an ultrasound transducer mounted within the probe housing; and an elongate flexible cord extending from the probe housing, the elongate flexible cord being adapted to fit through the instrument working channel of the endoscope and operably connect the ultrasound transducer with a computer.

Abstract: A cooling system for an ultrasonic imaging system is provided, the ultrasonic imaging system having a probe for transmitting and receiving acoustic signals through a tip of the probe to and from biological tissue contacting the tip at an outer surface of the tip. The cooling system includes a conduit for circulating cooling medium therein, and a heat exchanger in fluid communication with the circulating cooling medium and having means for removing heat from the circulating cooling medium, wherein at least a portion the conduit is in proximity to or contacts the outer surface of the probe tip. In a first embodiment the conduit includes an inlet fluid line extending from the heat exchanger to the tip of the probe for providing the circulating cooling medium from the heat exchanger to the probe tip, and an outlet cooling line extending from the tip of the probe to the heat exchanger for providing circulating cooling medium from the probe tip to the heat exchanger.

Abstract: Echogenic devices, and methods of making and using such devices, are disclosed. In one aspect, the devices include a porous polymeric material that is preparable by extracting a phase separated composition. In another aspect, the echogenic devices include a polymeric composition having porous particles therein. Preferably the devices are medical devices.

Abstract: An intraoperative or endocavity ultrasound probe for insertion into a patient is provided. An adaptable or adjustable section is provided between the handle and the transducer for rotating the transducer relative to the handle prior to insertion within the patient. The adjustable or adaptable section maintains the adjusted or rotated position while the probe is in use within the patient. The adjustable or adaptable section stays in the same pre-bent position, such as by using a memory-less device or material, and is free of user adjustment while the probe is in use.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging apparatus and method combines dynamically focused reception and coded transmission/reception technologies by inexpensive circuitry. A receive aperture is divided into smaller apertures. Correspondingly, a receive beam former is divided into receive sub-beam formers 36a to 36n by which a phase alignment and summing process is performed. Thereafter, coded signals are compressed in decoders 37a to 37n in a time axis direction. Output signals from the decoders are once again subjected to a phase alignment and summing process in a second beam former.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an optical transesophageal echocardiography probe (OPTEE) having an optical fiber bundle, a suction channel and light channels for illumination, wherein the OPTEE has a circumference along its distal tip that allows both safe insertion and insures the stability of the probe. The probe tip is generally circular in circumference, but levels off to a flat surface for a portion of the circumference, and is provided with beveled edges and corner throughout so that there are no sharp edges to traumatize the patient.

Abstract: An ablating device has a cover which holds an interface material such as a gel. The cover contains the interface material during initial placement of the device. The ablating device may also have a removable tip or a membrane filled with fluid. In still another aspect, the ablating device may be submerged in liquid during operation.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus for obtaining ultrasonic echo signals of a part to be examined from a probe in a body cavity includes an ultrasonic probe, a detector and a voxel data creating circuit. The ultrasonic probe has at predetermined positions of an inserting axis a plurality of ultrasonic transducers on the circumference about the inserting axis for performing ultrasonic scanning by using the plurality of ultrasonic transducers on a plane perpendicular to the inserting axis by sending and receiving ultrasound to and from the plurality of ultrasonic transducers. The detector determines the position or orientation of the scanned plane by the ultrasonic scanning by the ultrasonic probe. The voxel data creating circuit creates voxel data based on ultrasonic tomographic image data from echo signals obtained by the ultrasonic probe and based on the position or orientation data determined by the detector.

Abstract: A sparse array that uses a small fraction of a fully populated array but yields a radiation pattern that is suitable for high quality medical imaging. The sparse array consists of two or more separate zones for transmitting and receiving as opposed to the overlapping arrays of the prior art. More specifically, a preferred embodiment sets forth an inner array of transmit elements with a narrow effective aperture and a separate non-overlapping outer array of receive elements with a wide effective aperture. The combination of asymmetric apertures is particularly useful for parallel processing applications. This abstract is provided as a tool for those searching for patents, and not as a limitation on the scope of the claims.

Abstract: A method of making a flexible elongate member includes the steps of providing a core wire having a proximal region and a distal region, attaching an electrical device to the distal region of the core wire, the electrical device being electrically connected to at least one electrical conductor. A substantially cylindrical electrical connector is formed from a substrate having a first edge and a second edge, the first edge and the second edge of the substrate being bonded substantially flush to each other, the electrical connector including a plurality of conductive bands and a plurality of electrically conductive runners interconnected to the plurality of bands. An electrically conductive bond is formed between the electrical conductors and the plurality of electrically conductive runners. The substantially cylindrical electrical connector is attached to the proximal region of the core wire.

Abstract: A circumferential ablation catheter is provided that is particularly useful for ablating a circumferential region of tissue in a tubular region of or near the heart, such as a pulmonary vein. The catheter comprises an elongated tubular catheter body having an outer wall, proximal and distal ends, and a lumen extending therethrough. The catheter also comprises a generally tubular inner support member having proximal and distal ends and a lumen extending therethrough. A proximal portion of the inner support member extends into the lumen of the catheter body, and a distal portion of the inner support member extends outside the catheter body. A circumferential ablation element, such as an ultrasound transducer, is mounted on the distal portion of the inner support member outside the catheter body. A moveable tube extends through the lumen of the inner support member and through the catheter body.

Abstract: Apparatus for mapping a surface of a cavity within a body of a subject includes an elongate probe, having a longitudinal axis and including a distal portion adapted for insertion into the cavity. A primary acoustic transducer on the distal portion of the probe is adapted to emit acoustic waves while the probe is in the cavity. A plurality of secondary acoustic transducers, distributed along the longitudinal axis over the distal portion of the probe, are adapted to receive the acoustic waves after reflection of the waves from the surface of the cavity and to generate, responsive to the received waves, electrical signals indicative of times of flight of the waves.

Abstract: The invention is a transvaginal ultrasound probe having an attached echogenic needle that is useful in the treatment of uterine fibroids. The echogenic needle has an echogenic surface near its tip that allows the physician to visualize its location using ultrasound imaging. In one embodiment, the needle has an active electrode at its distal end. The active electrode supplies radio frequency energy to a fibroids causing necrosis of the targeted fibroid or by destroying the fibroid's vascular supply. The radio frequency needle preferably has a safety device that shuts-off energy if the needle punctures the uterine wall. In a second embodiment, the needle has a cryogen supply tube and cryogen supply. This embodiment destroys fibroid tissue by freezing it or its vascular supply when the tissue comes in contact with the needle's frozen distal end. The invention further includes the method of using the ultrasound probe with the attached needle.

Abstract: A method and device for detecting opening of a passage in a bodily cavity, the device including an electric signal source; a first transducer for converting an electric signal from the electric signal source into an acoustic signal; a second transducer for reception of the acoustic signal; and where the first and the second transducer are placed on respective opposite sides of the obstruction in the cavity. In the method an acoustic signal is supplied at one side of the obstruction and received at the other side of the obstruction, when the passage is open.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes one transmitting coil arranged in the longitudinal direction of an endoscope inserting portion in an ultrasonic endoscope, and another transmitting coil for detecting the position and the direction, which detects the position and the direction of a tomographic plane when forming a tomogram at a distal end portion of an inserting portion by an ultrasonic vibrator. A coil energizing signal is applied to both the transmitting coils so as to generate a magnetic field. The magnetic field is detected by receiving coils. A position and direction calculating circuit detects positional data of the one transmitting coil and positional and directional data of the other transmitting coil. The calculated data is transmitted to an auxiliary-image forming circuit which forms an image of an inserting shape and an auxiliary image indicating the position and the direction of the tomographic plane.

Abstract: A transesophageal ultrasound probe for imaging internal structures via an imaging element located on the distal end of a rotating endoscope shaft. The probe includes a rotating endoscope having an imaging element mounted on the distal end of the rotating endoscope shaft. The probe also includes a control handle for controlling the imaging controls and a rotation tube that extends through the rotating endoscope shaft and into the control handle. The rotating shaft rotates relative to, and independently of, the control handle. Preferably, the rotating shaft is rotated via a rotation control wheel. The rotation control wheel is fastened or bonded to the rotating tube so that manual rotation of the control wheel causes the rotation tube to rotate, and therefore, the rotating shaft to rotate. Because the rotating endoscope shaft rotates, an imaging element located on, or within, the rotating shaft also rotates.

Abstract: A surgery dedicated ultrasound system is described. The system is used for imaging and/or guidance and/or controlling purposes. The surgeon uses and controls the system and accesses the information obtained and processed through the system while performing surgery.

Abstract: A method and system measure the instantaneous volume of blood contained within a chamber of a heart, irrespective of its shape, whereby stroke volume and cardiac output volume can be continuously monitored and feedback to a non-blood contacting cardiac assist device. In a preferred form the device uses the distances between the sensors which are implanted in a biomaterial that integrates with a heart surface to determine changes in heart volume. Sonomicrometry crystal measurements are disclosed as a preferred mode of obtaining distance readings. A computer readable medium carries instructions to convert data from dimension sensors into sensor positions within a predetermined coordinate system. Ventricular volume is based on the sensor positions.

Abstract: A device for introduction into an animal or human body, especially into an artery. The device is preferably positioned in an aneurysmal sac in an artery between the wall of the artery and the wall of an endoprosthesis. The device has at least a pressure sensor and transducer for wirelessly transmitting data available from the pressure sensor.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method of using an ultrasonic probe with a pharmacological agent to enhance an occlusion treating effect of the ultrasonic probe to effectively remove an occlusion. The pharmacological agent is released through a catheter to treat the occlusion and enhance an effect of a transverse ultrasonic vibration of the ultrasonic probe to effectively remove the occlusion. The pharmacological agent continues to travel downstream of the site of the occlusion and work in conjunction with the ultrasonic probe to reduce the occlusion to a size that can easily be removed from the body naturally in order to prevent reformation of the occlusion and other health risks.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging catheter comprises a catheter body having a distal region and proximal region. The distal region has a reduced cross-sectional area compared to that of the proximal region, and the proximal region includes at least two lumens therethrough for accommodating a movable guidewire and a rotatable working element, respectively. The catheter body may be inserted over the movable guidewire, with the guidewire passing through a lumen in the distal region and the guidewire lumen in the proximal region. After positioning the catheter body, the guidewire can be retracted from the distal region and into the proximal region, leaving the lumen in the distal region available for the rotatable working element. Such a construction allows over-the-wire imaging of the catheter while minimizing the width of the catheter in the dital region which remains available for placement of the working element.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating gastroesophageal reflex and other luminal conditions provide for delivering acoustic energy to a body lumen to remodel tissue surrounding the body lumen. In the case of treating GERD, a catheter carrying an ultrasonic or other vibrational transducer is introduced to the lower esophageal sphincter, and acoustic energy is delivered to the sphincter in order to tighten or bulk the sphincter such that reflex is reduced.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for localizing an ultrasound imaging transducer. The ultrasound imaging transducer is operated in a first resonant mode to transmit an ultrasound imaging signal. Image data is generated based on this transmitted ultrasound imaging signal. The ultrasound imaging transducer is also operated in a second resonant mode to transmit or receive an ultrasound positioning signal. The position of the imaging transducer can then be determined based on the transmitted or received ultrasound positioning signal.

Abstract: A device for use in placing a non-sterile sensor probe such as an ultrasound scanning transducer in a desired position within a patient. A flexible probe-receiving tube has a closed distal end so that a probe inserted within the tube through an open end located outside the patient is isolated from contact with the interior of the patient's body. The probe-receiving tube is attached to and extends alongside a chest drain tube which supports the probe-receiving tube in a location proximate an organ to be observed. An attached sterile sensor may be attached directly to an interior blood vessel, and sensors such as an ultrasonic sensor, a light emitting sensor, or a multi-function combination sensor may be used in the probe-receiving tube.

Abstract: Apparatus for mapping a surface of a cavity within a body of a subject includes an elongate probe, having a longitudinal axis and including a distal portion adapted for insertion into the cavity. A plurality of acoustic transducers are distributed along the longitudinal axis over the distal portion of the probe, which transducers are adapted to be actuated individually to emit acoustic waves while the probe is in the cavity, and are further adapted to receive the acoustic waves after reflection of the waves from the surface of the cavity and to generate, responsive to the received waves, electrical signals indicative of times of flight of the waves.