Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of devices and methods for imaging the inside of a body part, such as a blood vessel. In particular embodiments, a catheter has a chamber within which is a transducer. A wire guide channel extends throughout the length of the catheter. The transducer is rotatable about the wire guide channel and the transducer is driven by a cable or other device that is connected to a motor which is located outside the catheter. In one form, a torque cable connects the transducer to the motor. In other embodiments, a pusher piece having a plurality of lumens is positioned in the catheter. Each of the lumens is sized to receive a cable, wire, and/or flushing fluid. The lumens maintain the orientation and separation of the cables, wires, and/or to flushing fluid.

Abstract: An intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) device that includes a flexible elongate member having a proximal portion and a distal portion; a controller coupled to the distal portion of the flexible elongate member; an ultrasound transducer disposed at the distal portion of the flexible elongate member and in communication with the controller; a pressure transducer disposed at the distal portion of the flexible elongate member and in communication with the controller; and plurality of conductors extending from the controller to the proximal portion of the catheter, at least one conductor of the plurality of conductors being configured to carry both the signals representing information captured by the ultrasound transducer and information captured by the pressure transducer.

Abstract: A medical device includes a sheath having a guide wire lumen allowing a guide wire to be inserted therein and an imaging core lumen configured to have an ultrasound transducer inserted therein that acquires image information inside a living body. The medical device includes a rotary shaft that is inserted into the imaging core lumen and is rotatable in order to transmit mechanical drive force to the ultrasound transducer. In the sheath, a circular portion having a constant radii of curvature of the imaging core lumen is formed on a side separated from the guide wire lumen, and a non-circular portion having distances from the center point of the circular portion to the inner surface of the imaging core lumen non-uniform and longer than the radius of the circular portion is formed in at least a part of a side close to the guide wire lumen.

Abstract: A method and system for automatic location of a target treatment structure, such as a pulmonary vein ostium, from an anatomical image. The method includes calculating a most likely path of blood flow through a pulmonary vein based on a cross-sectional area minimization technique and calculating pulmonary vein geometry as a function of length. For example, a pulmonary vein ostium may be located by analyzing a change in pulmonary vein dimensional size or other anatomical factors, such as absolute size. The method may also include determining tissue thickness at the pulmonary vein ostium or other treatment size for treatment dose optimization. The method may be an algorithm performed by a processing unit of a navigation system or other component of a medical system.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a cardiac mapping and model merging method including: generating a premature ventricular contraction (PVC) activation map of a heart based on a three-dimensional (3D) heart model and PVC electrocardiogram (ECG) data recording during PVC of the heart; generating a 3D internal surface model of the heart by triangulating point-by-point contact data collected during an electrophysiology (EP) procedure; merging the 3D activation map and the 3D internal surface model to form a PVC activation surface model; and pacing the heart at a first pacing location disposed in an area of earliest activation identified in PVC activation surface model.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are related to intravascular devices having improved rapid-exchange configurations and associated systems and methods. In some particular embodiments, the devices of the present disclosure include a reinforced rapid-exchange port, an offset rapid-exchange port, and/or combinations thereof. For example, in some implementations an intravascular imaging device is provided that includes a main catheter body; a rotational imaging element positioned within a lumen of the main catheter body; a distal portion extending from the main catheter body, the distal portion having a rapid-exchange port in communication with a guidewire lumen, the rapid-exchange port and the guidewire lumen sized and shaped to receive a guidewire; and at least one reinforcing element positioned adjacent to the rapid-exchange port.

Abstract: An intravascular imaging device is provided. In one embodiment, the intravascular imaging device includes a flexible elongate member sized and shaped for insertion into a vessel of a patient, the flexible elongate member having a proximal portion and a distal portion; an imaging assembly disposed at the distal portion of the flexible elongate member, the imaging assembly including: a flex circuit; a conductor extending along the flexible elongate member and in electrical communication with the flex circuit; and a support member around which the flex circuit is positioned, the support member including a conductive portion electrically coupled to the support member.

Abstract: Described examples include an integrated circuit having an analog-to-digital converter operable to receive an input signal derived from a light signal and convert the input signal to a digital received signal, the analog-to-digital converter operable to receive the input signal during at least one window. The integrated circuit further has a receiver operable to receive the digital received signal, the receiver operable to determine a distance estimate of an object from which the light signal is reflected based on the digital received signal. In an example, the window locations are chosen to correspond to the locations of maximum slope in the signal.

Abstract: An interchangeable tip for ultrasound probe housing includes: at least one ultrasound transducer constructed and configured to emit and receive ultrasound signals, at least one electrical contact of tip, each electrical contact of tip being constructed and configured to cooperate with an electrical connector, a tip connector constructed and configured to secure the interchangeable tip with an ultrasound probe housing.

Abstract: Intravascular imaging catheters are provided that include a distal sheath portion having a lumen that is configured to optionally receive a guidewire or an imaging assembly. The distal sheath portion may be configured to have dimensions such that when a guidewire is inserted through the lumen and extends through a distal exit port, the distal sheath portion may be employed as a microcatheter. External tissue may be imaged at a location at or near the distal end of the catheter, enabling, for example, the controlled imaging of a total occlusion, and the positioning of the distal end (and guidewire) within a true lumen associated with a total occlusion. A structural stop may be provided at or near the distal end of the distal sheath portion to prohibit extension of the imaging assembly out of the distal exit port, while permitting the extension of the guidewire through the distal exit port.

Abstract: An imaging system includes: a transceiver cell for generating a pressure wave and converting an external pressure wave into an electrical signal; and a control unit for controlling an operation of the transceiver cell. The transceiver cell includes: a substrate; at least one membrane suspending from the substrate; and a plurality of transducer elements mounted on the at least one membrane. Each of the plurality of transducer elements has a bottom electrode, a piezoelectric layer on bottom electrode, and at least one top electrode on the piezoelectric layer. Each of the plurality of transducer element generates a bending moment in response to applying an electrical potential across the bottom electrode and the at least one top electrode and develops an electrical charge in response to a bending moment due to the external pressure wave.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes an ultrasound probe and a display. The apparatus includes a power supply including at least one voltage converting circuit converting input voltage to a predetermined power voltage for output. The voltage converting circuit includes a coil and a switching element performing a switching operation for switching routes of current flowing in the coil in response to a predetermined switching control signal, and the voltage converting circuit outputs the power voltage through the repeated switching operations under supply of the input voltage. The power supply is provided with a plurality of coils, and the coils are disposed such that a leakage magnetic field in a vicinity of an aperture of at least one of the coils is partially negated by a leakage magnetic field from one or more of the other coils.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image display system which can simplify an operation of an operator for displaying images appropriate for diagnosis. An image display system according to the present invention includes a first obtaining unit configured to obtain first image data piece, a second obtaining unit configured to obtain a first meta-information piece regarding the first image data piece, a third obtaining unit configured to obtain a second image data piece, a fourth obtaining unit configured to obtain a second meta-information piece regarding the second image data piece, and a display control unit configured to determine a superimposition style corresponding to a combination of the first and second meta-information pieces based on the first and second meta-information pieces and display a superimposition image of the first and second image data pieces in the superimposition style on a display unit.

Abstract: Ablation apparatus such as a catheter carrying an ultrasonic ablation device including an ablation transducer and a balloon reflector structure for directing ultrasonic energy from the ablation transducer into a ring-like ablation region is provided with an imaging ultrasonic transducer mounted on an imaging probe which may be inserted into or through a passageway extending through the catheter and into or through the ablation device to image the ablation region or neighboring regions. Alternatively, the imaging transducer may be mounted within the balloon reflector structure or distal to this structure.

Abstract: An intravascular ultrasound imaging system comprises a catheter having an elongated body having a distal end and an imaging core arranged to be inserted into the elongated body. The imaging core is arranged to transmit ultrasonic energy pulses and to receive reflected ultrasonic energy pulses. The system further includes an imaging engine coupled to the imaging core and arranged to provide the imaging core with energy pulses to cause the imaging core to transmit the ultrasonic energy pulses. The energy pulses are arranged in repeated sequences and the energy pulses of each sequence have varying characteristics. The reflected pulses may be processed to provide a composite image of images resulting from each different characteristic.

Abstract: Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging devices, systems, and methods are provided. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) devices with robust, four-wire electrical interconnects. In some embodiments, an intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) device is provided. The IVUS device comprises: a catheter body; an ultrasound assembly coupled to a distal portion of the catheter body; and four conductors extending along a length of the catheter body, wherein a distal section of each of the four conductors has a flattened profile and wherein the flattened distal section of each of the four conductors is electrically coupled to a respective electrical contact of the ultrasound assembly. The ultrasound assembly can be a phased-array ultrasound assembly or a rotational ultrasound assembly.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an ultrasound diagnosis apparatus is configured to generate ultrasound image data of a subject through an ultrasound probe. The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes a specifying unit, a transmission/reception condition change unit, and an image generator. The specifying unit specifies a characteristic site, which is included in a scanning range related to the ultrasound image data and has specific acoustic characteristics, based on three-dimensional image data of the subject generated in advance. The transmission/reception condition change unit changes transmission/reception conditions of ultrasound waves based on the acoustic characteristics of the characteristic site. The image generator generates the ultrasound image data based on changed transmission/reception conditions.

Abstract: Intravascular systems, devices, and methods having a captively-held filling are provided. An intravascular imaging device can include a flexible elongate member including a lumen having a proximal portion and a distal portion; a drive cable disposed within the lumen such that an ultrasound transducer coupled to the drive cable is positioned within the distal portion of the lumen; and a filling captively held within at least the distal portion of the lumen and surrounding the ultrasound transducer, the filling facilitating transmission and receipt of ultrasound signals. A method of manufacturing an intravascular imaging device can include acquiring a flexible elongate member including a lumen; inserting a drive cable into the lumen, a rotational ultrasound transducer being coupled to the drive cable; inserting a filling that facilitates transmission and receipt of ultrasonic signals into the lumen such that the filling surrounds rotational ultrasound transducer; and sealing the filling within the lumen.

Abstract: A system for detecting blood velocity within a blood vessel includes a transducer array including a plurality of transducers. Each of the transducers includes a carrier substrate, at least one spacer extending upwardly from the substrate, a transducer element attached to the spacer such that the piezoelectric transducer is spaced apart from the substrate, and setting electrodes positioned on the upper surface of the substrate under the piezoelectric transducer. The system also includes a tilt control system that is configured to apply a bias voltage to the setting electrodes which causes the transducer element to pivot about a pivot axis between a first tilted position and a second tilted position.

Abstract: A transducer array (302) for an ultrasound imaging system (300) includes a row-column addressed 2-D array of transducer elements (304). The row-column addressed 2-D includes a first array of 1-D arrays of elements, a second array of 1-D arrays of elements, which is orthogonal to the first array, and a double-curved surface (306). In another aspect, an apparatus includes a transducer array with an array-wise addressable 2-D array with a curved surface. The 2-D array includes a set of 1-D column array elements and a set of 1-D row array elements. The apparatus further includes transmit circuitry (308) that conveys an excitation pulse to the transducer array, receive circuitry (308) that receives a signal indicative of an ultrasound echo from the transducer array, and a beamformer (314) that processes the received signal, generating ultrasound image data.

Abstract: An ultrasonic medical instrument is disclosed including a single medical ultrasonic blade having a proximal blade portion and a distal blade portion. The proximal blade portion has a first transverse area and the distal blade portion has a second transverse area. The second transverse area is smaller than the first transverse area. The distal blade portion includes at least two longitudinal vibration nodes and is more bendable than the proximal blade portion. A user-actuated articulated sheath surrounding at least a portion of the single medical ultrasonic blade comprises a plurality of support members, each of the support members extending inwardly from the user-actuated articulated sheath and contacting the distal blade portion at one of the at least two longitudinal vibration nodes such that articulation of the user-actuated articulated sheath causes the distal blade portion to articulate at the at least two longitudinal vibration nodes.

Abstract: The invention generally relates systems and methods to for producing an image from a rotational intravascular ultrasound device. A method can include alternately transmitting complementary Golay codes to a plurality of transducers in a intravascular ultrasound device; receiving echoes of the complementary codes from the transducers; performing pulse compression of the echoes that comprises weighting the received echoes and summing an odd number of weighted echoes, wherein a center echo is given a weighted value of 1.0 and weighted sums of its neighbors constitute complementary echoes of a Golay pair; and producing an image from the compressed echoes. A system can include a processor; and a plurality of beam modules coupled to the processor, each module comprising: a receiver for receiving a trigger signal from the processor; a complex programmable logic device programmed with a Golay code; a high voltage switching transmitter; and an ultrasound transducer.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a power source, a pulse generator, a light source, a guidewire, an optical fiber, and a connector. The pulse generator is in electrical communication with the power source. The pulse generator is also capable of generating an electric pulse. The light source is in electrical communication with the pulse generator in such a way that the light source turns on and off in response to the electric pulse received from the pulse generator. The guidewire includes a proximal end and a distal end. The optical fiber extends through the guidewire from the proximal end of the guidewire towards the distal end of the guidewire. The connector couples with the guidewire while allowing the light source to communicate with the optical fiber.

Abstract: In various examples, a system includes a steerable medical device including a handle including a longitudinal axis. An elongate shaft extends distally from the handle. The elongate shaft includes a distal tip and a lumen through the elongate shaft. At least four pullwires are disposed within the handle and extending to and anchored proximate the distal tip of the elongate shaft. At least two actuators are associated with the handle. The at least two actuators are operably coupled to the at least four pullwires with actuation of the first actuator causing tension in the first or second pullwire to deflect the distal tip in a first or second tip direction, respectively, and actuation of the second actuator causing tension in the third or fourth pullwire to deflect the distal tip in a third or fourth tip direction, respectively.

Abstract: Devices and methods for obtaining a real-time, three-dimensional image of a body part, particularly a blood vessel. A catheter has a chamber in its tip. The chamber contains an ultrasound transducer and reflector which generally face each other and rotate about a common axis. The transducer element on the transducer and the reflective face on the reflector are both tilted off-axis. The difference in angular velocity generally creates a phase shift between the transducer and the reflective face. The phase shift allows the transducer and the reflective face to actively scan a three-dimensional volume that is generally bounded interiorly by a hyperboloid and exteriorly by the effective range of the ultrasound beam. The transducer and reflector may rotate at constant speeds or nonconstant speeds as well in the same direction or in opposite directions.

Abstract: An ultrasound processing system includes an ultrasound interface, processing electronics, and display electronics. The ultrasound interface receives imaging information. The processing electronics are coupled to the ultrasound interface and configured to utilize the ultrasound imaging information to process an ultrasound scene for display. The processing electronics parse the scene into segments based on a plurality of automatically detected image characteristics and dynamically assign different processing parameters to different segments. Display electronics are coupled to the processing electronics and the processing electronics are configured to cause the display electronics to output the processed ultrasound scene.

Abstract: A method for improving visualization of at least a catheter in an organ of a patient, the method includes displaying a map of the organ, and at least a first visual marker overlaid on the map. A position, falling within the map, of a distal end of the catheter is received. Displayed on the map are (i) the distal end of the catheter in accordance with the received position, and (ii) instead of the first visual marker, at least a second visual marker, which increases visibility of at least one of the map and the distal end, relative to the first visual marker.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for providing real-time imaging of tissue sampling. An ultrasound probe is received with a first lumen of a catheter and a tissue sampling device is received with a second lumen of the catheter. The catheter is received within a working channel of a bronchoscope. The ultrasound probe is a radial ultrasound probe that generates real-time ultrasound images of the tissue sampling device and surrounding tissue.

Abstract: An opthalmological apparatus for the refractive correction of an eye comprises a light projector for projecting laser pulses on to a focal point in the interior of the eye in order to break down eye tissue. The apparatus further comprises a positioning module for positioning the focal point (F) at different starting points, and a scanning module for moving the focal point (F) starting from, in each case, one of the starting points in accordance with a scanning pattern for a treatment subarea (a), the scanning pattern and the starting points being defined such that in a number of treatment subareas (a) separated from one another by tissue bridges, the eye tissue is broken down.

Abstract: A method for convection-enhanced delivery (CED) of compounds and an apparatus for use with the method are provided. The apparatus, an ultrasound transducer cannula assembly (TCA) apparatus, can be used for the delivery of a compound to a target in the body such as a cells, tissue or organ in a healthy or diseased state. The ultrasound TCA apparatus comprises a transducer cannula assembly (TCA) and an ultrasound system to enhance penetration of molecules in the target. The ultrasound system may be portable and pocket-sized. The inclusion of ultrasound in the apparatus improves the distribution volume of material four to six times over a convection-enhanced delivery system without ultrasound. Since the targeting can be more focused, less compound is needed, thus lowering the potential for harmful effects to the host and host cells.

Abstract: A medical system employs a sensing coil that includes a flexible core containing a magnetically permeable material and an electrical conductor wound around the flexible core. The electrical conductor may be wound in a manner that permits use of the sensing coil in a range of configurations from straight to bent with a minimum radius of curvature.

Abstract: A surgical instrument navigation system is provided that visually simulates a virtual volumetric scene of a body cavity of a patient from a point of view of a surgical instrument residing in the cavity of the patient. The surgical instrument navigation system includes: a surgical instrument; an imaging device which is operable to capture scan data representative of an internal region of interest within a given patient; a tracking subsystem that employs electro-magnetic sensing to capture in real-time position data indicative of the position of the surgical instrument; a data processor which is operable to render a volumetric perspective image of the internal region of interest from a point of view of the surgical instrument; and a display which is operable to display the volumetric perspective image of the patient.

Abstract: An intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) device includes a catheter body having a proximal portion and an opposing distal portion; a transducer array disposed adjacent the distal portion, the transducer array having a plurality of transducers and each of the plurality of transducers having a maximum width, wherein the plurality of transducers are positioned circumferentially around the catheter body with a minimum spacing between adjacent transducers that is at least twice as large as the maximum width. A minimally invasive measuring device includes an elongate body configured for insertion in a patient, the elongate body having a proximal portion and an opposing distal portion; and a transducer array disposed adjacent the distal end, the transducer array having a plurality of transducers disposed circumferentially around the elongate body, the plurality of transducers comprising 3 to 16 transducers. A method of generating an intravascular measurement using an intravascular device is provided.

Abstract: A first signal processing apparatus, to which a first endoscope apparatus including a first image sensor is detachably attached and communicably connected with a second signal processing apparatus to which a second endoscope apparatus including a second image sensor is attached, the first signal processing apparatus being configured to process a first imaging signal generated by the first image sensor or a second image signal generated by the second image sensor, includes a control unit configured to control a process inside the first signal processing apparatus in accordance with communication with the second signal processing apparatus. The control unit processes the first imaging signal when a first command is received, and when a second command is received, the control unit controls the process inside the first signal processing apparatus to make the process of the second imaging signal to correspond to the second command.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the disclosure comprise an eye imaging system including an eye imaging apparatus and an eye imaging computing apparatus. The eye imaging apparatus can be configured to receive a plurality of images of the eye with a same field of view while each portion of the eye is illuminated time-sequentially. The image computing apparatus can comprise an image processing unit configured to combine the plurality of images into a composite image. Various embodiments of the disclosure comprise a syntactic image analyzing method. The syntactic image analyzing method can comprise aligning a plurality of images of an eye with a same field of view and combining the plurality of images into a composite image. The image analyzing method can further comprise analyzing each image by identifying a boundary line of a clear portion and gradually removing an unclear portion in each image.

Abstract: A method and a device for nondestructively detecting an elasticity of a viscoelastic medium are provided. The method includes: acquiring with an ultrasonic imaging probe an ultrasonic image of the viscoelastic medium; determining an area to detect the elasticity of the viscoelastic medium according to the ultrasonic image; driving the ultrasonic transducer probe with a low-frequency vibration by a vibrator so as to produce an elastic wave in the viscoelastic medium; producing an ultrasonic wave by the ultrasonic transducer probe, and transmitting the ultrasonic wave to the viscoelastic medium; collecting an ultrasonic echo; calculating an elastic parameter of the viscoelastic medium according to the collected ultrasonic echo.

Abstract: A method and a device for nondestructively detecting an elasticity of a viscoelastic medium are provided. The method includes: driving an ultrasonic transducer probe with a low-frequency vibration by a vibrator so as to produce an elastic wave in the viscoelastic medium; producing an ultrasonic wave by the ultrasonic transducer probe, and transmitting the ultrasonic wave to the viscoelastic medium; collecting an ultrasonic echo when the elastic wave is propagated in the viscoelastic medium and the ultrasonic transducer probe stops or almost stops vibrating; calculating an elastic parameter of the viscoelastic medium according to the collected ultrasonic echo.

Abstract: A method and a device for nondestructively detecting an elasticity of a viscoelastic medium are provided. The method includes: detecting a pressure applied to the viscoelastic medium by an ultrasonic transducer probe; in response to the pressure satisfying a predetermined condition, triggering detecting the elasticity of the viscoelastic medium; driving the ultrasonic transducer probe with a low-frequency vibration by a vibrator so as to produce an elastic wave in the viscoelastic medium; producing an ultrasonic wave by the ultrasonic transducer probe, and transmitting the ultrasonic wave to the viscoelastic medium; collecting an ultrasonic echo; calculating an elastic parameter of the viscoelastic medium according to the collected ultrasonic echo.

Abstract: Rotational intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging devices and systems are provided. The IVUS imaging devices include catheters having a rotating drive cable with a transducer disposed at a distal end thereof for imaging a bodily vessel of interest. In some embodiments, a lubricious coating is applied on the drive cable to promote uniform rotation of the drive cable and the transducer. In some embodiments, the drive cable is coated with a polymer layer to promote uniform rotation of the drive cable and the transducer. In some embodiments, radiopaque markers are affixed on the drive cable for accurate placement of the transducer within of the vessel and for accurate measurement of internal dimensions and lesion lengths within the body of the patient.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for catheterization through angionavigation, cardionavigation, or brain navigation to diagnose or treat diseased areas through direct imaging using tracking, such as radiofrequency, infrared, or ultrasound tracking, of the catheter through the patient's vascular anatomy. A steerable catheter with six degrees of freedom having at least a camera and fiber optic bundle, and one or more active or passive electromagnetic tracking sensors located on the catheter is guided through the vascular system under direct imaging. The direct imaging can be assisted with at least one of MRA imaging, CT angiography imaging, or 3DRA imaging as the roadmap acquired prior to or during 3D stereoangiovision. The system comprises RF transceivers to provide positioning information from the sensors, a processor executing navigation software to fuse the tracking information from the tracking sensors with the imaging roadmap, and a display to display the location of the catheter on the roadmap.

Abstract: A system and method for qualitative analysis of time progressive signals, comprising: a qualitative signal analysis module, comprising at least a processor, a memory, and a long term storage device; and an output processor module comprising at least a processor a memory and a network interface has been devised. The qualitative signal analysis module retrieves signal data over time and applies pre-programmed protocols to compare multiple aspects of the signal data to derive meaningful data. The output processor module encodes data generated by the qualitative signal analysis module for use in subsequent analytical steps such as further manipulation, classification or long term storage.

Abstract: Scissors including a pair of shanks with one end forming an upper shear blade and a lower shear blade and with the other end of the pair of shanks forming handles, the handles being opened and closed centered about a pivot where the shanks intersect and causing the upper shear blade and lower shear blade to open and close, and screw for loosely fastening the pivot with a degree of freedom so that the screws do not interfere with sliding of the blades when cutting an object, at least one of the upper shear blade and the lower shear blade being formed by an alloy having an elastic deformation ability of 0.2% or more.

Abstract: A variable-frequency light source is configured to emit a light beam and modulate a frequency of the light beam. A fiber optic cable is attached to the variable frequency light source. The fiber optic cable is configured to receive the light beam at an inlet and pass the light beam to an exit. Multiple optical detectors are attached to the fiber optic cable. Each of the optical detectors is configured to detect a specified frequency of light that is backscattered through the fiber optic cable. An actuation mechanism is attached to the fiber optic cable. The actuation mechanism is configured to deform the fiber optic cable in response to a stimulus.

Abstract: Systems and methods for relaying electrical signals representing acoustic response of a volume of tissue to light and ultrasound stimulation. In an embodiment, a plurality of ultrasound transducers receive acoustic energy from the volume and generate electrical energy, which is transmitted via an electrical path to a relay system. The ultrasound transducers are operated at a wide band frequency of at least 1 MHz to 5 MHz to receive acoustic energy from the volume of tissue responsive to light stimulation and at a narrower band frequency to receive acoustic energy from the volume of tissue responsive to acoustic stimulation. The relay system relays the electrical signals to an optoacoustic system or an ultrasound instrument for further processing depending on whether the electrical signals resulted from ultrasound or light stimulation. In an embodiment, optoacoustic, ultrasound, or other images are generated from the electrical signals and may be coregistered, overlayed, or displayed.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices, systems, and methods for determining the dipole densities on heart walls. In particular, a triangularization of the heart wall is performed in which the dipole density of each of multiple regions correlate to the potential measured at various located within the associated chamber of the heart. To create a database of dipole densities, mapping information recorded by multiple electrodes located on one or more catheters and anatomical information is used. In addition, skin electrodes may be implemented. Additionally, one or more ultrasound elements are provided, such as on a clamp assembly or integral to a mapping electrode, to produce real time images of device components and surrounding structures.

Abstract: A method of making a superelastic medical device with a radiopaque marker includes threading a radiopaque marker having an elongated shape over a wire comprising a shape memory alloy. After the threading, the wire is secured in a predetermined configuration to a mandrel. While secured to the mandrel, the wire is heat set in an environment comprising an inert gas so as to impart a memory of the predetermined configuration to the wire and superelastic properties to the shape memory alloy. A superelastic medical device including the radiopaque marker is thus formed.

Abstract: A device for thrombolytic therapy is provided. The device includes an elongate catheter with a distal end portion and a proximal end portion and a first lumen extending through both distal and proximal end portions. The distal end portion of the catheter includes an echogenic tubular potion that defines or surrounds a portion of the first lumen. An expandable balloon coaxially surrounds the tubular portion. The tubular portion additionally includes a plurality of indentations defined upon an outer surface thereof.

Abstract: A probe tip assembly for receiving at least a portion of an ultrasound probe therein includes a body having a proximal end and an opposing distal end. A first opening may be located at the proximal end of the body. The first opening may be sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of the probe therein. A second opening may be proximate the distal end of the body. A membrane may cover the second opening.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe including a housing, a head part provided on the housing so as to enable expansion and contraction, an array provided in the housing and having one or more transducers, a rotary part provided at a rear surface of the array to rotate the array, a pressing part configured to expand the head part by applying pressure to the head part, and a control part, when the head part is inserted into a target object, configured to allow the array to control the pressing part such that the head part is expanded, and allow the array to be rotated in the expanded head part, by controlling the rotary part, thereby relieving pain involved with insertion of the ultrasound probe.

Abstract: Described are embodiments of devices and methods for imaging a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. In particular embodiments, the catheter has a chamber within which is a transducer mounted to a pivot mechanism. A coil provides a pivot force to the transducer. A magnet is attached to the transducer and is receptive of a torque applied by a magnetic field produced by energizing of the coil. A driving mechanism receives an impact from the pivot member and causes the pivot mechanism to rotate about a rotation axis.