Abstract: A method for intravascular image processing carries out steps of acquiring intravascular data of a portion of a lumen, determining a region of interest based on characteristics of the acquired data, determining an angle (orientation) for displaying an initial longitudinal view of the portion of the lumen based on the determined region of interest, and displaying the initial longitudinal view based on the determined angle and displaying a tomographic view of the portion of the lumen.

Abstract: Imaging devices, systems, and methods are provided. Some embodiments of the present disclosure are particularly directed to imaging a region of interest in tissue with photoacoustic and ultrasound modalities. In some embodiments, a medical sensing system includes one or more external optical emitters and a measurement apparatus configured to be placed within a vascular pathway. The one or more optical emitters and the measurement apparatus may be moved together synchronously. The measurement apparatus may be configured to receive sound waves created by the interaction between emitted optical pulses and tissue, and transmit and receive ultrasound signals. The medical sensing system may also include a processing engine operable to produce images of the region of interest and a display configured to visually display the image of the region of interest.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system in which the system applies a scaling factor between user input from a user input device and corresponding movements of the robotic manipulator. Scaling factors may be applied or adjusted based on detected conditions such as the type of instrument being manipulated, detected distance between multiple instruments being manipulated, user biometric parameters.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a body assembly, a shaft, an acoustic waveguide, an articulation section, an end effector, an articulation drive assembly, and a locking feature. The shaft extends distally from the body assembly. The waveguide comprises a flexible portion. The articulation drive assembly is operable to drive articulation of the articulation section to thereby deflect the end effector from the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The articulation drive assembly comprises an actuator. The actuator is movable relative to the body assembly to drive articulation of the articulation section. The locking feature is in communication with the actuator. The locking feature is movable between an unlocked state and a locked state. The locking feature is configured to permit movement of the actuator relative to the body assembly in the unlocked state. The locking feature is configured to prevent movement of the actuator relative to the body assembly in the locked state.

Abstract: An intraluminal imaging device is provided. In one embodiment, the imaging device includes a flexible elongate member that may be inserted into a body lumen within a patient. The flexible elongate member may define a longitudinal axis. The imaging device also has an imaging assembly that is disposed at a distal portion of the flexible elongate member. The imaging assembly may have a plurality of ultrasound transducer elements disposed around the longitudinal axis. The imaging assembly further includes a first integrated circuit controller in communication with the plurality of ultrasound transducer elements. The first integrated circuit controller may be annularly shaped. In some embodiments, the imaging assembly may include a second integrated circuit controller in communication with the ultrasound transducer elements and the first integrated circuit controller. The second integrated circuit controller may be annularly shaped.

Abstract: A catheter for canceling magnetic interference is disclosed. The catheter includes a catheter shaft having a distal end with sensors and a handle with electronics and non-magnetic sensors. Inside the catheter shaft is at least one flexible substrate having conductive traces. Another flexible substrate is wrapped around a component in the catheter shaft. The catheter further includes a plurality of connectors. A first connector connects the sensors to one end of the at least one flexible substrate. A third connector connects the non-magnetic sensors to one end of the other flexible substrate. A second connector and a fourth connector both connect the electronics to another end of the at least one flexible substrate.

Abstract: A system and method for performing ultrasound scans is provided. One embodiment of the ultrasonagraphic system acquires sonogram information from a series of ultrasonic scans of a human subject. The series of ultrasound scans are taken over a portion of interest on the human subject which has their underlying bone structure or other ultrasound discernable organ that is under examination. The data from the series of scans are synthesized into a single data file that corresponds to a three-dimensional (3D) image and/or 3D model of the underlying bone structure or organ of the examined human subject.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an ultrasonic imaging method and apparatus. The apparatus includes an ultrasonic signal emission source and a receiving array including ultrasonic signal receiving circuits; the method includes: turning on the source to perform emission of ultrasonic waves toward an object to be detected and causing the ultrasonic waves to propagate through the object, a depth-wise direction of which is along a propagation direction of the ultrasonic waves; after a first predetermined time period having elapsed since the source was turned on, turning on the receiving array to receive reflected echoes returning from a first section plane of the object to be detected perpendicular to the depth-wise direction; thereafter, turning off the receiving array, storing the reflected echoes by the ultrasonic signal receiving circuits and acquiring reflected echo signals, and successively reading the reflected echo signals from the ultrasonic signal receiving circuits during a reading time period.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods, compositions, devices and systems for determining the status of, or treating, a body structure or conduit. An embodiment of the invention comprises a fluid pressure control device for pressure control of fluid introduced into a body structure or conduit.

Abstract: A power and data coupling device for medical sensors comprises a first conductive surface integrated into a medical device and configured to couple via an electric field with a second conductive surface. The second conductive surface is translatable with respect to the first conductive surface. Additionally, the first conductive surface is connected to a power source for providing power, through the electric field, to the second conductive surface. The first conductive surface also radiates a time-varying electric field that is configured to convey power to the second conductive surface. Further, the first conductive surface is connected to a pick-up that is configured to receive signals from the second conductive surface.

Abstract: A device for manipulating tissue at a vessel includes an elongated member having a proximal end and a distal end, a guide member at the distal end of the elongated member, the guide member having a blunt distal tip for engagement against an interior wall of the vessel, and a tissue cutting device at the distal end of the elongated member, wherein the tissue cutting device has a sharp tip that is proximal to the blunt distal tip of the guide member.

Abstract: An assembly for receiving a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) probe comprising a probe shaft having a length can comprise a cover defining an opening at a proximal end and a receiving space in communication with the opening, the receiving space having a length in a longitudinal dimension that is sufficient to receive the length of the probe shaft. A gel capsule can be positioned within the receiving space of the cover. The gel capsule can define a proximal opening and an interior in communication with the proximal opening. The interior of the gel capsule can contain a quantity of gel. Within a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension, the interior can have a cross sectional area that is sufficient to receive a distal end of the probe shaft with a clearance to permit contact between the gel within the capsule and an exterior surface of the probe shaft.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system in which the system applies a scaling factor between user input from a user input device and corresponding movements of the robotic manipulator. Scaling factors may be applied or adjusted based on detected conditions such as user biometric or physiologic parameters.

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: 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: The invention refers to an ultrasonic endoscope comprising an endoscope head body that is disposed on a distal side of an insertion portion of the ultrasonic endoscope and is provided with an Albarran lever chamber which is open continuously at an end portion and a side surface of the endoscope head body; a convex-shaped ultrasonic head that is disposed at the end portion of the endoscope head body and capable of transmitting and receiving ultrasonic signals in a lateral viewing direction corresponding to the side surface of the endoscope head body; and an Albarran lever that is disposed in the Albarran lever chamber and pivotally fixed to be rotatable.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system in which the system applies a scaling factor between user input from a user input device and corresponding movements of the robotic manipulator. Scaling factors may be applied or adjusted based on detected conditions such as the type of instrument being manipulated, detected distance between multiple instruments being manipulated, user biometric parameters.

Abstract: An endoscope head or endoscope head attachment for retrofitting a generally known endoscope having an existing internal endoscope head has at least one individual optical unit for image transmission; a lighting source; and a working channel for guiding tools and/or for media to flow through. In addition, the endoscope head or attachment has an internal pivoting device which is designed to pivot at least one section of the endoscope head or attachment from a prograde orientation into a lateral or a retrograde orientation. The optical unit and the working channel of the endoscope head or attachment are coupled directly or indirectly to the pivoting device, so that they can be pivoted together with the latter.

Abstract: According to some aspects, there is provided a device configured to determine a measure of brain tissue motion in a brain, comprising: at least one transducer configured to transmit an acoustic signal to at least one region of the brain and receive a subsequent acoustic signal from the at least one region of the brain; and at least one processor configured to: determine the measure of brain tissue motion in the at least one region of the brain by processing the subsequent acoustic signal, wherein processing the subsequent acoustic signal comprises filtering the subsequent acoustic signal. Filtering the subsequent acoustic signal may comprise one of spatiotemporal filtering, signal decomposition, tissue tracking, and/or spectral clustering.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for determining a three-dimensional directedness-determined motion are provided, including a forward-backward directedness, characterizing the motion of a movable ultrasound probe (10) during acquisition of an ultrasound image of a volume portion (2) by the ultrasound probe. The method comprises determining, by a machine-learning module (50), a motion indicator (60) indicating a three-dimensional motion between the ultrasound image frames (22); and determining, by a directedness-determining system (56), a directedness indicator (66) of the three-dimensional motion between the ultrasound image frames (22). The method further comprises determining a directedness-determined motion indicator (96) indicating the three-dimensional directedness-determined motion, including a determined the forward-backward directedness of the motion, between the ultrasound image frames (22) from the motion indicator (60) and the directedness indicator (66).

Abstract: A stylet for use in guiding a catheter to a predetermined location within the body of a patient includes a continuous core member for transmitting an electrical signal from a distal section of the stylet to a proximal end. The stylet includes a differing stiffness profile along its length. The differing stiffness characteristics are achieved by varying the number of strands of a wire, the diameter of each individual strand, twisting or braiding the strands, or varying the number of turns per unit length of the twisted strands. The stiffness of the stylet may decrease intermittently or continuously from the proximal end to the distal section. By using multiple strands bundled together, the beneficial conductive and, optionally, magnetic properties can be maximized while at the same time the stiffness characteristics can be modified.

Abstract: The present invention relates to determining the rotation of an interventional device in an ultrasound field. An interventional device is provided that is suitable for being tracked in an ultrasound beam of a beamforming ultrasound imaging system by correlating transmitted ultrasound signals from the beamforming ultrasound imaging system as detected by ultrasound receivers attached to the interventional device with the beamforming beam sequence of the ultrasound signals. The interventional device includes a longitudinal axis (A-A?), a first linear sensor array (12) comprising a plurality of ultrasound receivers (R1 . . . n) wherein each ultrasound receiver has a length (L) and a width (W), and wherein the array extends along the width (W) direction. Moreover the first linear sensor array (12) is wrapped circumferentially around the interventional device with respect to the axis (A-A?) such that the length (L) of each ultrasound receiver is arranged lengthwise with respect to the axis (A-A?).

Abstract: An imaging catheter assembly is provided. In one embodiment, the imaging catheter assembly includes a flexible elongate member comprising a distal portion and a proximal portion; a tip member coupled to a distal end of the distal portion of the flexible elongate member, wherein the tip member includes a tubular body comprising a closed distal end, an opened proximal end, and a proximal curved top outer wall extending from the proximal opened end and tapering into a distal flat top outer wall towards the closed distal end; and an imaging component mounted within the tip member. In one embodiment, the imaging catheter assembly includes a flexible elongate member; a tip member coupled to a distal end of the flexible elongate member, wherein the tip member includes a cylindrical body and a uniform outer diameter; and an imaging component mounted within the tip member.

Abstract: One or more devices, systems, methods, and storage mediums for optical imaging medical devices, such as, but not limited to, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), single mode OCT, and/or multi-modal OCT apparatuses and systems, and methods and storage mediums for use with same, for triggering auto-pullback, including for devices or systems using blood clearing, are provided herein. Examples of applications include imaging, evaluating and diagnosing biological objects, such as, but not limited to, for Gastro-intestinal, cardio and/or ophthalmic applications, and being obtained via one or more optical instruments, such as, but not limited to, optical probes, catheters, capsules and needles (e.g., a biopsy needle). Techniques provided herein also improve processing and imaging efficiency while achieving images that are more precise.

Abstract: An intraluminal imaging device includes a flexible elongate member sized and shaped for insertion into a vessel of a patient, the flexible elongate member including a proximal portion and a distal portion; an imaging assembly positioned at the distal portion of the flexible elongate member; and a bridge member at electrical ground and in contact with at least a portion of the imaging assembly to maintain the at least portion of the imaging assembly at electrical ground, wherein the bridge member is disposed in cylindrical configuration. Associated devices, systems, and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for displaying a 3D model of a patient in a 3D scene, each voxel of the displayed 3D model being associated to a respective pixel of at least one corresponding cross-sectional image of the patient, the 3D scene further including a cursor and at least one display window. The method includes the steps of: computing a current position of the cursor in a scene coordinate system of the 3D scene based on a current position of a user point in user coordinate system; and for each active display window of the at least one display window, displaying a displayed image based on the cross-sectional image, which includes a pixel associated to the voxel that is the closest to the computed current position of the cursor and which has a corresponding image cross-section plane that matches a window cross-section plane of the active display window.

Abstract: A distributed fiber-optic acoustic sensing system and a signal processing method. The distributed fiber-optic acoustic sensing system is based on a high spatial resolution distributed fiber-optic acoustic sensor. The interval between adjacent sensing units is centimeter or millimeter level. Through specific digital signal processing, signal enhancement can be realized, noise in the system and environment are suppressed, at the same time, problems such as interference fading is solved, and the sensor signal-to-noise ratio of subunits can be increased by two to three orders of magnitude. Each subunit can serve as an independent high-sensitivity sensor for sensing. The multiple subunits can form one or more new sensor arrays. The azimuth estimation and spatial orientation of signal sources can be realized by the array signal processing method.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a new concept of fusion imaging device for simultaneously providing anatomical information and functional/biochemical information of human bodies, to accurately localize lesions in the pre-operative process and measure in real time, thereby ensuring the stability of patients with lower radiation doses than the existing fusion imaging devices such as positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/CT, and includes: a transducer to transmit and receive an ultrasound; a matching layer positioned on top of the transducer to reduce a difference in acoustic resistance between the transducer and an affected part, to support an ultrasound beam to be smoothly transmitted into tissues and a reflected beam to be received with high sensitivity; a backing member to absorb the ultrasound on an opposite side of the affected part with respect to the transducer; and a scintillator to detect gamma rays which are radiation, wherei

Abstract: Surgical systems are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical system includes first and second port devices, that are each configured to be at least partially disposed within a body. The first port device includes a first housing defining a first plurality of ports each configured to allow a respective instrument of a first set of instruments to be inserted therethrough. The first port device is configured to interact with at least one respective instrument that is inserted through its respective port. The second port device is configured to interact with at least one respective instrument that is inserted through its respective port. The first and second port devices are each configured to allow at least a portion of the first set of instruments and at least a portion of the second set of instruments to work cooperatively together. Methods for using the same are also provided.

Abstract: An invasive medical device assembly includes an invasive medical device and a hub housing configured to surround a portion of the invasive medical device. The invasive medical device may be a needle or other invasive medical device, and the hub housing may be configured to surround a hub of the invasive medical device. In one aspect, the invasive medical device may include a transducer. The hub housing can include at least one integrated circuit embedded therein that is configured to contact the external surface of the needle to electrically connect the transducer to a power source. The hub housing can be configured to provide an ergonomic handle for a user.

Abstract: Flexible catheters adapted to be inserted into a body to deliver high-voltage, fast (e.g., microsecond, sub-microsecond, nanosecond, picosecond, etc.) electrical energy to target tissue may include a plurality of conductive layers, that may be coaxial. These catheters and method of using them to treat tissue are configured to reduce or avoid arcing.

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: For intraluminal ultrasound probes, the transducer is divided into multiple segments. The segments are connected in a way that allows them to slide relative to each other. This sliding arrangement allows for the transducer to be used in two different apertures at different times while in the patient. One aperture is shaped for insertion of the probe through a limited space, and the other aperture forms an array with a larger elevation extent, allowing greater quality imaging along the elevation dimension.

Abstract: The current disclosure provides methods and systems for navigating among display panels and graphical elements of a user interface of a medical imaging system via controls of a handheld imaging device. In one embodiment, the current disclosure provides for a method comprising, in response to an operator of the medical imaging system adjusting one or more controls arranged on a control handle of a handheld ultrasound device of the medical imaging system, adjusting a focus of a user interface (UI) of the medical imaging system among a plurality of graphical control elements displayed in the UI; and in response to the operator selecting a graphical control element of the plurality of graphical control elements at a location of the focus of the UI via the one or more controls, executing an action of the medical imaging system associated with the selected graphical control element.

Abstract: A method and system for ultrasonic fluid spectral Doppler imaging are disclosed. The system comprises: a transmission circuit for transmitting an ultrasonic beam to a detection object; a receiving circuit and a beam synthesis module for receiving an echo of the ultrasonic beam and obtaining an ultrasonic echo signal; an image processing module for obtaining an ultrasonic fluid flow state image of a region of interest in the detection object according to the ultrasonic echo signal, identifying a sampling position in the region of interest, respectively obtaining a Doppler spectrogram corresponding to each sampling position according to the ultrasonic echo signal, and generating position displaying marks for characterizing the sampling positions; and a display for displaying the position displaying marks in the ultrasonic fluid flow state image, and displaying the obtained Doppler spectrogram. The system may simultaneously display spectra of multiple locations on a same time axis.

Abstract: A method of forming a stimulation lead includes forming an implantable lead body, including helically winding at least one cable about a mandrel to form a coiled cable assembly in a first, restrained state. Helically winding the at least one cable includes applying a tensile force to the at least one cable as the at least one cable is wound about the mandrel. Forming the lead body also includes releasing the tensile force from the at least one cable to allow the coiled cable assembly to release stored mechanical energy and transition from the restrained state to a second, relaxed state in which the coiled cable assembly is substantially free of stored mechanical energy. The method further includes subjecting the lead body to a reflow process by applying heat to the lead body, where the tensile force is released prior to the lead body being subjected to the reflow process.

Abstract: A system for deploying needles in tissue includes a controller and a visual display. A treatment probe has both a needle and tines deployable from the needle which may be advanced into the tissue. The treatment probe also has adjustable stops which control the deployed positions of both the needle and the tines. The adjustable stops are coupled to the controller so that the virtual treatment and safety boundaries resulting from the treatment can be presented on the visual display prior to actual deployment of the system.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for using widely available ultrasound imaging to overcome the limitations of imaging guidewires and other small objects that may be subwavelength in size relative to an ultrasound wavelength. The system and method can reduce the use of X-rays and exposure to the dangerous effects of radiation and avoids the expense of MRI technology. The subwavelength object, such as a guidewire, can be detected using several methods and associated systems described herein, including the object changing positions at a frequency that creates a brighter ultrasound image of the object as the object progresses across a scanned region of the ultrasound detector. In some embodiments, the movement of the small object causes a different speckle signature than the object itself would otherwise generate. Analysis of changes in speckle patterns due to progressive movement of an object can yield a detectable object.

Abstract: A reusable rotating ultrasound capsule for mounting to a distal end of a catheter. An exemplary device includes a motor compartment having a proximal face and a distal end. A sensor compartment includes a cap that seals with the motor compartment. A motor located within the motor compartment includes a drive component and a shaft rotatably coupled to the drive component and extending distally from the motor compartment into the sensor compartment. The shaft includes an ultrasound transducer. A plurality of electrical contacts are mounted on the proximal face. At least two of the electrical contacts are electrically coupled to the motor. A rotational electrical coupler includes a rotational component mechanically coupled to the shaft and electrically coupled to the ultrasound transducer and a stationary component mechanically coupled to the motor compartment and electrically coupled to one or more of the plurality of electrical contacts.

Abstract: A robotic catheter system includes a controller with a master input device. An instrument driver is in communication with the controller and has a guide instrument interface including a plurality of guide instrument drive elements responsive to control signals generated, at least in part, by the master input device. An elongate guide instrument has a base, distal end, and a working lumen, wherein the guide instrument base is operatively coupled to the guide instrument interface. The guide instrument includes a plurality of guide instrument control elements operatively coupled to respective guide drive elements and secured to the distal end of the guide instrument. The guide instrument control elements are axially moveable relative to the guide instrument such that movement of the guide instrument distal end may be controlled by the master input device.

Abstract: Methods, computer program products, and/or systems are provided that perform the following operations: setting a memory buffer having contiguous memory blocks; obtaining a decision tree comprising nodes including split nodes and leaf nodes, wherein each of the split nodes includes at least two child nodes that are ordered according to a likelihood of accessing a child node after each of the split nodes; mapping the nodes onto respective blocks of the memory blocks, each of the memory blocks storing attributes of a corresponding one of the nodes, wherein each of the split nodes and any child nodes of each split node are mapped onto successive blocks, wherein ordered child nodes of a same one of the split nodes are mapped onto successive blocks; executing the nodes by processing the attributes of the nodes as accessed from the memory according to an order of the memory blocks in the memory buffer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for electrically addressing multiple ultrasonic transducers that are connected to a common electrical channel and housed within an imaging probe. An imaging probe may comprise an imaging ultrasonic transducer and a moveable element for controlling the direction of an emitted imaging beam, and an angle sensing ultrasonic transducer, where the angle sensing ultrasonic transducer is configured for determining the direction of an ultrasonic imaging beam. The angle-sensing transducer may be configured to direct an angle sensing ultrasonic beam towards an acoustically reflective substrate and provide a signal by detecting a reflected ultrasonic beam reflected from the acoustically reflective substrate, where the acoustically reflective substrate is positioned relative to the movable element such that motion of the movable element produces a change in the signal.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system in which the system applies a scaling factor between user input from a user input device and corresponding movements of the robotic manipulator. Scaling factors may be applied or adjusted based on detected conditions such as the type of instrument being manipulated, detected distance between multiple instruments being manipulated, user biometric parameters.

Abstract: A system and method for operating an ultrasonic treatment device includes generating an ultrasound electrical signal using an ultrasound signal generator; supplying the ultrasound electrical signal to an ultrasonic transducer to generate ultrasonic vibratory motion of an ultrasonic vibration transmission member; monitoring an electrical characteristic associated with the ultrasonic transducer; processing the monitored electrical characteristic to determine at least one of a type of material encountered by a distal end of the ultrasonic vibration transmission member and a type of vascular pathway that the ultrasonic catheter is traversing; and controlling at least one of a modulation frequency and a waveform of the ultrasound electrical signal based on the determined at least one of the type material encountered by the distal end of the ultrasonic vibration transmission member and the type of vascular pathway that the ultrasonic catheter is traversing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for utilizing a hybrid transmitter in an ultrasound system. A system can include a hybrid transmitter configured to transmit ultrasound waves toward a subject area. The hybrid transmitter can comprise a linear transmitter configured to generate linear transmitter output and a switching transmitter configured to generate switching transmitter output. The hybrid transmitter can also comprise a summer configured to sum the linear transmitter output and the switching transmitter output to generate hybrid transmitter output for driving a transducer load to generate the ultrasound waves transmitted towards the subject area. The ultrasound system can also comprise a receiver configured to receive one or more ultrasound waves from the subject area in response to the ultrasound waves transmitted toward the subject area for generating ultrasound images of the subject area.

Abstract: A catheter and catheter system includes a first lumen and a second lumen adjacent to the first lumen. The catheter occupies an arc around the first lumen, wherein the arc is greater than 180° and less than 360°, thus creating a lengthwise opening to the first lumen. The catheter material surrounds the second lumen in a cross-sectional dimension. Prior to a procedure, a sampling device is introduced into the second lumen prior and the probe is snapped into the first lumen prior to insertion into an endoscope.

Abstract: A catheter and guide wire assembly (10) for measurement of blood pressure in a living body, comprising: a proximal tube (11) having a distal end and a proximal end; a distal tube (12) having a distal end and a proximal end, which is connected to the distal end of the proximal tube (11); a fluid-permeable coil (13) having a distal end and a proximal end, which is connected to the distal end of the distal tube (12); a distal tip (14), in which the distal end of the fluid-permeable coil (13) is secured; and a core wire (16), which is attached in the proximal tube (11) and which extends through a portion of the proximal tube (11), the distal tube (12) and the fluid-permeable coil (13), and is secured in the distal tip (14), wherein the distal end of the proximal tube (11) and the proximal end of the distal tube (12) are connected by a butt joint and wherein the core wire (16) is glued or brazed to the inner wall of the proximal tube (11) at or close to the butt joint.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes: a two-dimensional (2D) transducer array in which a plurality of transducers that transmit/receive an ultrasound signal to/from an object are arranged in two dimensions; an analog beamformer configured to perform analog beamforming in a first direction, and perform analog beamforming in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction on signals respectively received by the plurality of transducers; and a digital beamformer configured to perform digital beamforming on the signals that are analog-beamformed in the first direction, and perform digital beamforming on the signals that are analog-beamformed in the second direction.

Abstract: A microscope may receive a fiber optic connector via a connector adapter of the microscope, wherein the connector adapter includes an opening and a shaped reflective surface surrounding the opening. The microscope may align a ferrule of the fiber optic connector with the opening of the connector adapter of the microscope, wherein the ferrule includes a ferrule chamfer or a ferrule radius. The microscope may transmit direct light onto the shaped reflective surface and may receive reflected light from the ferrule chamfer or the ferrule radius and with a camera of the microscope.

Abstract: A transseptal system includes a needle, a guidewire, a handle, and a dilator. The handle defines a needle passage to slidably receive the needle, and a guidewire passage to slidably receive the guidewire. The dilator defines a lumen having a distal region and a proximal region. The dilator is coupled to the handle such that the lumen is open to the needle passage and the guidewire passage. The proximal region of the lumen is sized to simultaneously receive the needle body and the guidewire. The distal region is sized to slidably receive one of the needle and the guidewire on an individual basis. A transseptal puncture and access procedure can be performed, including puncturing tissue with the needle followed by immediate advancement of the guidewire into the accessed area, eliminating the need for multiple instrument exchanges during the procedure.