Abstract: An improved catheter is provided. The catheter may include a deflectable member located at a distal end of a catheter body. The deflectable member may comprise an ultrasound transducer array. The deflectable member may be interconnected to the catheter body by a live hinge. The catheter may include a lumen extending from a proximal end of the catheter body to the distal end. The lumen may be used to deliver an interventional device to a point distal to the distal end of the catheter body. The deflectable member may be selectively deflectable in a pivot-like manner through an arc of at least 90 degrees. In embodiments where the deflectable member includes an ultrasound transducer array, the ultrasound transducer array may be operable to image both when aligned with the catheter body and when pivoted relative to the catheter body.

Abstract: A medical tube includes a distal portion provided on one end side having a first outer diameter, a first inner diameter, and a first thickness; a proximal portion provided on the other end side having a second outer diameter greater than the first outer diameter, a second inner diameter greater than the first inner diameter, and a second thickness greater than the first thickness; and an intermediate portion provided between the distal portion and the proximal portion and having an outer diameter, an inner diameter, and a thickness which gradually vary. Thus, a medical tube is provided having improved operability and which reduces the likelihood of bending during an operation.

Abstract: An improved catheter is provided. The catheter may include a deflectable member located at a distal end of the catheter. The deflectable member may comprise an ultrasound transducer array. The catheter may include a lumen extending from a proximal end of the catheter to the distal end. The lumen may be used to deliver an interventional device to a point distal to the distal end of the catheter. The deflectable member may be selectively deflectable in a pivot-like manner through an arc of at least 90 degrees. In embodiments where the deflectable member includes an ultrasound transducer array, the ultrasound transducer array may be operable to image both when aligned with the catheter and when pivoted relative to the catheter. When pivoted relative to the catheter, the ultrasound transducer array may have a field of view distal to the distal end of the catheter.

Abstract: A hand-operated intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) catheter is described for flexed and rotational steering is described for improved catheter operation, control and less trauma on patients. The disclosed catheter assembly includes ultrasound transducers mounted upon a rotatable tip mounted on a distal end of a flexible elongate shaft. A set of steering lines are controlled by a steering actuator to articulate bidirectionally a distal segment of the catheter. Another steering actuator controls rotation of a torque member that, in turn is coupled to the rotatable tip. A user, through the steering actuators, affects repositioning the ultrasonic transducers by repositioning exposed control surfaces of the steering actuators lengthwise along the housing of the handle.

Abstract: Surface selective photoacoustic (PA) medical imaging is introduced. Surface selective PA imaging is responsive to surface features and does not image sub-surface features, in contrast to conventional PA imaging. The surface PA signal can be considerably larger than the bulk PA signal, for an air-coupled (or gas-coupled) acoustic transducer. Distinguishing these two signals based on time of arrival at the transducer can further distinguish the two signals. This approach provides numerous advantages. Non-contact imaging simplifies and expedites imaging, and can serve as a replacement for visual inspection by physicians. Applications include skin screening and endoscopy.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an integrated therapeutic and imaging catheter. The catheter comprises an inner member defining a guidewire lumen, a radiopaque balloon assembly, a treatment device operatively associated with an outer sleeve of the balloon assembly, and an imaging device adjacent the balloon assembly. The balloon assembly comprises an inner sleeve surrounding the inner member and an outer sleeve surrounding the inner sleeve. The catheter includes a connection medium, wherein when the connection medium extends through the balloon it is disposed between the balloon inner sleeve and the inner member. The imaging device is disposed adjacent to the balloon assembly and is coupled to the connection medium.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus according to the present invention includes an insertion portion having a distal end portion and at least two channels; an optical observation system provided on one surface of the distal end portion so as to face an axial direction different from a direction of an insertion axis X of the insertion portion; a first channel opening provided on one surface of the distal end portion near the optical observation system; an ultrasound transducer array provided on the one surface of the distal end portion and having a scanning surface Z parallel to the insertion axis; and a second channel opening provided on a proximal end side of the ultrasound transducer array.

Abstract: A method for processing a sequence of ultrasound frames for display includes receiving a sequence of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) frames of a vessel having a lumen, the sequence including a first frame and a second frame; determining one or more texture features for each of one or more regions of the first frame; determining at least one flow feature for each of the one or more regions by comparing the first and second frames; deriving a lumen border for the first frame using the one or more texture features and the at least one flow feature to characterize the one or more regions as within or outside of the lumen of the vessel; and displaying an ultrasound image of the first frame with the lumen border.

Abstract: A medical imaging assembly includes an elongated catheter having a connector at the proximal end; an array of transducers on the distal end of the catheter; conductors electrically coupled to the array of transducers and in electrical communication with the connector of the catheter; and a control unit coupleable to the catheter to send and receive electrical signals between the control unit and the array of transducers through the connector of the catheter. The control unit has a processor to execute instructions including 1) selecting a first subset of M transmitting transducers and a second subset of N receiving transducers from the array of transducers, where N>M; and 2) for each of at least N transmit/receive cycles, a) directing the first subset of M transmitting transducers to transmit an acoustic signal; and b) directing the second subset of N receiving transducers to receive corresponding echo signals.

Abstract: A system for generating a diagnosis is disclosed herein. The system includes a controller, an electrocardiograph connected to the controller, and an ultrasound device connected to the controller. The electrocardiograph is configured to generate a diagnostic electrocardiogram. The controller is configured to generate a diagnosis based on data from the electrocardiograph or the ultrasound device.

Abstract: The present invention provides an imaging probe for imaging mammalian tissues and structures using high resolution imaging, including high frequency ultrasound and optical coherence tomography. The imaging probes structures using high resolution imaging use combined high frequency ultrasound (IVUS) and optical imaging methods such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) and to accurate co-registering of images obtained from ultrasound image signals and optical image, signals during scanning a region of interest.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to devices and methods that allow an operator to obtain real-time images of a luminal surface prior to, during, and after an intraluminal procedure, including while an intraluminal tool is engaged with the luminal surface. In one embodiment, an imaging system of the invention includes a guidewire comprising a first imaging element and a catheter comprising a second imaging element and a lumen that is configured to slidably receive at least a portion of the guidewire within. The first and second imaging elements are optical-to-acoustic transducers. The catheter is configured to move along a path of the guidewire to obtain real-time images within the lumen of a vessel and of the luminal surface.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to devices and methods that allow an operator to obtain real-time images of a luminal surface prior to, during, and after an intraluminal procedure, including while a tool is engaged with the luminal surface. An imaging system of the invention may include a first elongate member that includes a first imaging element and a catheter that includes a second imaging element. The first imaging element is an optical-to-acoustic transducer, and the second imaging element is an optical-to-acoustic transducer. The catheter also defines a lumen and includes an ablation element. The catheter is configured to receive at least a portion of the elongate member within the lumen and is configured to move along a path of the elongate member.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to devices and methods that allow an operator to obtain real-time images of a luminal surface prior to, during, and after an intraluminal procedure, including while a tool is engaged with the luminal surface. An imaging system of the invention may include a first elongate member that includes a first imaging element and a catheter that includes a second imaging element. The first imaging element is an optical-to-acoustic transducer, and the second imaging element is an optical-to-acoustic transducer. The catheter also defines a lumen and includes cutting element. The catheter is configured to receive at least a portion of the elongate member within the lumen and is configured to move along a path of the elongate member.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to devices and methods that allow an operator to obtain real-time images of a luminal surface prior to, during, and after an intraluminal procedure, including while a tool is engaged with the luminal surface. An imaging system of the invention may include a first elongate member that includes a first imaging element and a catheter that includes a second imaging element. The first imaging element is an optical-to-acoustic transducer, and the second imaging element is an optical-to-acoustic transducer. The catheter also defines a lumen and includes an implant delivery mechanism. The catheter is configured to receive at least a portion of the elongate member within the lumen and is configured to move along a path of the elongate member.

Abstract: Devices and methods of the invention generally relate to a shortened distal tip for use with intraluminal imaging devices. In certain aspects, an intraluminal device of the invention includes a body and a tip member. The body utilizes an imaging element located on a distal end of the body, in which the imaging element is configured to image an object within a forward plane extending beyond the distal end of the body. A tip member is coupled to the distal end of the body and sized to fit at least between the forward plane and the distal end.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to intravascular ultrasound imaging and to systems and methods to improve line density and image quality. The invention provides an intravascular imaging system that uses a clock device to provide a set of trigger signals for each revolution of the imaging catheter and capture various patterns of scan lines for each set of trigger signals. The system can be operated to capture two scan lines of data for each trigger signal thereby doubling scan line density compared to existing systems. The clock device can be provided by hardware, such as a rotary encoder, that is configured to define a maximum number of trigger signals that the module can provide per rotation of the catheter.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a catheter imaging device includes an elongated catheter shaft having a forward looking ultrasonic transducer disposed at a distal end thereof. A first device is coupled to the transducer for sweeping an ultrasonic beam produced by the transducer in a first plane and through a first angle therein, and a second device is coupled to the transducer for sweeping the ultrasonic beam in a second plane and through a second angle therein, the second plane being disposed orthogonal to the first plane. In one aspect, the ultrasonic transducer includes a plurality of transducer elements.

Abstract: The invention includes a probe for imaging tissue within a body cavity. The probe includes a housing which has a first substantially narrow elongate distal portion insertable into a body cavity, and a second elongate portion proximal of the first elongate portion. The narrow distal portion houses a transducer which is longitudinally translatable and rotatable relative thereto. The second elongate portion houses a platform assembly and a movable member. The platform assembly includes a transmission system and a frame, both of which are coupled to the transducer by at least one connector such that rotational movement of the platform assembly within the second elongate portion effectuates rotation of the transducer within the first elongate portion, and translational movement of the moveable member within the second elongate portion effectuates translational movement of the transducer within the first elongate portion. The probe is used with a needle assembly and delivery system.

Abstract: An in vivo imaging device including at least two imaging modalities. In one aspect, the device includes a rotational imaging system in combination with a non-rotational imaging system. Systems including the imaging device, and methods of forming and in vivo imaging using a flexible, elongate body that includes two imaging modalities are also disclosed.

Abstract: Devices and methods for penetrating from a vessel lumen in which a catheter device is positioned to a target location outside of that vessel lumen. A tissue penetrator advances from a catheter positioned within the vessel lumen to the target location when properly aimed. An imaging transducer fixedly mounted on or within the catheter body provides an imaging signal from which an image of the target location can be obtained. An imageable marker may be present on the catheter to form on the image obtainable from the imaging signal to predict the path that will be followed by the tissue penetrator when the tissue penetrator exits from the catheter. Alternatively, or addition thereto, the imaging transducer may comprise a plurality of imaging elements which are located so that the penetrator path indication can be obtained electronically without use of an imageable marker on the catheter.

Abstract: An ultrasound element includes a silicon substrate, a lower electrode layer that has a plurality of lower electrode sections, and a plurality of lower wiring sections, and is connected to a lower electrode terminal to which a drive signal and a bias signal are applied, a lower insulating layer, an upper insulating layer in which a plurality of cavities smaller than the respective lower electrode sections are formed, an upper electrode layer that has a plurality of upper electrode sections that are disposed to face the respective lower electrode sections via the respective cavities, and are smaller than the lower electrode sections and larger than the cavities, and a plurality of upper wiring sections, and is connected to an upper electrode terminal at a ground potential that detects a capacitance signal, and a protection layer.

Abstract: A catheter apparatus includes an elongated body having proximal and distal ends, and an acoustic transducer disposed proximate the distal end of the elongated body. A variably-refracting acoustic lens is provided to dynamically adjust a direction associated with an acoustic wave coupled to the acoustic transducer in response to one or more control signals provided thereto.

Abstract: A device for endoluminal therapeutic and diagnostic ultrasound procedures includes a motor which rotates a drive shaft and ultrasound transducer. In one example, conductors attach to the transducer and extend through a hollow drive shaft. In another example, a bias member conducts electric signals and stores energy. The device includes an operational state in which the motor rotates the drive shaft alternatingly between a first direction and an opposite second direction.

Abstract: Among other things, there is disclosed structure and methods for registering images obtained through internal (e.g. intravascular) ultrasound devices. Embodiments of a device with a rotating ultrasound beam is provided, with a wall of the device being anisotropic in ultrasound passage. As examples, a cable opaque to ultrasound is attached along the wall of the device, so that the ultrasound beam at the location of the cable is blocked, reflected or scattered. As another example, a thin film of metallic material is placed on or in the wall to allow a portion of the beam to be blocked or attenuated. The imaging system recognizes the changes to the signals made by the anisotropic wall, and registers successive images according to those changes.

Abstract: There are disclosed embodiments of devices and methods for imaging the inside of a body part, particularly a blood vessel. In particular embodiments, a catheter has a tip chamber, within which is an ultrasound transducer mounted on a pivot mechanism, a motor for turning the transducer, and an implement for pivoting the transducer. Examples of such an implement are a linear motor, a shaft or filament, and the pivot mechanism may be biased to return to a base position when the implement is not pivoting the transducer. In other embodiments, a mirror reflecting ultrasound signals from the transducer may be rotated and/or pivoted, using similar mechanisms.

Abstract: The invention provides an ultrasound imaging and medical instrument guiding apparatus, a system for acquiring and displaying ultrasound medical images and methods of using the apparatus and system in epidural anesthetic procedure. The apparatus comprises a hand-held ultrasound probe, configured to acquire a volumetric dataset representing a 3-D depiction of a volume; a mount to which the probe is mounted; and a medical instrument guide positionable relative to the ultrasound probe and configured to receive and guide a medical instrument along a propagation axis to a target in a body such that the target and the propagation axis intersect in the volume. The volumetric dataset acquired by the hand-held ultrasound probe comprises information about the medical instrument's position relative to the target in three dimensions and the medical instrument guide has a visible mark from which the depth of the medical instrument insertion along the propagation axis can be referenced.

Abstract: A combination of an ultrasonic scanner and an omnidirectional receive transducer for producing a two-dimensional image from received echoes is described. Two-dimensional images with different noise components can be constructed from the echoes received by additional transducers. These can be combined to produce images with better signal to noise ratios and lateral resolution. Also disclosed is a method based on information content to compensate for the different delays for different paths through intervening tissue is described. The disclosed techniques have broad application in medical imaging but are ideally suited to multi-aperture cardiac imaging using two or more intercostal spaces. Since lateral resolution is determined primarily by the aperture defined by the end elements, it is not necessary to fill the entire aperture with equally spaced elements. Multiple slices using these methods can be combined to form three-dimensional images.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new intravascular imaging device based on a Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) actuator mechanism embedded inside an elongate member such as a guide wire or catheter. The present invention utilizes a novel SMA mechanism to provide side-looking imaging by providing movement for an ultrasound transducer element. This novel SMA actuator mechanism can be easily fabricated in micro-scale, providing an advantage over existing imaging devices because it offers the ability to miniaturize the overall size of the device, while the use of multiple transducer crystals maximizes field of view. Also disclosed are methods of using the same.

Abstract: Transesophageal echocardiography is implemented using a miniature transversely oriented transducer that is preferably small enough to fit in a 7.5 mm diameter probe, and most preferably small enough to fit in a 5 mm diameter probe. Signal processing techniques improve the depth of penetration to the point where the complete trans-gastric short axis view of the left ventricle can be obtained, despite the fact that the transducer is so small. The reduced diameter of the probe (as compared to prior art probes) reduces risks to patients, reduces or eliminates the need for anesthesia, and permits long term direct-visualization monitoring of patients' cardiac function.

Abstract: A hyperechogenic needle includes a rigid shaft, which can be a hollow metal cannula, having a hyperechogenic particulate material affixed on an outer surface of the shaft that provides for visualization of the needle in two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound, particularly when the needle is in a position forming a non-90° angle between the longitudinal axis and the direction of the ultrasound waves in the two-dimensional ultrasound plane. The hyperechogenic particulate material can be covered by a polymeric coating or embedded in a polymeric material to provide a hyperechogenic layer. The polymeric coating and polymeric material can be electrically non-conductive or electrically conductive.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for using ultrasound data backscattered from vascular tissue to estimate the transfer function of a catheter and/or substantially synchronizing the acquisition of blood-vessel data to an identifiable portion of heartbeat data. The backscattered ultrasound data is used, together with an algorithm, to estimate at least one transfer function. The transfer function(s) can then be used (at least in a preferred embodiment) to calculate response data for the vascular tissue (i.e., the tissue component of the backscattered ultrasound data). The response data and histology data are then used to characterize at least a portion of the vascular tissue (e.g., identify tissue type, etc.). In some embodiments, the backscattered data is acquired during a cyclical portion of the heartbeat data so that the blood vessel can be analyzed or imaged as if it were standing still, or not expanding and relaxing.

Abstract: The present invention provides scanning mechanisms for imaging probes using for imaging mammalian tissues and structures using high resolution imaging, including high frequency ultrasound and/or optical coherence tomography. The imaging probes include adjustable rotational drive mechanism for imparting rotational motion to an imaging assembly containing either optical or ultrasound transducers which emit energy into the surrounding area. The imaging assembly includes a scanning mechanism having including a movable member configured to deliver the energy beam along a path out of said elongate hollow shaft at a variable angle with respect to said longitudinal axis to give forward and side viewing capability of the imaging assembly. The movable member is mounted in such a way that the variable angle is a function of the angular velocity of the imaging assembly.

Abstract: An electrical connector is described. In one implementation, the connector includes a female portion including one or more electrical contacts and a male portion including one or more electrical contacts. The female portion and the male portion each have a self-orientating geometry that allows the male portion to be mated with the female portion in any rotational position along 360 degrees of rotation. When mated, the electrical contacts of the female portion mate with corresponding one or more electrical contacts of the male portion to form one or more electrical connections between two electronic components.

Abstract: A three-dimensional transurethral ultrasound system includes a transurethral ultrasound probe, an ultrasound data processor configured to communicate with the transurethral ultrasound probe to receive ultrasound signals from the transurethral ultrasound probe and to output ultrasound imaging signals for three-dimensional ultrasound images of at least a portion of a patient's prostate, and a display system configured to communicate with the ultrasound data processor to receive the ultrasound imaging signals and to render three-dimensional ultrasound images of the at least the portion of the patient's prostate from the ultrasound imaging signals.

Abstract: A medical imaging device has an emission tomograph, at least one ultrasonic (US) probe for providing images giving real-time information about the location of the internal organs of a subject, a tracking system for spatially locating the at least one ultrasonic probe in relation to the medical imaging device, and an image processing unit in which the location information obtained by the ultrasonic probe is used for attenuation correction of image information obtained by the emission tomograph.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging probe includes a housing (202) having a long axis and an elongate tubular shaft (214) including an internal cavity and first and second end portions (218, 220). The shaft extends along the long axis and is rotatably supported in the housing for rotation relative to the housing through an angular range including one hundred and eighty degrees to a predetermined maximum angle. The probe further includes a transducer array (222), including a plurality of transducer elements along the long axis, affixed to the first end portion (218) of the shaft. The probe further includes an electrical connector (228) fixidly mounted in the housing. The probe further includes an physical electrical pathway (226) having first and second ends and extending along and in the internal cavity of the shaft, wherein a first end of the pathway is connected to transducer array and a second end of the pathway is connected to the electrical connector.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a catheter and a delivery element. The catheter has a distal end with a distal tip, a proximal end, and a longitudinal length. The catheter includes a body that defines a central lumen extending along the catheter to the distal end. The catheter also includes a forward-facing transducer array disposed at the distal tip of the catheter. The transducer array is configured and arranged for transforming applied electrical signals to acoustic signals and also for transforming received echo signals to electrical signals. At least one catheter conductor is electrically coupled to the transducer array and extends along the catheter. The delivery element is disposed in the lumen of the catheter. The delivery element includes a distal tip that is configured and arranged for contacting patient tissue. The distal tip of the delivery element is configured and arranged to extend beyond the distal tip of the catheter.

Abstract: The field of the invention relates to medical imaging systems, and more particularly to systems and methods for estimating the size and position of a stent or other medical device within a patient. In one embodiment, a medical imaging system includes an elongated tubular member having distal and proximal ends, configured to be inserted into a vessel of a patient, an imaging device coupled to the distal end of the elongated tubular member, and a console electrically coupled to the imaging device, wherein the console includes a computer-usable medium, electrically coupled to the imaging device, having a sequence of instructions which, when executed by a processor, causes said processor to execute a process including generating an image of the vessel, and overlay one or more shapes onto the image age to provide a visual approximation of the size and position of a medical device to be applied within the patient.

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

Abstract: A catheter assembly for an intravascular ultrasound system includes a hub disposed at a proximal end of a catheter. The hub includes a rotatable connector shaft disposed at least partially in a lumen that extends from the hub to a distal end of the catheter. A pumping apparatus is coupled to the connector shaft such that rotation of the connector shaft causes a corresponding rotation of the pumping apparatus. A reservoir is in fluid communication with the pumping apparatus. The reservoir is configured and arranged for inputting an acoustically-favorable medium to the pumping apparatus. An imaging core is configured and arranged for inserting into the lumen. The imaging core includes an imaging device coupled to a rotatable drive member. The rotatable connector shaft is coupled to a proximal end of the drive member such that rotation of the connector shaft causes a corresponding rotation of the imaging core.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ultrasound catheter comprising a device arranged in the area of the catheter tip for ultra-sound image recording, with at least one lumen routed into the area of the catheter tip open at this end and ending adjacent to the ultrasound image recording device for issuing an ultrasound contrast means being provided.

Abstract: An acoustically-active catheter (AAC) for use with an ultrasound imaging system and a method for tracking the AAC with respect to anatomic target chosen within a body using the interference ultrasonography. A tip of the AAC is equipped with a crystal transmitting an acoustic wave with parameters similar to those of an acoustic wave generated by a transducer of the imaging system so as to produce acoustic interference the strength of which depends on a position of the AAC tip with respect to at least one Doppler scan plane, formed by the imaging transducer, and a distance from a pulsed-wave Doppler sample that is overlapped with the anatomic target. The ultrasound imaging system detects the interference signal and produces a visual and/or audible interference output that indicates the strength of the acoustic interference. Based on the intensity of the interference output, the user can navigate the AAC tip towards the anatomic target. An anatomic target can be chosen within a cardiovascular system.

Abstract: An ultrasound catheter probe assembly capable of scanning a three-dimensional volume is provided. The ultrasound catheter probe assembly contains a plurality of ultrasonic transducers disposed along a central axis of the ultrasound catheter probe assembly. The plurality of ultrasonic transducers is disposed on a mechanism operable to reciprocally pivot the plurality of ultrasonic transducers enabling the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to scan a three-dimensional volume. A helically disposed electrical interconnection member may be disposed about a pivot axis of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers and may electrically interconnect the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to an ultrasound imaging system. The ultrasound transducer catheter probe assembly may be fluid-filled and contain bubble position control and fluid expansion compensation features.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a technical medical system during a medical procedure, wherein a parameter correlated with the quality of the performance of the procedure is continuously registered while the procedure is being performed, the parameter is evaluated based on a quality criterion correlated with the procedure's fault-free performance, and an auxiliary procedure for the medical procedure is initiated as soon as the parameter has violated the quality criterion. The invention also relates to a technical medical system for performing a medical procedure according to the inventive method.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods, and devices for orienting image data derived from body tissue. An imaging assembly is introduced into the body of a patient and rotated about an axis. A tracking beam mechanically associated with the imaging assembly is generated, such that the tracking rotates about the axis in unison with the imaging assembly. An angle that the rotating tracking beam makes between a reference rotational orientation and a reference point is determined. The reference rotational orientation can be associated with a fiducial point within the ultrasound image data, such that the ultrasound image can be oriented based on the determined tracking beam rotation angle.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for controlling the field of view in imaging systems are provided. For example, in one embodiment an imaging system includes a flexible elongate member sized and shaped for use within an internal structure of a patient, an imaging transducer positioned within the distal portion of the flexible elongate member, an imaging marker positioned to be detectable within a field of view of the imaging transducer, and a controller in communication with the flexible elongate member and configured to adjust a control signal of the flexible elongate member based on the detection of the imaging marker in data received from the flexible elongate member in order to achieve a desired field of view for the imaging transducer.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for controlling the field of view in imaging systems are provided. For example, in one embodiment an imaging system includes a flexible elongate member sized and shaped for use within an internal structure of a patient, an imaging transducer positioned within the distal portion of the flexible elongate member, an imaging marker positioned to be detectable within a field of view of the imaging transducer, and a controller in communication with the flexible elongate member and configured to adjust a control signal of the flexible elongate member based on the detection of the imaging marker in data received from the flexible elongate member in order to achieve a desired field of view for the imaging transducer.

Abstract: The present invention provides scanning mechanisms for imaging probes using for imaging mammalian tissues and structures using high resolution imaging, including high frequency ultrasound and/or optical coherence tomography. The imaging probes include adjustable rotational drive mechanism for imparting rotational motion to an imaging assembly containing either optical or ultrasound transducers which emit energy into the surrounding area. The imaging assembly includes a scanning mechanism including a movable member configured to deliver the energy beam along a path out of said elongate hollow shaft at a variable angle with respect to said longitudinal axis to give forward and side viewing capability of the imaging assembly. The movable member is mounted in such a way that the variable angle is a function of the angular velocity of the imaging assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new forward-looking ultrasound device including a local actuator embedded inside an elongate member such as a guide wire or catheter. The present invention includes an ultrasound transducer element configured to engage with the local actuator and rotate about an axis of rotation at least when the ultrasound transducer element and the local actuator are engaged. Also disclosed are methods of using the same.