Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultrasonic probe device comprising an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end, where the body has a channel that extends from the proximal end to the distal end. A cord passes through the channel and is extendable and retractable relative to the distal end of the elongated body. An ultrasonic probe head is connected to the cord and has a proximal end adjacent the distal end of the elongated body. The proximal end of the probe head is detachably connected to the distal end of the elongated body. The present invention is also directed to an ultrasound imaging system and a method of generating an ultrasonic image.

Abstract: A catheter assembly for an intravascular ultrasound system includes a catheter with a lumen and an imaging core insertable into the lumen. The imaging core includes a rotatable driveshaft, at least one transducer, and at least one optical transport medium. The at least one transducer is mounted to the rotatable driveshaft and transforms applied electrical signals to acoustic signals and also transforms received acoustic signals to electrical signals. The at least one optical transport medium emits light and rotates with the driveshaft. The at least one transducer also receives acoustic signals generated by an object in response to illumination of the object by the light emitted from the distal end of the optical transport medium.

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 method for cardio-acoustic signal analysis includes receiving a signal representative of heart sounds and displaying the signal in a time-perceptual frequency-perceptual loudness domain representation. The received signal is transformed to represent a time-perceptual frequency-amplitude domain. The method further includes applying a human auditory modeling algorithm to the time-perceptual frequency-amplitude domain representation to generate the time-perceptual frequency-perceptual loudness domain representation.

Abstract: An ablation catheter includes a tubular catheter body having a lumen, a tip portion, a liquid inlet, at least one liquid outlet, a liquid flow path defined between the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet, and an ablation element mounted on the tip portion of the catheter body. A rotationally-scanning ultrasound assembly is disposed within the lumen of the catheter body adjacent the tip portion. The ultrasound assembly includes an ultrasound transducer having an active face, an acoustic mirror acoustically coupled to the active face of the ultrasound transducer, and an impeller positioned in the liquid flow path and operably coupled to at least one of the ultrasound transducer and the acoustic mirror to impart rotational motion thereto when a liquid flows through the impeller.

Abstract: A method for planning left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion for a patient includes obtaining acquisition data from a medical imaging system, and generating a 3D model of the left atrium of the patient. One or more left atrial anatomical landmarks are identified on the 3D model, and saved views of the 3D model are registered on an interventional system. One or more of the registered saved views are visualized with the interventional system.

Abstract: A distal hard part in an insertion portion is provided with an ultrasonic transducer in which a large number of ultrasonic vibrators are arranged in the circumferential direction. The ultrasonic transducer is shaped like a cylinder. Each member that constitutes an endoscopic observation section is passed through this tunnel-like passage. Each ultrasonic vibrator is provided with a single common electrode and individual electrodes the number of which corresponds to the number of the ultrasonic vibrators. Flexible boards and are provided on the proximal and distal end sides of the ultrasonic transducer. Wires are connected to these flexible boards. The wires from the flexible board are extended without changes, whereas the wires from the flexible board are reversely turned from the distal end side, are then passed through the tunnel-like passage, and are extended in the direction of an angle part.

Abstract: An ultrasound scanning system and methods of using the same. In one preferred form, an ultrasound scanning system comprises an acoustic imaging catheter comprising an ultrasonic transducer, a motion control system and an imaging computer system for imaging a patient's genitourinary system. In another preferred form, an ultrasound scanning system is used for imaging a patient's prostate gland.

Abstract: Methods for ablating tissue in a patient having atrial fibrillation comprise advancing an elongate flexible shaft through a patient's vasculature into a chamber of a heart. The elongate flexible shaft has an energy source and a sensor. Tissue in the heart is scanned with the sensor and data about the tissue is captured. The captured data is grouped into one of a plurality of tissue classifications and an anatomical map of the tissue showing the grouped data is displayed. At least a portion of the tissue is ablated so as to form a conduction block that blocks aberrant electrical pathways in the heart. The ablated tissue is grouped into one or more predefined tissue classifications during or prior to the ablation.

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: A body cavity probe which scans an object with ultrasonic waves includes a probe main body, and a linear array constituted by a plurality of piezoelectric elements and a convex array constituted by a plurality of piezoelectric elements, which are provided in the probe main body to transmit ultrasonic waves to the object and receive an echo signal from the object. The linear array and the convex array have different array shapes. The respective array surfaces are included in the same plane.

Abstract: A transducer array is connected with a catheter housing. As the transducer array is rotated, the catheter housing also rotates. As a result, at least a portion of the catheter housing twists about a longitudinal axis. By applying rotation in a controlled way, such as with a motor, a plurality of two-dimensional images for three-dimensional reconstruction may be obtained. The rotation of the catheter housing may limit the total amount of rotation of the array, such as rotating the array through a 90 degree or less amount of rotation about the longitudinal axis. The housing of the catheter is formed with a soft section. The softer material allows for a greater amount or increased ease for twisting the catheter.

Abstract: A transducer array is connected with a catheter housing. As the transducer array is rotated, the catheter housing also rotates. As a result, at least a portion of the catheter housing twists about a longitudinal axis. By applying rotation in a controlled way, such as with a motor, a plurality of two-dimensional images for three-dimensional reconstruction may be obtained. The rotation of the catheter housing may limit the total amount of rotation of the array, such as rotating the array through a 90 degree or less amount of rotation about the longitudinal axis. The housing of the catheter is formed with a soft section. The softer material allows for a greater amount or increased ease for twisting the catheter.

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: A catheter for use with magnetic resonance imaging including a catheter body, a radio frequency antenna disposed in a distal end of the catheter body, a first ultrasonic transducer disposed in the distal end of the catheter body and being electrically connected to the radio frequency antenna, an acoustic waveguide disposed in the catheter body and extending from the distal end to a proximal end of the catheter body, the acoustic waveguide being acoustically matched to the first ultrasonic transducer. The catheter also has a second ultrasonic transducer disposed in the proximal end of the catheter body.

Abstract: A system and method for regional anesthesia using ultrasound to assist in locating the anesthetic needle are disclosed. One or more piezo-electric crystal transducers is placed either at the tip of the needle or near the tip of the needle on a stylet which is inserted into the lumen of the needle. The transducer(s) are pulsed with ultrasonic frequency, the reflected ultrasonic signals from structures are detected and converted into a digital signal and may be displayed in an oscilloscopic format to indicate anatomical structures forward to the needle and allow the medical professional to avoid errors and/or increase efficiency and accuracy. An array of transducers can be pulsed in a phased array fashion to generate a 2D image, or a single transducer can be pulsed to generate a 1D image.

Abstract: A catheter device that is useable to penetrate from a blood vessel in which the catheter device is positioned to a target location comprises a flexible catheter advanceable into the first blood vessel, a tissue penetrator lumen adapted to receive an operative tissue penetrator which is usable to penetrate from the blood vessel to the target location when properly aimed. Further said catheter including an imaging transducer fixedly mounted on or within the catheter body to provide an imaging signal from which an image of the target location can be obtained. The catheter device may include an imageable marker on the catheter to form on the image obtainable from the imaging signal a penetrator path indication that indicates 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.

Abstract: The present subject matter provides apparatus and methods for physically fitting a hearing assistance device, including mathematically characterizing a person's ear canal. The apparatus includes an expandable balloon for positioning in the ear canal, the balloon including a hollow interior channel. A flexible catheter extends through the interior portion of the balloon, and the flexible catheter includes a track. A platform is movably coupled to the track. An ultrasonic transducer and a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensor are coupled to the platform. The ultrasonic transducer scans the ear canal and the MEMS sensor senses motion and position of the transducer. According to various embodiments, a mathematical representation of the ear canal is adapted to be computed using information from the transducer and sensor.

Abstract: An intracardiac catheter for ultrasound guided ablation and EP mapping. Ablation and mapping electrodes 34, 36, 38, 39 are carried on the surface of an outer catheter 30 and an ultrasound array is mounted inside an inner catheter 20. Backloading the inner catheter into the outer catheter provides the ultrasound array in position to image tissue near the surface electrodes. An acoustic coupling fluid is provided between the catheters and a number of the electrodes 34, 38 are positioned directly within the image field of the array.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein provide for the improved three-dimensional imaging of the an internal body lumen of a living being. A medical imaging system is provided which can include an image processing system and a medical imaging device. The medical imaging device can be insertable into the internal lumen and can include an image acquisition system configured to image the lumen and detect the position and orientation of the image acquisition system within the lumen. The image acquisition system can output the image, position and orientation data to the image processing system to be used by the processing system to generate and display a virtual three-dimensional image of the internal lumen to the user. The user can use various software tools provided by the image processing system, such as distance and area measuring tools, to interact with the image.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for creating passages in tissue and detecting blood vessels in and around the passages. The devices may be used to create opening in tissue without removing a sensing assembly from the tissue. The devices herein may be used for altering gaseous flow within a lung to improve the expiration cycle of an individual, particularly individuals having Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). In addition, the devices may be used to sample tissue during biopsy or other medical procedures where perforating a blood vessel could result in injury to a patient.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting vulnerable plaque in a blood vessel includes an intravascular probe, and a slip ring at a proximal end of the probe. The slip ring has a stationary portion and a spinning portion. An ultrasound transceiver board is mechanically coupled to the slip ring's spinning portion for communication with an ultrasound transducer, also within the probe. A transmission line extends between the ultrasound transducer and the ultrasound transceiver board.

Abstract: A catheter assembly for an intravascular ultrasound system includes a catheter, an imaging core, and a shield-coupling capacitor. The catheter defines a lumen extending along a longitudinal length of the catheter. The imaging core is configured and arranged for inserting into the lumen. The imaging core includes a rotatable driveshaft, one or more transducers, one or more conductors, and a conductive shield. The one or more transducers are mounted to the rotatable driveshaft. The one or more conductors are coupled to the one or more transducers and extend along the driveshaft. The conductive shield is disposed around the one or more conductors. The shield-coupling capacitor is electrically coupled to the conductive shield and includes one or more rotating capacitors. The one or more rotating capacitors include one or more rotating plates and one or more stationary plates. The shield-coupling capacitor is configured and arranged for coupling to a system ground.

Abstract: An electronic radial ultrasonic probe comprising an electronic radial array which comprises a plurality of ultrasonic transducers being continuously arrayed circularly around an insertion axis as center and also for which a transmission/reception of an ultrasonic wave is controlled by electronically selecting the plurality of ultrasonic transducer, comprises: a support member equipped on the electronic radial array; a lock member featured with a cavity in which the support member is inserted and with a lock groove for locking a balloon which is mounted in a manner to cover the electronic radial array and in which an ultrasonic medium is filled; and a filler member which is constituted by an adhesive material converting from a fluid state to a solid state, and is filled in the cavity.

Abstract: An imaging device such as a catheter has a plurality of infusion holes adapted to infuse liquid into the blood stream while substantially preventing radial jetting. An example imaging catheter includes an elongated member, having distal and proximal ends, an axis, a lumen along the axis, and an outer surface. Preferably, a plurality of infusion holes are defined along the axis of said elongated member between the lumen and the outer surface. The plurality of infusion holes may be tapered from the outer surface to the lumen. Further, the plurality of infusion holes may be angled outwardly toward the proximal end of the elongated member. The size, shape, spacing and configuration of the infusion holes may be varied as desired.

Abstract: A catheter assembly for an intravascular ultrasound system includes a catheter and an imaging core. The catheter has a longitudinal length, a distal end, and a proximal end. The catheter includes a sealable lumen extending along the longitudinal length of the catheter from the proximal end to the distal end, and a movable plunger or a movable seal in fluid communication with the lumen. The movable plunger or the movable seal provides a gas-tight seal. The movable plunger or the movable seal is configured and arranged for adjusting to changes in volume of the lumen when the lumen is filled with an acoustically-favorable medium and sealed. The imaging core is configured and arranged for inserting into the sealable lumen and for coupling to a control module.

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: A medical imaging system for imaging a patient's body includes a catheter having a position sensor and an ultrasonic imaging sensor wherein the position sensor transmits electrical signals indicative of positional information of a portion of the catheter in a patient's body and the ultrasonic imaging sensor transmits ultrasonic energy at a target in the patient's body, receives ultrasonic echoes reflected from the target in the patient's body and transmits signals relating to the ultrasonic echoes reflected from the target in the patient's body. A positioning processor is operatively connected to the catheter for determining positional information of the portion of the catheter based on the electrical signals transmitted by the position sensor. The system also includes a display and an image processor operatively connected to the catheter, the positioning processor and the display.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging probe for real time 3D ultrasound imaging from the tip of the probe that can be inserted into the body. The ultrasound beam is electronically scanned within a 2D azimuth plane with a linear array, and scanning in the elevation direction at right angle to the azimuth plane is obtained by mechanical movement of the array. The mechanical movement is either achieved by rotation of the array through a flexible wire, or through wobbling of the array, for example through hydraulic actuation. The probe can be made both flexible and stiff, where the flexible embodiment is particularly interesting for catheter imaging in the heart and vessels, and the stiff embodiment has applications in minimal invasive surgery and other procedures. The probe design allows for low cost manufacturing which allows factory sterilized probes to be disposed after use.

Abstract: An ultrasonic endoscope has an ultrasonic transducer for emitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, a balloon support, having the ultrasonic transducer, for supporting a balloon mounted thereon to cover the ultrasonic transducer hermetically and removably. In an ultrasonic diagnosis system, the ultrasonic endoscope includes an inflation button adapted to inflating the balloon. A deflation button is adapted to deflating the balloon. Furthermore, a flow line extends to the balloon to pass water. A pump apparatus includes a rotary pump for drawing the water through the flow line, to cause the water to flow into and out of the balloon. A pump controller controls the rotary pump, inflates the balloon by supplying the water in response to an inflation signal from the inflation button, and deflates the balloon by discharging the water in response to a deflation signal from the deflation button.

Abstract: The invention is directed to systems and methods for detecting and presenting textural information from medical images. In one embodiment, a medical imaging system includes an imaging transducer assembly configured to emit one or more energy pulses and receive one or more echo signals, and a console, coupled to the imaging transducer assembly, configured to receive the one or more echo signals, generate an uncompressed image based on the one or more echo signals, generate a log compressed image based on the uncompressed image, generate a color overlay based on the uncompressed image, and apply the color overlay to the log compressed image.

Abstract: An ultrasonograph having a vascular diameter measurement means for taking an ultrasonic tomography image of a blood vessel and then measuring a vascular diameter based on the image, including: an ultrasonic probe 11 having an ultrasonic oscillator 11a for an ultrasonic beam scan, the oscillator being rotatable in the direction orthogonal to the ultrasonic beam's scan direction; a multi-section imaging means for tilting the oscillator 11a at predetermined intervals to perform an ultrasonic beam scan by the oscillator 11a at each position in order to take a tomography image of the blood vessel 50 at a plurality of sections; an imaging position determiner for comparing the results of the measurement of the vascular diameter based on each taken tomography image, and determining the position where an image presenting the largest vascular diameter has been taken as the largest vascular diameter imaging position; and a largest vascular diameter acquisition means for tilting the oscillator 11a to the position determi

Abstract: An electronic radial type ultrasonic transducer arraying, in a cylindrical form, a plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements for transmitting and receiving ultrasound, and for storing cables corresponding to the respective ultrasonic transducer elements for transmitting a drive signal for driving each of the ultrasonic transducer elements in the inside of a group of the ultrasonic transducer elements arrayed in the cylindrical form, featuring a conductive film on a surface of an insulator through which the cable group is led, and also comprising an acoustic lens constituted of a lens part which is connected to a ground wire and featured as a convex form and a cover part covering an easily breakable part or conductor material which is electrically connected to a plurality of ultrasonic transducers.

Abstract: An imaging probe for use in a catheter for ultrasonic imaging is provided. The catheter may be of the type including a sheath having an opening at a distal end for conducting a fluid there through. The imaging probe includes a distal housing coupled to a drive shaft for rotation, a transducer within the distal housing for generating and sensing ultrasonic waves, and a fluid flow promoter that promotes flow of the fluid within the sheath across the transducer.

Abstract: This invention describes an occlusion crossing apparatus for creating an opening in occluded tissue at a target location in interventional and surgical applications with simultaneous or nearly simultaneous intravascular imaging.

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 surgical navigation system including an ultrasound catheter is disclosed herein. The ultrasound catheter includes a flexible catheter housing defining a distal end, a transducer array disposed at least partially within the catheter housing, and a motor coupled with the transducer array. The motor is configured to rotate the transducer array in order to image a three-dimensional (3D) volume. The ultrasound catheter also includes at least one tracking element adapted to provide an estimate of a position and orientation of the distal end of the catheter housing. The at least one tracking element is disposed within the catheter housing and located immediately adjacent to the distal end.

Abstract: A rotationally vibrating imaging catheter and method of utilization has an array of ultrasound or optical transducers and an actuator along with signal processing, display, and power subsystems. The actuator of the preferred embodiment is a solid-state nitinol actuator. The actuator causes the array to oscillate such that the tip of the catheter is rotated through an angle equal to or less than 360 degrees. The tip is then capable of rotating back the same amount. This action is repeated until the desired imaging information is acquired. The rotationally vibrating catheter produces more imaging points than a non-rotating imaging catheter and eliminates areas of missing information in the reconstructed image. Rotationally vibrating catheters offer higher image resolution than stationary array catheters and greater flexibility and lower costs than mechanically rotating imaging catheters.

Abstract: An ultrasonic endoscope in which the temperature rise can be suppressed with a reduced diameter. The ultrasonic endoscope includes: an ultrasonic transducer part including plural ultrasonic transducers; an exterior member for accommodating the ultrasonic transducer part; and a heat conducting part provided inside of the exterior member and respectively connected to the ultrasonic transducer part and an inner surface of the exterior member. It is preferable that the heat conducting part has a coefficient of thermal conductivity equal to or more than 10 W/(m·K). Further, it is preferable that one of the heat conducting member and the exterior member has an electric insulation property.

Abstract: An ultrasonic endoscope capable of suppressing temperature rise of an insertion part without increase in diameter. The ultrasonic endoscope includes: an ultrasonic transducer part having plural ultrasonic transducers; an exterior member for holding the ultrasonic transducer part; an opening formed in the exterior member; a heat conducting member arranged inside of the exterior member and connected to the ultrasonic transducer part; and a heat radiating member provided on an outer surface of the exterior member and connected to the heat conducting member via the opening. For example, a part of the heat radiating member is located within the opening and the part is connected to the heat conducting member. The heat radiating member is electrically insulated from the ultrasonic transducer part.

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: The present invention is directed to a system and method which makes a phased array look like a curved array for purposes of performing spatial compounding calculations. In one embodiment, the phased array is treated as though it were a curved array by creating both a virtual apex and a virtual radius of curvature. Based on this transformation, standard spatial-compounding resampling tables can be used just as they are with curved arrays. In one embodiment, after the data is compounded to form the target image, certain data is removed prior to the actual display. This removed data represents data generated by virtual rays the prior to the physical skin line of the phased array.

Abstract: A foldable transducer array is unfolded or deployed for use, providing a larger radiating surface. While folded, the transducer array has a smaller width or volume for insertion into and withdrawal from the patient.

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

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus has an ultrasonic endoscope, an ultrasonic observing portion, a position detecting unit, a monitor, a keyboard, and a mouse. Cross-sectional planes in parallel therewith are set to radial tomographic images, an intersecting line segment is obtained between a radial tomographic image and the cross-sectional plane, the intersecting line segments are combined, and a route tomographic image is generated. It is easily recognized how the lesion is spreading along the luminal portion during the examination by advancing and returning a radial scanning ultrasonic probe. Further, which part in the luminal portion is scanning during the examination can easily be recognized during the examination.

Abstract: A capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (cMUT) device, comprises: a cMUT obtained by processing a silicon substrate by using a silicon micromachining technique; and an oscillator circuit having the cMUT as a capacitor, and outputting a frequency modulation signal by modulating a frequency of an oscillation signal to be output on the basis of a change of capacitance of the cMUT.

Abstract: An imaging catheter tip is presented. The imaging catheter tip includes a housing. Further, the imaging catheter tip includes a transducer assembly located within the housing in a distal portion of the imaging catheter tip. The transducer assembly includes a transducer. In addition, the imaging catheter tip includes a motor located within the housing in a proximal portion of the imaging catheter tip. The motor is configured to facilitate oscillation of the transducer assembly about a longitudinal axis of the imaging catheter tip. The imaging catheter tip also includes a fill tube disposed between the motor and the housing. The fill tube is configured to deliver acoustic coupling fluid to the distal portion of the imaging catheter tip.

Abstract: An imaging catheter assembly is presented. The imaging catheter assembly includes an imaging catheter which includes an imaging catheter tip. Further, the imaging catheter assembly includes a fluid reservoir connected to the imaging catheter and configured to deliver fluid through a proximal end of the imaging catheter tip. The imaging catheter assembly also includes a release mechanism configured to cause delivery of the fluid to the imaging catheter tip when activated.

Abstract: An imaging device, imaging system, and methods of imaging are provided. The imaging device may fit inside a diagnostic or therapeutic assembly, such as a biopsy, drainage, or other type therapy needle assembly. The imaging device may reside inside the diagnostic or therapy assembly as the combined device is advanced to a desired location. Two-dimensional or three-dimensional ultrasonic images may be produced that allow for the accurate placement of the diagnostic or therapy assembly.

Abstract: Embodiments include a surgical device and a method. An embodiment of the surgical instrument includes at least one grasping jaw, the at least one grasping jaw being adapted to deliver surgical fasteners by a force generated from a force generator mechanism that is contained within the at least one grasping jaw or is in a proximity to the at least one grasping jaw. Another embodiment includes at least one grasping jaw, at least one actuation mechanism adapted to deliver surgical fasteners, the actuation mechanism being located in a proximity to or contained within the at least one grasping jaw, the surgical fasteners containing at least one shape-transforming material, at least one sensor, at least one chemical tissue sealant and at least one cutter. A method includes: grasping a body tissue with at least one grasping jaw, adjusting a configuration of the grasping in response to a signal or a datum or an image, and releasing a surgical staple or fastener in response to the signal, datum or image.