Abstract: A transducer array includes two or more sub-arrays that move relative to each other. Position sensors on each of the sub-arrays provide spatial coordination for beamforming and/or image forming to yield extended field of view and high image resolution. The adaptable transducer array, such as mounted on a flexible transducer housing, allows the array to better conform to the patient during internal or external use.

Abstract: An ultrasound catheter system and a method for operating an ultrasonic catheter at a treatment site within a patient's vasculature or tissue are disclosed. The ultrasound catheter system comprises a catheter having at least one ultrasonic element and a control system configured to generate power parameters that drive the at least one ultrasonic element to generate ultrasonic energy. The control system is configured to vary at least one of the power parameters and at least one physiological parameter by ramping the power parameter and the physiological parameter between two set of minimum and maximum values.

Abstract: A method of managing catheter data for a catheter-based imaging system includes coupling a catheter to a control module. The catheter includes a memory structure that includes catheter management data. The control module includes a processor. The catheter management data is accessed from the memory structure using the processor. Patient tissue is imaged using control module settings that are selected based, at least in part, on the accessed catheter management data. At least one image is displayed based, at least in part, on the imaged patient tissue.

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: A urinary catheter clip-on device applies surface acoustic waves of Rayleigh-Lamb and/or Love type to a urinary catheter for preventing biofilms on the catheter surfaces. The bacteria is forced to move relative to the vibrating catheter surface. The amplitudes of bacteria vibrations are in nanometer range. The relative motion of bacteria results in bacteria quorum sensing, and disrupts the bacteria attachment process. The method is preventive as surface acoustic waves create low acoustic energy and bacteria is not killed.

Abstract: An ultrasound system has an ultrasound transducer having a transducer housing and a horn provided at the distal end of the transducer housing, an ultrasound transmission member, a sonic connector that is connected to the horn and the proximal end of the ultrasound transmission member, and a catheter knob having a proximal end that is coupled to the distal end of the transducer housing. The catheter knob has a proximal bore that houses the sonic connector. The system also includes a nesting piece that is retained inside the proximal bore of the catheter knob. The nesting piece can be moved from a first position where the sonic connector is received inside the nesting piece to a second position where the sonic connector is separated from the nesting piece when ultrasound energy is being propagated through the ultrasound transmission member.

Abstract: A method of mounting a transducer to a driveshaft which eliminates the need for a transducer housing, the improved method directly attaches the transducer to a rigid distal tip of a driveshaft which is part of a rotatable imaging core of a catheter assembly. The method contemplates heat treating the distal tip of the driveshaft to make it rigid, machining the distal tip to be dimensioned to hold the transducer, and attaching the transducer to the distal tip by clamping, crimping, or an adhesive.

Abstract: A catheter tip of a catheter including at least a power conductor and a data conductor for obtaining data of a subject of interest. The catheter tip may comprise a support member defining an actuator sleeve, a sensor compartment, and a seal pocket. An actuator may be disposed in the actuator sleeve and coupled to the power conductor. A sensor may be disposed in the sensor compartment and coupled to the data conductor. A bearing/seal may be installed in the support member and coupled to the actuator and the sensor. A cover may be coupled to the support member and may define a transparent window exposing the sensor to the subject of interest, wherein the catheter tip may be coupled to the catheter in the seal pocket.

Abstract: Guidewire for catheters which can be inserted into cavities, preferably coronary vessels of humans or animals, said guidewire being provided with electromagnetic receive or transmit locate to position its position in conjunction with corresponding external electromagnetic transmit or receive antennas, as well as with signal lines guiding the processing unit controlling the transmit antennas or transmit coils.

Abstract: Ultrasonic scanners and methods of manufacturing ultrasonic scanners. One embodiment of a method includes integrating a flexible electronic device (e.g. an IC) and a flexible ultrasonic transducer (e.g. a portion of a circular CMUT array) with a flexible member. The IC, the transducer, and the flexible member can form a flexible subassembly which is rolled up to form an ultrasonic scanner. The integration of the IC and the transducer can occur at the same time. In the alternative, the integration of the electronic device can occur before the integration of the transducer. Moreover, the integration of the transducer can include using a semiconductor technique. Furthermore, the rolled up subassembly can form a lumen or can be attached to a lumen. The method can include folding a portion of the flexible subassembly to form a forward looking transducer. The flexible member of some subassemblies can include a pair of arms.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe of the present invention includes a 2-2 type piezocomposite material made up of piezoelectric layers and resin layers alternately arrayed with the piezoelectric layers being arranged at both ends in an array direction, a signal electrode disposed on one principal surface of the 2-2 type piezocomposite material that extends on one end face in the array direction of the 2-2 type piezocomposite material, a grounding electrode disposed on the other principal surface of the 2-2 type piezocomposite material that extends on the other end face in the array direction of the 2-2 type piezocomposite material, signal wiring connected to a region of the signal electrode that extends on the one end face in the array direction of the 2-2 type piezocomposite material and grounding wiring connected to a region of the grounding electrode that extends on the other end face in the array direction of the 2-2 type piezocomposite material.

Abstract: Provided herein is an ultrasound probe comprising a probe housing defining a distal end, an ultrasonic transducer array disposed within the probe housing and rotatable within said probe housing, an acoustically neutral structure bonded to a surface of the ultrasonic transducer array by an adhesive, a motor coupled to the ultrasonic transducer array, the motor being configured to rotate the ultrasonic transducer array in order to image a three-dimensional volume; and an acoustic coupling fluid disposed within free volume of the probe housing. Also provided is a method of manufacturing.

Abstract: Catheter navigation is coupled with ultrasound imaging to yield a context map showing the location on a heart of the ultrasonically imaged frame.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus including: an ultrasonic observation device that transmits and receives an ultrasonic wave by an ultrasonic transducer arranged on a tip end of a probe, and that acquires a plurality of two-dimensional ultrasonic tomographic images for a subject in a living body; a position data calculator that detects information indicating a reference position of each of the two-dimensional ultrasonic tomographic images and an orientation of a tomographic plane of the each two-dimensional ultrasonic tomographic image; and an image processor is provided. The image processor generates a band-shaped longitudinal image including a curved plane along a moving path of the ultrasonic transducer.

Abstract: An ultrasonic catheter is manufactured by providing an inner tube having an inner diameter sufficient to accommodate a guidewire, and mounting a tubular ultrasound radiating member around a distal region of the inner tube. Two electrical conductors are positioned along the inner tube, such that one of the electrical conductors contacts an inner side of the ultrasound radiating member while the other electrical conductor contacts an outer side of the ultrasound radiating member. An outer tube is then concentrically translated over the inner tube and the ultrasound radiating member, and radially shrunken onto the inner tube.

Abstract: An endoscope device includes a light source unit that creates multiple excitation lights having different peak wavelengths, an illumination unit, and an imaging unit that includes an objective optical system and an image pickup device. The imaging unit is capable of acquiring images of fluorescent lights having different peak wavelengths that are emitted by multiple fluorescent substances contained in a living organism. The illumination unit transmits the excitation lights to a tip of the endoscope device, and the multiple excitation lights are then directed so as to illuminate a living organism that contains multiple fluorescent substances. A variable transmittance optical element or an array of different type of filters may be placed before the image pickup device to separately detect the multiple fluorescent substances.

Abstract: Medical apparatus includes an invasive probe, for insertion into a body of a living subject. An ultrasonic subsystem includes an ultrasonic transducer contained in the probe and image processing circuitry, which is located outside the probe and is coupled to communicate with the ultrasonic transducer in the probe. A position sensing subsystem includes a position transducer contained in the probe and position tracking circuitry, which is located outside the probe and is coupled to communicate with the position transducer so as to determine position coordinates of the ultrasonic transducer in the body. The position sensing subsystem is electrically isolated from the ultrasonic subsystem.

Abstract: An intravascular ultrasonic imaging catheter is provided with a flexible circuit electrically coupled to a transducer array mounted on the distal end of the catheter, a portion of the flexible circuit being helically wound about the catheter in order to enhance the flexibility of the circuit. The catheter may be a balloon catheter which is also provided with a stent mounted on the balloon, the stent carrying one or more drugs designed to be eluted or washed into a patient's blood stream after the stent has been delivered, by a the balloon catheter, into a target area within the patient's vascular system.

Abstract: A method of mounting a transducer to a driveshaft which eliminates the need for a transducer housing, the improved method directly attaches the transducer to a rigid distal tip of a driveshaft which is part of a rotatable imaging core of a catheter assembly. The method contemplates heat treating the distal tip of the driveshaft to make it rigid, machining the distal tip to be dimensioned to hold the transducer, and attaching the transducer to the distal tip by clamping, crimping, or an adhesive.

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: An ultrasound catheter assembly having a rotatable transducer assembly is disclosed. The ultrasound catheter assembly includes an elongate flexible shaft having a lumen and a proximal end and a distal end. The catheter assembly further includes a drive member that engages the transducer assembly at a distal end of the catheter. Rotation of the drive member in a first direction causes the transducer assembly to rotate in an oscillatory fashion in a second direction.

Abstract: A method of generating an enhanced receive signal from a piezoelectric ultrasound transducer is described. The method comprises providing a piezoelectric ultrasound transducer comprising a piezoelectric element operable in flexural mode, receiving a acoustic signal by the piezoelectric element, applying a DC bias to the piezoelectric element prior to receiving the acoustic signal and/or concurrently with receiving the acoustic signal, and generating an enhanced receive signal from the piezoelectric element as a result of receiving the acoustic signal by the piezoelectric element. pMUT-based imaging probes using the above method are also described.

Abstract: A physiology system is provided that includes an ultrasound beamformer that is configured to receive signals from an ultrasound probe that is located proximate the region of interest. The system includes an ultrasound processor module for generating an ultrasound image, based on the ultrasound data, that is representative of an anatomical structure of a portion of the region of interest contained in the scan plane. A physiology signal processor module is also provided and configured to receive physiology signals from a catheter located proximate the region of interest. The physiology signal processor module produces physiology data representative of the physiology activity of the portion of the region of interest contained in the scan plane. A display processor module forms a display image combining the ultrasound image and physiology data.

Abstract: A catheter-based imaging system comprises a catheter having a telescoping proximal end, a distal end having a distal sheath and a distal lumen, a working lumen, and an ultrasonic imaging core. The ultrasonic imaging core is arranged for rotation and linear translation. The system further includes a patient interface module including a catheter interface, a rotational motion control system that imparts controlled rotation to the ultrasonic imaging core, a linear translation control system that imparts controlled linear translation to the ultrasonic imaging core, and an ultrasonic energy generator and receiver coupled to the ultrasonic imaging core. The system further comprises an image generator coupled to the ultrasonic energy receiver that generates an image.

Abstract: A device and a method for sealing a micromotor with an optional associated gearbox are disclosed where, in one aspect of the present invention, a catheter tip comprises: a micromotor; an ultrasound imaging transducer; a gearbox mechanically coupled to the micromotor, the gearbox having a rotatable portion mechanically coupled to the ultrasound imaging transducer array; and a moisture barrier disposed so as to reduce or prevent acoustic coupling fluid from entering both the gearbox and the micromotor.

Abstract: A method for delivering ultrasound energy to a patient's intracranial space involves forming at least one hole in the patient's skull, advancing at least one ultrasound delivery device at least partway through the hole(s), and transmitting ultrasound energy from the ultrasound delivery device(s). According to various embodiments, ultrasound delivery devices may be advanced into the epidural space, one or both ventricles and/or an intracerebral space of the patient's brain. In alternative embodiments, one or multiple holes may be formed in the skull, and any number of ultrasound delivery devices may be used. Intracranial ultrasound delivery may be used in diagnostic or therapeutic treatment of ischemic stroke, head trauma, atherosclerosis, perfusion disorders and other acute or chronic neurological conditions.

Abstract: A medical system is a medical device, such as a catheter, that includes an inner core and an imager that is extendable from within an elongated tubular member and configured to penetrate a body tissue within a living body. The elongated tubular member has a distal end and is configured to slideably receive the inner core. The distal end is further configured to allow the inner core to advance outside the elongated member. The inner core has a distal end and is configured to rotate radially around a longitudinal axis of the elongated member. The device can further include an imager located at the distal end of the inner core, and the imager can be configured to image a body tissue and output an image signal to an imaging system communicatively coupled with the imager. The imaging system is configured to generate an image of the body tissue from the image signal of the imager when the imager is rotated and placed into contact with the body tissue such that the imager penetrates the body tissue.

Abstract: An imaging system is provided with an ultrasound catheter and a controller coupled to the ultrasound catheter. The catheter includes a localizer sensor configured to generate positional information for the ultrasound catheter, and an imaging ultrasound sensor having a restricted field of view. The controller co-registers images from the imaging ultrasound sensor with positional information from the localizer sensor.

Abstract: A catheter imaging probe for a patient. The probe includes a conduit through which energy is transmitted. The probe includes a first portion through which the conduit extends. The probe includes a second portion which rotates relative to the conduit to redirect the energy from the conduit. A method for imaging a patient. The method includes the steps of inserting a catheter into the patient. There is the step of rotating a second portion of the catheter relative to a conduit extending through a first portion of the catheter, which redirects the energy transmitted through the conduit to the patient and receives the energy reflected back to the second portion from the patient and redirects the reflected energy to the conduit.

Abstract: An imaging system is provided with an ultrasound catheter and a controller coupled to the ultrasound catheter. The catheter includes a localizer sensor configured to generate positional information for the ultrasound catheter, and an imaging ultrasound sensor having a restricted field of view. The controller co-registers images from the imaging ultrasound sensor with positional information from the localizer sensor.

Abstract: In order to improve the quality of cross-sectional images, which have been recorded along a longitudinal axis of a vessel of a body, it is proposed to add successive cross-sectional images to an overall cross-sectional image. Artifacts in the cross-sectional images are hereby weakened and pathological structures to be detected are high-lighted.

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: A catheter, particularly an intra-vascular catheter, has at least one magnetic field-generating element arranged in the catheter envelope in the region of the catheter tip, characterized in that the magnetic field of which is variable while the catheter is inserted into a patient.

Abstract: A catheter having ultrasound capability and a distal end extending along a longitudinal axis, the end being situated adjacent to a tissue of interest inside of a patient; at least one ultrasound transducer located in the end to direct ultrasound waves along the axis in a generally forward direction relative to the end; a variable-focus lens system located in the end, downstream of the transducer in the generally forward direction, the lens system being capable of variably focusing the ultrasound waves emitted by the transducer at various positions downstream of the lens and catheter end; optionally, a mirror located in the end, downstream of the transducer and the lens system in the generally forward direction, whereby the emitted ultrasound waves from the lens system are either reflected from the mirror and focused at a position substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; or the emitted ultrasound waves from the lens system substantially bypass the mirror in unreflected form and are focused at a po

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to medical devices, and more particularly to an improved medical imaging device. In one embodiment, an imaging device includes a drive shaft having proximal and distal ends received within the lumen; and an imaging transducer assembly. coupled to the distal end of the drive shaft and positioned at the distal portion of the elongate member. The imaging transducer assembly includes one or more imaging transducers formed with a piezoelectric composite plate using photolithography based micromachining.

Abstract: A flexible elongate member such as a pressure guide wire (1000) includes an electrical device such as a pressure sensor (1002). The pressure sensor (1002) is electrically connected to conductive bands (304), (306) and (308) located on electrical connector (300). The electrical connector is attached to core wire (602) and shaft or hypotube (704). The use of electrical connector (300) helps minimize the assembly time of pressure guide wire (1000), as well as minimize some of the assembly problems associated with prior art designs such as pressure guide wire (100).

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: An apparatus for tracking movement of a foreign object within a subject has an X-ray fluoroscopic system with an X-ray detector and an ultrasound system that has a probe with a position sensor. A display is configured to display a static X-ray image acquired by the X-ray fluoroscopic system and a real-time ultrasound image acquired by the ultrasound system. The X-ray image and the ultrasound image each display at least a portion of the foreign object and at least a portion of surrounding area.

Abstract: When an ultrasound endoscope arrives at an objective area, a puncture needle is located in a scan area of a first ultrasound image. Thereby, an image of the puncture needle is delineated on the first ultrasound image. Furthermore, an ultrasound probe is inserted into the puncture needle and an ultrasound transducer of the ultrasound probe is arranged in the objective area through the puncture needle. Then, the ultrasound probe is driven and a second ultrasound image is delineated. Detailed observation inside the objective area in which the puncture needle is punctured is possible with the second ultrasound image.

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: 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: 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 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 system and method for limiting a temperature induced in a body by an ultrasound imaging catheter are provided. The method includes receiving, at an isolation box, an imaging signal from an imaging catheter, receiving, at an isolation box, a signal indicative of a temperature of tissue adjacent to the imaging catheter, removing power to the imaging catheter at the isolation box if the signal indicates the temperature of tissue adjacent to the imaging catheter exceeds a known value, and sending the imaging signal from the catheter to a processor if the signal indicates the temperature of tissue adjacent to the imaging catheter is less than the limit.

Abstract: A three-dimensional ultrasound imaging system color user interface generates a volumetrically-rendered ultrasound image. The ultrasound image is manipulable using three-dimensional image compositing functions. The interface presents to the user three-dimensional image controls for controlling the ultrasound image. The three-dimensional image controls have an operational similarity to two-dimensional image controls for controlling a two-dimensional ultrasound image. The interface further relates the three-dimensional ultrasound image controls to the plurality of three-dimensional image compositing functions for manipulating the ultrasound images.

Abstract: A catheter assembly for an intravascular ultrasound system includes a catheter and an imaging core. The catheter includes a lumen extending along the longitudinal length of the catheter from the proximal end to the distal end and the imaging core is configured and arranged for inserting into the lumen. The imaging core includes a rotatable driveshaft, at least one transducer mounted to the distal end of the rotatable driveshaft, and a twisted wire cable coupled to the at least one transducer.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for intravascular analysis combine at least three analytical modalities. In one implementation, intravascular ultrasound, optical coherence tomography, and near infrared spectroscopy are combined to enable detection of multiple, different abnormalities in the arterial morphology during a single intravascular procedure.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to medical devices, and more particularly to an improved intravascular device. In one embodiment, an intravascular device includes a catheter having proximal and distal portions, and a phased array of imaging elements, having edge elements each having angles of emission, located in the distal portion of the catheter, wherein the phased array is concaved having a radius of curvature such that when the phased array is steered in a maximal azimuthal direction, the angles of emission of the edge elements are substantially similar.

Abstract: Featured are methods, devices and apparatuses for imaging tissue, such as cardiac tissue, using any of a number of imaging techniques (e.g., ultrasonic imaging techniques) and a 3-D tracking system. In embodiments, such methods, devices and apparatuses are configured so that a 3-D image can be reconstructed from image data acquired at different locations from the image data and three dimensional coordinates that are determined for each location whereat the imaging device was located.

Abstract: A position of an imaging plane relative to a catheter or other probe is aligned with tissue of interest. Ultrasound tissue images may be registered to the catheter position with minimal rotational ambiguity. The spatial position of an ablation catheter or other device with respect to the imaging plane is more accurately determined, allowing a physician to identify specific anatomy in the relative location of a catheter or catheters. Another alternative or additional approach to determining the position of an imaging plane is to determine the relative position of two or more catheters. A catheter associated with imaging is then moved or bent in a direction having a known spatial relationship with the imaging plane. The position of the catheter is relative to each is then determined again to determine the angle or position of the imaging plane.