VOYAGE MEDICAL, INC. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20130172726 | IN-VIVO VISUALIZATION SYSTEMS - In vivo visualization systems are described which facilitate tissue treatment by a user in utilizing real time visualized tissue images with generated three-dimensional models of the tissue region of interest, such as the left atrial chamber of a subject's heart. Directional indicators on the visualized tissue as well as the imaging systems may be utilized while other variations may utilize image rotation or manipulation of visualized tissue regions to facilitate catheter control. Moreover, visualized tissue regions may be combined with imaged tissue regions as well as navigational information to further facilitate tissue treatments. | 07-04-2013 |
20130131448 | FLOW REDUCTION HOOD SYSTEMS - Flow reduction hood systems are described which facilitate the visualization of tissue regions through a clear fluid. Such a system may include an imaging hood having one or more layers covering the distal opening and defines one or more apertures which control the infusion and controlled retention of the clearing fluid into the hood. In this manner, the amount of clearing fluid may be limited and the clarity of the imaging of the underlying tissue through the fluid within the hood may be maintained for relatively longer periods of time by inhibiting, delaying, or preventing the infusion of surrounding blood into the viewing field. The aperture size may be controlled to decrease or increase through selective inflation of the membrane or other mechanisms. | 05-23-2013 |
20130023731 | TISSUE VISUALIZATION DEVICE AND METHOD VARIATIONS - Tissue visualization devices and variations thereof are described herein where such devices may utilize a variety of methods for facilitating clearing of the device of opaque bodily fluids and sealing between the device and the underlying tissue surface. Additionally, methods and devices for enhancing navigation of the device through a patient body are also described. | 01-24-2013 |
20120226166 | DELIVERY OF BIOLOGICAL COMPOUNDS TO ISCHEMIC AND/OR INFARCTED TISSUE - The delivery of biological compounds to ischemic and/or infarcted tissue are described herein where such a system may include a deployment catheter and an attached imaging hood deployable into an expanded configuration. In use, the imaging hood is placed against or adjacent to a region of tissue to be imaged in a body lumen that is normally filled with an opaque bodily fluid such as blood. A translucent or transparent fluid, such as saline, can be pumped into the imaging hood until the fluid displaces any blood, thereby leaving a clear region of tissue to be imaged via an imaging element in the deployment catheter. Additionally, any number of therapeutic tools can also be passed through the deployment catheter and into the imaging hood for performing any number of procedures on the tissue for identifying, locating, and/or accessing ischemic and/or infarcted tissue. | 09-06-2012 |
20120150046 | TISSUE CONTRAST IMAGING SYSTEMS - Tissue contrast imaging systems are described which detect differences in tissue contrasts to obtain images of the tissue region. The systems may be used to obtain images of the cardiac tissues particularly in a blood-filled environment. | 06-14-2012 |
20120059366 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR ABLATION EFFICACY - Apparatus and methods for ablation efficacy are described herein where a hood having a deployable elongated feature can extend beyond a distal face of the hood. The elongated feature can channel the energy to the deeper regions within the tissue (such as trabeculated regions or other tissue structures) such that the energy can be delivered to the target tissue despite small or large irregularities in the target tissue surface (or region) and/or changes in the relative distances between the hood and the target tissue. | 03-08-2012 |
20120016221 | IMAGE STABILIZATION TECHNIQUES AND METHODS - Direct optical imaging of anatomical features and structures from within a biological organ in a dynamic environment (where the tissue being imaged is in motion due to cardiac rhythms, respiration, etc) presents certain image stability issues due (and/or related) to the motion of the target structure and may limit the ability of the user to visually interpret the image for the purposes of diagnostics and therapeutics. Systems and mechanisms for the purpose of actively stabilizing the image or for compiling and re-displaying the image information in a manner that is more suitable to interpretation by the user are disclosed. | 01-19-2012 |
20120004577 | TISSUE VISUALIZATION DEVICE AND METHOD VARIATIONS - Tissue visualization device and method variations are described herein where an imaging hood is temporarily sealed against a region of tissue to be treated while under direct visualization. Such a system may include a deployment catheter and an attached imaging hood deployable into an expanded configuration. The imaging hood is placed against or adjacent to the tissue to be imaged in a body lumen that is normally filled with an opaque bodily fluid such as blood. A translucent or transparent fluid is pumped into the hood until the fluid displaces any blood leaving a clear region of tissue to be imaged via an imaging element. Temporary sealing against the tissue can be achieved in a number of ways such as circumferential balloons inflatable within the hood or other sealing techniques. A field of view of the imaging element can be expanded by inflating the balloon beyond the imaging hood. | 01-05-2012 |
20120004544 | DELIVERY OF BIOLOGICAL COMPOUNDS TO ISCHEMIC AND/OR INFARCTED TISSUE - The delivery of biological compounds to ischemic and/or infarcted tissue are described herein where such a system may include a deployment catheter and an attached imaging hood deployable into an expanded configuration. In use, the imaging hood is placed against or adjacent to a region of tissue to be imaged in a body lumen that is normally filled with an opaque bodily fluid such as blood. A translucent or transparent fluid, such as saline, can be pumped into the imaging hood until the fluid displaces any blood, thereby leaving a clear region of tissue to be imaged via an imaging element in the deployment catheter. Additionally, any number of therapeutic tools can also be passed through the deployment catheter and into the imaging hood for performing any number of procedures on the tissue for identifying, locating, and/or accessing ischemic and/or infarcted tissue. | 01-05-2012 |
20110306833 | FLOW REDUCTION HOOD SYSTEMS - Flow reduction hood systems are described which facilitate the visualization of tissue regions through a clear fluid. Such a system may include an imaging hood having one or more layers covering the distal opening and defines one or more apertures which control the infusion and controlled retention of the clearing fluid into the hood. In this manner, the amount of clearing fluid may be limited and the clarity of the imaging of the underlying tissue through the fluid within the hood may be maintained for relatively longer periods of time by inhibiting, delaying, or preventing the infusion of surrounding blood into the viewing field. The aperture size may be controlled to decrease or increase through selective inflation of the membrane or other mechanisms. | 12-15-2011 |
20110144576 | CATHETER ORIENTATION CONTROL SYSTEM MECHANISMS - Catheter orientation control system mechanisms which facilitate the operation of multiple degrees of freedom of a steerable catheter system can be used for any procedure where catheter orientation relative to the body is desirable. Such systems may comprise a handle having a distal portion which is rotatable independently of the remainder of the handle to enable the handle to maintain a stationary configuration relative to the operator while the catheter distal end is torqued in any configuration by utilizing a single hand and/or single finger to effect complex configurations. Orientation indicators may be incorporated to track the deflectable distal end by visualizing the indicators through an imaging hood on the distal end corresponding to orientation markers on the control handle. Articulation of a steering mechanism in a direction relative to the orientation markers deflects the catheter distal end in a corresponding direction relative to the visualized orientation markers. | 06-16-2011 |
20110060298 | TISSUE IMAGING AND EXTRACTION SYSTEMS - Tissue imaging and extraction systems are described herein. Such a system may include a deployment catheter and an attached imaging hood deployable into an expanded configuration. In use, the imaging hood is placed against or adjacent to a region of tissue to be imaged in a body lumen that is normally filled with an opaque bodily fluid such as blood. A translucent or transparent fluid, such as saline, can be pumped into the imaging hood until the fluid displaces any blood, thereby leaving a clear region of tissue to be imaged via an imaging element in the deployment catheter. Additionally, the system can include features or instruments for extracting tissue such as clearing blood clots, emboli, and other debris which may be present in a body lumen. Other variations may also be used for facilitating trans-septal access across tissue regions as well as for balancing body fluids during a procedure. | 03-10-2011 |
20110060227 | TISSUE VISUALIZATION AND MANIPULATION SYSTEM - Tissue visualization and manipulation systems are described herein. Such a system may include a deployment catheter and an attached imaging hood deployable into an expanded configuration. In use, the imaging hood is placed against or adjacent to a region of tissue to be imaged in a body lumen that is normally filled with an opaque bodily fluid such as blood. A translucent or transparent fluid, such as saline, can be pumped into the imaging hood until the fluid displaces any blood, thereby leaving a clear region of tissue to be imaged via an imaging element in the deployment catheter. Additionally, any number of therapeutic tools can also be passed through the deployment catheter and into the imaging hood for treating the tissue region of interest. | 03-10-2011 |
20100292558 | IN-VIVO VISUALIZATION SYSTEMS - In vivo visualization systems are described which facilitate tissue treatment by a user in utilizing real time visualized tissue images with generated three-dimensional models of the tissue region of interest, such as the left atrial chamber of a subject's heart. Directional indicators on the visualized tissue as well as the imaging systems may be utilized while other variations may utilize image rotation or manipulation of visualized tissue regions to facilitate catheter control. Moreover, visualized tissue regions may be combined with imaged tissue regions as well as navigational information to further facilitate tissue treatments. | 11-18-2010 |
20100262140 | INTEGRAL ELECTRODE PLACEMENT AND CONNECTION SYSTEMS - Electrode placement and connection systems are described which allow for the electrical connection and maintenance of one or more electrodes positioned on a substrate which is subjected to a variety of mechanical stresses. Electrodes may also be formed on flexible circuit assemblies integrated within or along the hood. The circuit assemblies may also provide structural support to the hood during delivery and/or deployment. Such a system may include an imaging hood having an aperture through which transparent fluid is flowed and one or more electrodes positioned along or about the hood. As the hood is configured between a low-profile and opened configuration, these electrodes may remain electrically coupled despite the mechanical stresses subjected to the electrodes and the connections thereto. | 10-14-2010 |
20100204561 | IMAGING CATHETERS HAVING IRRIGATION - Imaging catheters having irrigation capabilities are described herein. Generally, the device may include a first inner membrane which is sealed and serves to position the device within or relative to a lumen. This balloon structure, when filled with fluid, expands and is engaged in direct contact with the tissue. A second (outer) membrane is not completely sealed and instead provides a pathway for delivery of fluid at the treatment site for effecting various treatments. Imaging systems, optionally articulatable, may be positioned within the balloon as well as electrodes positionable upon the balloon may be utilized to facilitate tissue treatments. | 08-12-2010 |
20100130836 | IMAGE PROCESSING SYSTEMS - Image processing systems are described which utilize various methods and processing algorithms for enhancing or facilitating visual detection and/or sensing modalities for images captured in vivo by an intravascular visualization and treatment catheter. Such assemblies are configured to deliver energy, such as RF ablation, to an underlying target tissue for treatment in a controlled manner while directly visualizing the tissue during the ablation process. | 05-27-2010 |
20100094081 | ELECTRODE PLACEMENT AND CONNECTION SYSTEMS - Electrode placement and connection systems are described which allow for the electrical connection and maintenance of one or more electrodes positioned on a substrate which is subjected to a variety of mechanical stresses. Such a system may include an imaging hood having an aperture through which transparent fluid is flowed and one or more electrodes positioned along or about the hood. As the hood is configured between a low-profile and opened configuration, these electrodes may remain electrically coupled despite the mechanical stresses subjected to the electrodes and the connections thereto. | 04-15-2010 |
20100010311 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR EFFICIENT PURGING - Methods and apparatus for efficient purging from an imaging hood are described which facilitate the visualization of tissue regions through a clear fluid. Such a system may include an imaging hood having one or more layers covering the distal opening and defines one or more apertures which control the infusion and controlled retention of the clearing fluid into the hood. In this manner, the amount of clearing fluid may be limited and the clarity of the imaging of the underlying tissue through the fluid within the hood may be maintained for relatively longer periods of time by inhibiting, delaying, or preventing the infusion of surrounding blood into the viewing field. The aperture size may be controlled to decrease or increase through selective inflation of the membrane or other mechanisms. | 01-14-2010 |
20100004633 | CATHETER CONTROL SYSTEMS - Catheter control systems which facilitate the tracking of an angle of deflection of a catheter distal end can be used for any number of procedures where catheter orientation relative to the body is desirable, e.g., in transseptal access procedures where an accurate angle of puncture of the septal wall is desirable. Such control systems may comprise a steerable handle which is oriented relative to the catheter steerable section to provide for consistent catheter articulation upon corresponding manipulation of the steering ring. Another variation may utilize an orientation indicator to track the deflectable distal end. For instance, an orientation marker as visualized through an imaging hood on the distal end may correspond to identical orientation markers on the control handle such that articulation of a steering mechanism in a direction relative to the orientation markers deflects the catheter distal end in a corresponding direction relative to the visualized orientation markers. | 01-07-2010 |
20100004506 | TISSUE VISUALIZATION AND MANIPULATION SYSTEMS - Tissue visualization and manipulation systems are described herein. Such a system may include a deployment catheter and an attached imaging hood deployable into an expanded configuration. In use, the imaging hood is placed against or adjacent to a region of tissue to be imaged in a body lumen that is normally filled with an opaque bodily fluid such as blood. A translucent or transparent fluid, such as saline, can be pumped into the imaging hood until the fluid displaces any blood, thereby leaving a clear region of tissue to be imaged via an imaging element in the deployment catheter. Additionally, any number of therapeutic tools can also be passed through the deployment catheter and into the imaging hood for treating the tissue region of interest. | 01-07-2010 |
20090275799 | AXIAL VISUALIZATION SYSTEMS - Axial visualization systems which utilize axially aligned imaging instruments for visualizing through an imaging hood purged of blood via a transparent fluid are described where an imaging element extending from a support shaft may be aligned within a working lumen defined through a deployment catheter. The imaging element may be positioned distal to the hood in its collapsed state and within the hood in its expanded state. The imaging element may be configured to seat itself securely within the catheter or to angle itself to adjust the viewing angle. Additionally, a disposable visualization sheath having a transparent lens may also be utilized to house an imaging instrument therein. | 11-05-2009 |
20090221871 | PRECISION CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR TISSUE VISUALIZATION AND MANIPULATION ASSEMBLIES - Precision control systems for tissue visualization and manipulation assemblies are described herein where such devices may utilize a variety of apparatus and methods for facilitating advancement, articulation, control, navigation, etc. of systems which may be used to visual and/or treat tissue regions. Additionally, methods and devices for enhancing navigation of the device through a patient body are also described. | 09-03-2009 |
20090203962 | STENT DELIVERY UNDER DIRECT VISUALIZATION - Stent delivery under direct visualization utilizing an imaging hood is described herein. A stent may be delivered and placed in or around lesions, e.g., ostial lesions, through a delivery catheter while being directly visualized via an imaging hood. A pre-delivery assessment probe may also be advanced to the desired site for accurate placement of the stent. | 08-13-2009 |
20090143640 | COMBINATION IMAGING AND TREATMENT ASSEMBLIES - Combination imaging and treatment assemblies are described herein which may utilize a deployment catheter in combination with an endoscopic system. The combined system comprises an open architecture to modularly incorporate any number of imaging devices (such as optical fiber, CMOS or CCD endoscopes) to provide high resolution optical images of tissue within an opaque environment. Additional variations may include an imaging hood or balloon member incorporated upon an endoscope or advanced through an endoscope working channel to visualize and treat tissue through blood. | 06-04-2009 |
20090125022 | TISSUE VISUALIZATION AND ABLATION SYSTEMS - Visualization and ablation system variations are described which utilize various tissue ablation arrangements. Such assemblies are configured to facilitate the application of energy delivery, such as RF ablation, to an underlying target tissue for treatment in a controlled manner while directly visualizing the tissue during the bipolar ablation process. | 05-14-2009 |
20090076498 | VISUALIZATION AND ABLATION SYSTEM VARIATIONS - Visualization and ablation system variations are described which utilize various tissue ablation arrangements. Such assemblies are configured to facilitate the application of bipolar energy delivery, such as RF ablation, to an underlying target tissue for treatment in a controlled manner while directly visualizing the tissue during the bipolar ablation process. | 03-19-2009 |
20090062790 | DIRECT VISUALIZATION BIPOLAR ABLATION SYSTEMS - Direct visualization bipolar ablation systems are described which utilize bipolar electrode arrangements. Such assemblies are configured to facilitate the application of bipolar energy delivery, such as RF ablation, to an underlying target tissue for treatment in a controlled manner while directly visualizing the tissue during the bipolar ablation process. | 03-05-2009 |
20090030276 | TISSUE VISUALIZATION CATHETER WITH IMAGING SYSTEMS INTEGRATION - Tissue visualization catheters with imaging systems integrated within the imaging catheter system are described. The tissue-imaging apparatus relates to devices and/or methods to provide visualization of tissue regions within a body lumen such as a heart, which is filled with blood flowing dynamically therethrough. High-resolution images can be obtained by miniaturizing and integrating solid state cameras into the tissue visualization catheter in a number of different off-axis configurations. One or more light sources can also be optionally integrated with the solid state imagers to illuminate the tissue from different angles. | 01-29-2009 |
20080281293 | COMPLEX SHAPE STEERABLE TISSUE VISUALIZATION AND MANIPULATION CATHETER - Complex steerable catheter visualization and tissue manipulation systems and their methods of use are disclosed herein. The deployment catheter is articulated using various steering mechanisms. Tissue visualization is accomplished from the visualization hood at the distal end of the deployment catheter, the hood having an ability to expand and other features to facilitate visualization and articulation at the tissue surface. | 11-13-2008 |
20080275300 | COMPLEX SHAPE STEERABLE TISSUE VISUALIZATION AND MANIPULATION CATHETER - Complex shape steerable tissue visualization and manipulation catheters and their methods of use of disclosed herein. The deployment catheter may be articulated utilizing various steering mechanisms to adjust a position of a visualization hood or membrane through which underlying tissue may be visualized. | 11-06-2008 |
20080214889 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PREVENTING TISSUE MIGRATION - Methods and apparatus for preventing tissue migration or tissue “tenting” during transseptal access procedures are described. The underlying tissue wall may be temporarily engaged via any number of mechanisms, e.g., engaging teeth or projections, threaded needle, vacuum, etc., and one or more instruments may be passed through the tissue wall while maintaining engagement with the tissue to provide a counter-traction force. The procedure may be accomplished while under direct visualization within an imaging hood placed against the tissue surface and purged of blood. | 09-04-2008 |