Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
600467000 | Intravascular | 81 |
20080200815 | Intravascular Ultrasound Techniques - Intravascular ultrasound techniques provide for intravascular imaging using contrast agents and nonlinear techniques. An ultrasound imaging device for detecting internal properties of a target body comprises an ultrasound transducer positioned at a distal end portion of a catheter, for transmitting excitation pulses and for receiving echo signals. A signal processor analyses echo signals at harmonics and/or subharmonics of the transmit frequency. The catheter may include a contrast agent delivery conduit extending along the catheter, the delivery conduit having an exit orifice proximal to the ultrasound transducer. The device may discriminate between echo signals respectively arising from interaction with tissue and from the interaction with contrast agent. The device may generate an image of the site of interest using non-linear components of the received ultrasound echo signals. | 08-21-2008 |
20090024040 | Wall-Contacting Intravascular Ultrasound Probe Catheters - The present invention provides intravascular diagnostic catheters that include one or more wall-contacting/wall-approaching probes including IVUS probe elements and diagnostic systems including such catheters, for the evaluation and diagnosis of blood vessels. Also provided are intravascular catheters in which the wall-contacting/wall-approaching probes further include an optical probe element and systems including such catheters, for combined IVUS and optical analysis of a blood vessel wall. | 01-22-2009 |
20090069694 | Coronary sinus access catheter with forward-imaging means - A coronary access catheter system simplifies the insertion of objects into distal branches of the coronary sinus. The system incorporates a real-time forward-imaging means to view the os and the branches of the coronary sinus. Preferably, the catheter uses near-infrared light as the forward-imaging means, but it could also include ultrasound or electromagnetic transducer. As the image is viewed, the catheter tip can be steered into the coronary sinus os and deflected in a tight radius bend on the distal end to navigate the short radius, right angle turns found in the coronary sinus branches. At that point, a flexible sheath can be placed over the guide catheter or objects such as guidewires can be inserted into channels of the guide catheter. The system consists of a catheter and image acquisition unit, which displays the forward image. | 03-12-2009 |
20090156941 | TELESCOPE FOR AN IMAGING CATHETER - A catheter has a proximal end and a distal end and comprises an outer tube having a proximal end, an inner sheath slidingly received within the outer tube and extending distally from the outer tube, and a rotatable shaft extending from the proximal end of the outer tube to within the inner sheath. The rotatable shaft is axially fixed with respect to the outer tube and axially moveable within and with respect to the inner sheath. The rotatable shaft includes a proximal substantially rigid section and a distal flexible section. The catheter further includes a working element carried on the distal flexible section of the rotatable shaft. | 06-18-2009 |
20090221918 | ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR - 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. | 09-03-2009 |
20090253989 | System and Method for Intravascular Structural Analysis Compensation of Chemical Analysis Modality - A multimodal intravascular analysis uses a structural intravascular analysis modality to compensate for a chemical analysis modality. Examples of structural analysis are IVUS, OCT, including optical coherence domain Reflectometry (OCDR) and optical frequency domain imaging (OFDI), and/or sonar range finding. Examples of chemical or functional analysis are optical, NIR, Raman, fluorescence and spectroscopy, thermography and reflectometry. In one example, the structural analysis is used to characterize the environment structurally, such as catheter head-vessel wall distance. This information is then used to select from two or more algorithms which are depth specific (e.g. shallow vs. deep), to achieve improved accuracy in the chemical or functional analysis. | 10-08-2009 |
20090275840 | BLOOD VESSEL SENSING CATHETER HAVING WORKING LUMEN FOR MEDICAL APPLIANCES - Devices and methods are disclosed for providing a sensing element to scan tissue and detect the presence of structures within the tissue to avoid the structures when performing a procedure on the tissue. A catheter includes a blood vessel sensing assembly and a working lumen adapted to receive a medical appliance or instrument for performing various medical procedures. | 11-05-2009 |
20100160788 | ROTATIONAL INTRAVASCULAR ULTRASOUND PROBE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - A rotational intravascular ultrasound probe for insertion into a vasculature and a method of manufacturing the same. The rotational intravascular ultrasound probe comprises an elongate catheter having a flexible body and an elongate transducer shaft disposed within the flexible body. The transducer shaft comprises a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, a drive shaft extending from the proximal end portion to the distal end portion, an ultrasonic transducer disposed near the distal end portion for obtaining a circumferential image through rotation, and a transducer housing molded to the drive shaft and the ultrasonic transducer. | 06-24-2010 |
20100179434 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING INTRAVASCULAR ULTRASOUND SYSTEMS WITH PHOTO-ACOUSTIC IMAGING CAPABILITIES - A catheter assembly for an intravascular ultrasound system includes a catheter and an imaging core disposed in the catheter. The imaging core includes a rotatable driveshaft, at least one light source, and at least one transducer. The at least one light source is disposed at a distal end of the rotatable driveshaft. The at least one light source is configured and arranged for rotating with the driveshaft and also for transforming applied electrical signals to light for illuminating an object in proximity to the catheter. The at least one transducer is also disposed at the distal end of the rotatable driveshaft. The at least one transducer is configured and arranged for rotating with the driveshaft. The at least one transducer is configured and arranged for receiving acoustic signals generated by the object in response to illumination of the object by the light emitted from the at least one light source. | 07-15-2010 |
20100249602 | ULTRASOUND CATHETER HOUSING WITH ELECTROMAGNETIC SHIELDING PROPERTIES AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE - An ultrasound catheter housing with electromagnetic shielding properties and methods of manufacturing is provided. The ultrasound catheter housing comprises a an inner thin wall polymer tube extruded using an ultrasonically transparent polymer, a thin metalized layer deposited on the outer surface of the inner tube, and an outer thin wall polymer tube, which may be the same or a different ultrasonically transparent material. In another embodiment an ultrasound catheter comprising the ultrasound catheter housing is provided. | 09-30-2010 |
20100249603 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING A MOTOR DISTALLY-POSITIONED WITHIN A CATHETER OF AN INTRAVASCULAR ULTRASOUND IMAGING SYSTEM - A catheter assembly for an intravascular ultrasound system includes an imaging core configured and arranged for inserting into a distal end of a lumen of a catheter. The imaging core includes at least one transducer mounted to a driveshaft and configured and arranged for transforming applied electrical signals to acoustic signals and also for transforming received echo signals to electrical signals. A motor is coupled to the driveshaft between the one or more transducers and the transformer. The motor includes a rotatable magnet and at least two magnetic field windings disposed around at least a portion of the magnet. | 09-30-2010 |
20100249604 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING A MOTOR DISTALLY-POSITIONED WITHIN A CATHETER OF AN INTRAVASCULAR ULTRASOUND IMAGING SYSTEM - An imaging core, that is configured and arranged for insertion into a catheter, includes a mirror disposed at a distal end of a rotatable driveshaft; a motor coupled to the driveshaft and including a rotatable magnet and at least two magnetic field windings disposed around at least a portion of the magnet on a rigid slotted material; and at least one fixed transducer positioned between the motor and the rotatable mirror. The driveshaft extends through an aperture in the magnet to allow passage of the driveshaft through the at least one transducer to the rotatable mirror. At least one transducer conductor is electrically coupled to the at least one transducer and in electrical communication with the proximal end of the catheter. At least one motor conductor is electrically coupled to the magnetic field windings and in electrical communication with the proximal end of the catheter. | 09-30-2010 |
20100249605 | HARMONIC CMUT DEVICES & FABRICATION METHODS - Harmonic capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (“cMUT”) devices and fabrication methods are provided. In a preferred embodiment, a harmonic cMUT device generally comprises a membrane having a non-uniform mass distribution. A mass load positioned along the membrane can be utilized to alter the mass distribution of the membrane. The mass load can be a part of the membrane and formed of the same material or a different material as the membrane. The mass load can be positioned to correspond with a vibration mode of the membrane, and also to adjust or shift a vibration mode of the membrane. The mass load can also be positioned at predetermined locations along the membrane to control the harmonic vibrations of the membrane. A cMUT can also comprise a cavity defined by the membrane, a first electrode proximate the membrane, and a second electrode proximate a substrate. Other embodiments are also claimed and described. | 09-30-2010 |
20100268089 | MULTIPLE ELEMENT ELECTRODE CMUT DEVICES AND FABRICATION METHODS - Multiple electrode element capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (“cMUT”) devices and fabrication methods are provided. Some embodiments can include a forward or side looking catheter device having a plurality of cMUT arrays for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic energy. The forward or side looking intravascular device can generally comprise a plurality of cMUT arrays being disposed on a substrate in a spaced apart arrangement. The cMUT arrays can be disposed at differing locations on the substrate. The plurality of cMUT arrays can each comprise a plurality of cMUT elements. At least a portion of the plurality of cMUT elements can comprise a flexible membrane disposed above the substrate and a multiple element electrode. The multiple element electrode can comprise a plurality of electrode elements. The plurality of electrode elements can be shaped and sized to have a width less than the width of the membrane, and be further configured to operatively shape the membrane in a reception state to receive ultrasonic energy and a transmission state to transmit ultrasonic energy. Other aspects, features, and embodiments are also claimed and described. | 10-21-2010 |
20100280390 | CATHETER FOR THREE-DIMENSIONAL INTRACARDIAC ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY AND SYSTEM INCLUDING THE SAME - A catheter apparatus ( | 11-04-2010 |
20100317973 | Device and method for vascular re-entry - In a method for re-entry from extraluminal space into the central lumen of a vessel, a guidewire is advanced into the extraluminal space of the vessel, and then a directional catheter is advanced over the guidewire through the extraluminal space. Thereafter, the guidewire is removed from the directional catheter, an ultrasound device is placed through the directional catheter, and the ultrasound device is advanced through the extraluminal space into the central lumen and then activated. | 12-16-2010 |
20110034809 | High Resolution Intravascular Ultrasound Transducer Assembly Having A Flexible Substrate - An ultrasound transducer assembly of the present invention includes a flexible circuit to which an ultrasound transducer array and integrated circuitry are attached during fabrication of the ultrasound transducer assembly. The flexible circuit comprises a flexible substrate to which the integrated circuitry and transducer elements are attached while the flexible substrate is in a substantially flat shape. The flexible circuit further comprises electrically conductive lines that are deposited upon the flexible substrate. The electrically conductive lines transport electrical signals between the integrated circuitry and the transducer elements. After assembly, the flexible circuit is re-shapable into a final form such as, for example, a substantially cylindrical shape. | 02-10-2011 |
20110071400 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING INTRAVASCULAR ULTRASOUND IMAGING SYSTEMS WITH SEALED IMAGING CORES - A catheter assembly for an intravascular ultrasound system includes a catheter insertable into patient vasculature via a guidewire. A watertight imaging core is disposed in the distal end of the catheter. The imaging core includes a motor, at least one fixed transducer, and a signal redirection unit. The motor includes a magnet configured and arranged to rotate upon generation of a magnetic field by magnetic field windings. The signal redirection unit is coupled to the magnet such that rotation of the magnet causes a corresponding rotation of at least a portion of the signal redirection unit. The signal redirection unit includes a tilted mirror that redirects acoustic signals transmitted from the fixed transducer to patient tissue. At least one transducer conductor and at least one stator conductor are electrically coupled to the imaging core and in electrical communication with the proximal end of the catheter. | 03-24-2011 |
20110071401 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING A STEPPER MOTOR FOR AN INTRAVASCULAR ULTRASOUND IMAGING SYSTEM - A catheter assembly for an intravascular ultrasound system includes an imaging core disposed in a lumen of a catheter. The imaging core includes a stepper motor that rotates a mirror coupled to a driveshaft. The stepper motor provides step-wise rotation of the driveshaft using a rotatable magnet and at least two magnetic field windings disposed around at least a portion of the magnet. At least one fixed transducer is positioned between the stepper motor and the mirror. The stepper motor permits stepwise rotation of the driveshaft with steps of 3 degrees or less. At least one transducer conductor is electrically coupled to the at least one transducer and in electrical communication with a proximal end of the catheter. At least one motor conductor is electrically coupled to the magnetic field windings and in electrical communication with the proximal end of the catheter. | 03-24-2011 |
20110098573 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR COUPLING A TRANSDUCER TO A CONTROL MODULE OF AN INTRAVASCULAR ULTRASOUND IMAGING SYSTEM - A catheter assembly for an intravascular ultrasound system includes an ultrasound transducer disposed in an image device housing within a lumen of a catheter. The ultrasound transducer transforms applied electrical signals to acoustic signals within a frequency bandwidth centered at an operational frequency and having variable electrical impedances over one or more frequencies within the bandwidth. A distal drive cable is coupled to the imaging device housing. A connector housing couples the distal drive cable to a proximal drive cable. A transducer conductor electrically couples the transducer to a proximal end of the catheter. At least one tuning element is electrically coupled to the transducer conductor. The at least one tuning element matches electrical impedances of the transducer conductor to the ultrasound transducer over at least a subset of frequencies within the frequency bandwidth of the ultrasound transducer. | 04-28-2011 |
20110125027 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FLUSHING AIR FROM A CATHETER OF AN INTRAVASCULAR ULTRASOUND IMAGING SYSTEM - 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. | 05-26-2011 |
20120046553 | ULTRASOUND CATHETER HOUSING WITH ELECTROMAGNETIC SHIELDING PROPERTIES AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE - An ultrasound catheter housing with electromagnetic shielding properties and methods of manufacturing is provided. The ultrasound catheter housing comprises a an inner thin wall polymer tube extruded using an ultrasonically transparent polymer, a thin metalized layer deposited on the outer surface of the inner tube, and an outer thin wall polymer tube, which may be the same or a different ultrasonically transparent material. In another embodiment an ultrasound catheter comprising the ultrasound catheter housing is provided. | 02-23-2012 |
20120065517 | System and Method for Reducing Angular Geometric Distortion in an Imaging Device - 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. | 03-15-2012 |
20120130250 | Pleated Bag for Interventional Pullback Systems - The present invention provides for pleated bags used with interventional pullback systems, including imaging catheters such as IVUS catheters, as well as for use with other catheters. An exemplary pleated bag of the present invention may be an elongate, sterile bag, having a plurality of pleats near the distal end, and including an orifice proximal to the pleats designed to allow passage of a catheter into the bag. The present invention also provides for a system that includes a pullback device, catheter, and pleated bag. The present invention allows for improved imaging catheter procedures at reduced costs. | 05-24-2012 |
20120271174 | CATHETER - A catheter includes a catheter main body provided with a window portion through which an inspection wave passes, a drive shaft provided with a detection unit detecting the inspection wave and concurrently installed advanceably and retractably in an axial direction inside the catheter main body, and a bias member biasing a force onto the drive shaft for moving the drive shaft forward toward the distal side thereof. | 10-25-2012 |
20120271175 | IVUS SYSTEM WITH ROTARY CAPACITIVE COUPLING - An imaging system comprises a catheter having a lumen, a rotatable imaging probe within the catheter lumen including a distal transducer and first and second conductors coupled to the transducer, and a coupler that couples the rotatable first and second conductors to non-rotatable third and fourth conductors, respectively. The coupler includes a rotary capacitive coupler. | 10-25-2012 |
20120283570 | MULTI-DIRECTIONAL FLEXIBLE WIRE HARNESS FOR MEDICAL DEVICES - A wire harness for a medical device includes a wiring bundle, a distal flex circuit, and a proximal flex circuit. The wiring bundle includes a plurality of twisted pair wiring and a shield, and operatively or conductively connects the distal flex circuit to the proximal flex circuit. The distal flex circuit may be configured to operatively or conductively connect to an electrically controlled object located in a distal portion of the medical device. The proximal flex circuit may be configured to operatively or conductively connect to an electrical connector. | 11-08-2012 |
20120283571 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR VASCULAR RE-ENTRY - In a method for re-entry from extraluminal space into the central lumen of a vessel, a guidewire is advanced into the extraluminal space of the vessel, and then a directional catheter is advanced over the guidewire through the extraluminal space. Thereafter, the guidewire is removed from the directional catheter, an ultrasound device is placed through the directional catheter, and the ultrasound device is advanced through the extraluminal space into the central lumen and then activated. | 11-08-2012 |
20120302891 | CATHETER MOUNTED AUTOMATIC VESSEL OCCLUSION AND FLUID DISPERSION DEVICES - Catheter or guidewire mounted automatic vessel occlusion and fluid dispersion devices that expand to occlude or partially occlude a vessel when a fluid is flowing in the catheter or guidewire, and that automatically collapse when fluid flow is stopped. Each occlusion device has an elastic skeleton covered with a flexible cover coupled thereto and may have a hole(s) or openings in its distal or proximal end thereof to allow controlled flow through the desired end of the occlusion device. The fluid may be a flush fluid for enabling or improving the performance of imaging devices and image enhancing fluids, of treatment fluids for localized treatment of a vessel or tissues in communication with the vessel and/or of the transmission of energy to the vessel wall and adjacent tissues. Various embodiments are disclosed. | 11-29-2012 |
20130023770 | MEDICAL PROBE WITH FLUID ROTARY JOINT - A catheter is provided that includes an external sheath, a rotatable conduit housed within the external sheath, and a fluid rotary joint having a rotatable insert that places an inner lumen of the rotatable conduit in fluid communication with an external port under rotation of the rotatable conduit. The rotatable insert may include a channel structure including an external annular channel. The rotatable conduit is received within the channel structure such that the inner lumen is in fluid communication with the external port through the annular channel under rotation. The external sheath may define an outer lumen that may be in fluid communication with the inner lumen at a location remote from a proximal portion of the catheter, and the outer lumen may be in fluid communication with a secondary port. The rotatable conduit may be housed within a torque cable that is connected to the rotatable insert. | 01-24-2013 |
20130023771 | LOW PROFILE INTRAVASCULAR ULTRASOUND CATHETER - The present invention provides low profile intravascular ultrasound catheters adapted to access sites within the patient's body through narrow blood vessels, e.g., the radial artery. In an embodiment, a low profile catheter comprises an catheter sheath, a short guidewire receiver attached to the distal end of the catheter sheath, and a telescope assembly at the proximal end. The catheter sheath comprises a main portion and a tapered portion for increased flexibility toward the distal end of the catheter. In one embodiment, a rotatable and translatable imaging core is received within the catheter sheath for ultrasound imaging. A short guidewire receiver is used to allow the imaging core to be advanced farther distally with respect to the distal end of the catheter. In an embodiment, the catheter sheath extends through a portion of the telescope assembly to provide enhanced support of the imaging core within the telescope assembly. | 01-24-2013 |
20130218020 | Rotational Intravascular Ultrasound Probe With An Active Spinning Element - An intravascular ultrasound probe is disclosed, incorporating features for utilizing an advanced transducer technology on a rotating transducer shaft. In particular, the probe accommodates the transmission of the multitude of signals across the boundary between the rotary and stationary components of the probe required to support an advanced transducer technology. These advanced transducer technologies offer the potential for increased bandwidth, improved beam profiles, better signal to noise ratio, reduced manufacturing costs, advanced tissue characterization algorithms, and other desirable features. Furthermore, the inclusion of electronic components on the spinning side of the probe can be highly advantageous in terms of preserving maximum signal to noise ratio and signal fidelity, along with other performance benefits. | 08-22-2013 |
20130253328 | CATHETER SHEATH AND METHODS THEREOF - A catheter a first sheath having a proximal end and a distal end, and a length extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The first sheath being devoid of any bonds between the proximal end and the distal end, and a flexural modulus of the first sheath varying along the length. A method of making a catheter having more than one flexural modulus. | 09-26-2013 |
20130274609 | Pleated Bag for Interventional Pullback Systems - The present invention provides for pleated bags used with interventional pullback systems, including imaging catheters such as IVUS catheters, as well as for use with other catheters. An exemplary pleated bag of the present invention may be an elongate, sterile bag, having a plurality of pleats near the distal end, and including an orifice proximal to the pleats designed to allow passage of a catheter into the bag. The present invention also provides for a system that includes a pullback device, catheter, and pleated bag. The present invention allows for improved imaging catheter procedures at reduced costs. | 10-17-2013 |
20130289412 | Rotary Transformer and Associated Devices, Systems, and Methods for Rotational Intravascular Ultrasound - Rotational intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging devices, systems, and methods are provided. The present disclosure is particularly directed to rotary transformers incorporating flex circuits that are suitable for use in rotational IVUS systems. In one embodiment, a rotary transformer for a rotational IVUS device includes: a rotational component and a stationary component. At least one of the rotational and stationary components includes a core formed of a magnetically conductive material and a flex circuit coupled to the core. In some instances, the flex circuit is coupled to the core such that a coil portion of the flex circuit is received within a recess of the core and an extension of the flex circuit extending from the coil portion extends through an opening of the core. | 10-31-2013 |
20130303919 | Circuit Architectures and Electrical Interfaces for Rotational Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) Devices - Rotational intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging devices, systems, and methods are provided. Some embodiments of the present disclosure are particularly directed to compact and efficient circuit architectures and electrical interfaces for polymer piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducers (PMUTs) used in rotational IVUS systems. In one embodiment, a rotational intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) device includes: a flexible elongate member; a piezoelectric micromachined ultrasound transducer (PMUT) coupled to a distal portion of the flexible elongate member; and an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) coupled to the distal portion of the flexible elongate member. The ASIC is electrically coupled to the PMUT and includes a pulser, an amplifier, a protection circuit, and timing and control circuitry for coordinating operation of the pulser, amplifier, and protection circuit. | 11-14-2013 |
20130331706 | Devices, Systems, and Methods for Forward Looking Imaging - Devices, systems, and methods for forward looking imaging are provided. A system for imaging a vessel of a patient comprises an elongated sheath having a proximal and a distal end. The sheath includes a flexible body with a first lumen in communication with a distal opening at the distal end. The system further comprises an imaging core disposed within the first lumen. The imaging core includes a transducer subassembly sized to extend within the first lumen. The transducer subassembly is adapted to transmit a beam, distally of the elongated sheath, through the distal opening. | 12-12-2013 |
20140073928 | MEDICAL TUBE, CATHETER, AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING MEDICAL TUBE - A first tube is a medical tube provided with a first portion, a second portion and a third portion in this order from the proximal end side toward the distal end side and is made of a resin. At the second portion, the outer diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the first portion and the inner diameter is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the first portion. At the third portion, the outer diameter and the inner diameter are respectively smaller than the outer diameter and the inner diameter of the second portion. In this manner, a medical tube in which the outer diameter of the proximal end side is relatively large and the outer diameter of the distal end side is relatively small while securing the inner diameter having a sufficient size at the distal end side can be provided. | 03-13-2014 |
20140107492 | MECHANICAL SCANNING ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCER WITH MICROMOTOR - A system for use with ultrasound procedures including an ultrasound control and/or imaging system which has a microminiature motor, a rotatable reflector and a stationary ultrasound transducer. The transducer may be placed between the motor and the reflector, so as to eliminate the need for placement of wires or other artifact-creating items in the path of ultrasound signals. In particular embodiments, such systems can be incorporated in or retrofitted to commercially standard diagnostic and therapeutic catheters or other housings. Examples can be used in variety of ultrasound procedures, e.g. to perform intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging. | 04-17-2014 |
20140163383 | Self-Flushing Intravascular Catheter Apparatus and Associated Methods - An intravascular catheter having an elongated sheath surrounding an elongated flexible inner structure movable relative thereto is provided with various representative embodiments of flushing apparatus carried by the inner structure. Such flushing apparatus is operative in response to movement of the inner structure relative to the sheath to induce a flow of flushing fluid from a source thereof through the interior of the sheath and then discharge the flushing fluid from the sheath. In one embodiment thereof the flushing apparatus includes an impeller structure disposed on the inner structure. In another embodiment thereof the flushing structure includes an annular seal disposed on the inner structure in sliding and sealing engagement with the interior surface of the sheath. | 06-12-2014 |
20140171803 | Rotational Catheter With Extended Catheter Body Drive Shaft Support - In a rotational intravascular catheter, a proximal section of the catheter sheath, within which an elongated flexible drive member portion of the catheter is movably disposed, is extended into a telescoping portion of the catheter. The proximal sheath section functions to support the section of the drive member positioned within the telescoping section whether the telescoping section is in an extended position, qa retracted position, or any position therebetween. | 06-19-2014 |
20140171804 | Rotational Sensing Catheter with Self-Supporting Drive Shaft Section - An intravascular catheter has a telescope section including telescoped inner and outer tubular catheter members, a sheath having a proximal end anchored to an end of one of the inner and outer catheter members, and an elongated flexible drive member coaxially disposed within and being proximally and distally movable through the sheath. The drive member has a distal portion received in the sheath, and a second, unsheathed portion extending beyond the sheath into the interior of the telescope section. the unsheathed portion of the drive member has a stiffness greater than that of the sheath-disposed distal portion of the drive member and of a sufficient magnitude such that the unsheathed portion of the drive member is self-supporting within the telescope section. | 06-19-2014 |
20140180121 | ROTATIONAL IMAGING APPARATUS WITH MONOLITHIC SHAFT - The invention generally relates to a rotational imaging apparatus with a monolithic shaft and methods of use thereof. In certain aspects, the apparatus includes a rotatable monolithic hollow elongate shaft. A rotatable elongate drive member is disposed within the shaft, and a rotatable elongate electrical signal transmission member is disposed within the drive member. The apparatus further includes an imaging device, and the shaft, the drive member and the signal transmission member are coupled to the imaging device. | 06-26-2014 |
20140180122 | INTRALUMINAL DEVICE HAVING ENHANCED DELIVERABILITY - Intraluminal devices, especially catheters having variable flexibility elements in a midsection of the device. The devices offer improved deliverability in an intraluminal environment, especially when used in imaging and treatment catheters. | 06-26-2014 |
20140180123 | Focused Rotational IVUS Transducer Using Single Crystal Composite Material - An ultrasound transducer for use in intra-vascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging systems including a single crystal composite (SCC) layer is provided. The transducer has a front electrode on a side of the SCC layer; and a back electrode on the opposite side of the SCC layer. The SCC layer may have a dish shape including pillars made of a single crystal piezo-electric material embedded in a polymer matrix. Also provided is an ultrasound transducer as above, with the back electrode split into two electrodes electrically decoupled from one another. A method of forming an ultrasound transducer as above is also provided. An IVUS imaging system is provided, including an ultrasound transducer rotationally disposed within an elongate member; an actuator; and a control system controlling activation of the ultrasound transducer to facilitate imaging. | 06-26-2014 |
20140180124 | Steerable Intravascular Devices And Associated Devices, Systems, and Methods - A steerable sheath for a catheter delivery system and associated devices and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the catheter delivery system includes a catheter sheath having a steerable distal portion and a flexible elongate member connecting to a steering unit. The flexible elongate member has a central lumen through which a therapeutic or diagnostic device of a first modality can be inserted, used to perform a procedure, and then removed and replaced by a different therapeutic or diagnostic device while the catheter sheath remains substantially at the same location within a patient. | 06-26-2014 |
20140180125 | ROTATIONAL IMAGING APPARATUS - The invention generally relates to a rotational imaging apparatus and methods of use thereof. In certain aspects, the apparatus includes a hollow elongate body. The hollow body includes a proximal and a distal end, and the proximal end includes a connector. A rotatable drive member is disposed within the body, and a rotatable electrical signal transmission member is disposed within the drive cable. The drive member and the electrical signal transmission member are coupled to an imaging device within the body and a portion of the electrical signal transmission member is attached to the drive member distal to the connector. | 06-26-2014 |
20140180126 | CATHETER WITH BALLOON AND IMAGING - The invention provides an intravascular catheter with an expandable member such as a balloon with an imaging device on a surface of the expandable member. The imaging device can use an optical fiber on a surface of the expandable member to image a treatment site. Since an image can be captured directly from the surface of the expandable member, an operator can examine the treatment site while positioning the expandable member. With the treatment site in view, the operator can deliver the treatment (e.g., inflate the balloon or deploy the stent) with confidence that it will be located properly. | 06-26-2014 |
20140180127 | ROTATIONAL ULTRASOUND IMAGING CATHETER WITH EXTENDED CATHETER BODY TELESCOPE - The present invention generally relates to devices for imaging the interior of a vessel. The device can involve an elongated body configured to fit within the lumen of a vessel, a rotatable shaft positioned inside the elongated body, and a telescoping element, wherein a portion of the elongated body extends through the telescoping element, in which the elongated body is configured to contain the rotatable shaft inside the telescoping element. | 06-26-2014 |
20140180128 | Focused Rotational IVUS Transducer Using Single Crystal Composite Material - An ultrasound transducer for use in intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging systems including a single crystal composite (SCC) layer is provided. The transducer has a front electrode on a side of the SCC layer; and a back electrode on the opposite side of the SCC layer. The SCC layer may have a bowl shape including pillars made of a single crystal piezoelectric material embedded in a polymer matrix. Also provided is an ultrasound transducer as above, with the back electrode split into two electrodes electrically isolated from one another. A method of forming an ultrasound transducer as above is also provided. An IVUS imaging system is provided, including an ultrasound emitter and receiver rotationally disposed within an elongate member; an actuator; and a control system controlling emission of pulses and receiving ultrasound echo data associated with the pulses. The ultrasound emitter and receiver include an ultrasound transducer as above. | 06-26-2014 |
20140187961 | CATHETER HAVING IMAGING FUNCTION, AND BLOOD VESSEL INSIDE OBSERVATION SYSTEM USING SAME | 07-03-2014 |
20140187962 | Wirebonding Fixture and Casting Mold - The present disclosure involves a method and apparatus for attaching two electrical dies by wire bonding and then encasing the assembly in a protective casting that works by arranging two dies into a fixture conducive to wire bonding. Doped epoxy may be immediately dispensed over the assembly to form a near-net-shape protective cover, or Drive Can. | 07-03-2014 |
20140187963 | Fire Control System for Rotational IVUS - A patient interface module (PIM) for an intra-vascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging system and a method for using it are provided. The PIM may include a motor having position sensors; a motor controller circuit providing a signal to the motor; and a clock and timing circuit to provide a trigger signal to a pulse transmitter circuit and a reference clock signal to an analog to digital converter (ADC) circuit, the trigger signal and the reference clock signal synchronized to a local oscillator; wherein the motor is configured to provide a relative phase value between a motor shaft and the local oscillator to a data processing circuit. | 07-03-2014 |
20140187964 | Intravascular Ultrasound Catheter for Minimizing Image Distortion - The present disclosure provides various embodiments of an ultrasound catheter for use in intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging. An exemplary IVUS device includes an flexible elongate member having a lumen extending therethrough, and a rotatable imaging core disposed within the lumen. The imaging core is further configured to transmit and receive ultrasound signals through a distal portion of the flexible elongate member. The distal portion of the flexible elongate member includes a first set of material layers, while the proximal portion includes a second set of material layers different than the first set of material layers. The first set of material layers and the second material layers minimize distortion of the ultrasound signals. The first set of material layers further facilitates an average speed of sound through the first set of material layers that is substantially equivalent to a speed of sound through blood. | 07-03-2014 |
20140187965 | Stepped Banded Connector for Intravascular Ultrasound Devices - A male and female connectors and a method for providing electrical connection between a patient interface module (PIM) and an intravascular sensing device carrying more than two signal leads. A four-electrical-contacts male connector includes three elongated hollow tubular male bodies concentrically disposed around one another in an expanded telescopic fashion to define three stepped banded outer surfaces, where one electrical contact is formed on an inner surface of the innermost male body, and the rest on the stepped bands. The female connector includes three spaced-apart hollow tubular female bodies concentrically disposed around one another and a shaft disposed within the innermost female body, being sized and configured, respectively, to mate with the three stepped bands and a central cavity defined by the innermost male body of the male connector. | 07-03-2014 |
20140194746 | IVUS SYSTEM WITH ROTARY CAPACITIVE COUPLING - An imaging system comprises a catheter having a lumen, a rotatable imaging probe within the catheter lumen including a distal transducer and first and second conductors coupled to the transducer, and a coupler that couples the rotatable first and second conductors to non-rotatable third and fourth conductors, respectively. The coupler includes a rotary capacitive coupler. | 07-10-2014 |
20140276084 | INTRAVASCULAR ULTRASOUND DEVICES - Devices and methods of the invention provide for imaging an object within a body lumen. In certain aspects, a device for intraluminal imaging of the invention includes an elongate body defining a longitudinal axis, and a linear-array of imaging elements located on the body along the longitudinal axis. | 09-18-2014 |
20140276085 | COREGISTERED INTRAVASCULAR AND ANGIOGRAPHIC IMAGES - Presenting intravascular images and angiographic images co-registered on a display. As an imaging catheter is pushed through an occlusion, a center point of the catheter and an outline of the vessel wall can be displayed. A physician can see where the catheter is crossing the occlusion within the vessel. The physician can determine what path the catheter is taking the through occlusion. Methods include extending an imaging catheter through the occlusion, determining a location of a wall of the vessel relative to a center point of the catheter, obtaining a position of the catheter within a lumen of the vessel via angiography, and displaying the catheter crossing the occlusion by co-registering the location of the wall, the position of the catheter within the lumen, and the lumen on a display. | 09-18-2014 |
20140276086 | DEFLECTABLE IVUS CATHETER - The invention generally relates to intravascular intervention catheters and provides catheters for performing an intravascular procedure that use a mechanism to control an operation at the end of the catheter. The mechanism can be used to steer the distal tip of the catheter from a controller at a proximal end of the catheter. The mechanism may include one or more pull wires extending along the catheter. The mechanism may optionally be manually or computer controlled. | 09-18-2014 |
20140276087 | Wafer-Scale Transducer Coating and Method - A method of fabricating miniature ultrasound transducers includes receiving a wafer on which a plurality of miniature ultrasound transducers is formed. The miniature ultrasound transducers each includes: a transducer membrane that contains a piezoelectric material and a first bond pad and a second bond pad each electrically coupled to the transducer membrane. A protective layer is conformally deposited over the plurality of miniature ultrasound transducers from a front side of the wafer. A first etching process is performed to form a plurality of first trenches that extend into the wafer from the front side. The first trenches are etched through the protective layer. The first trenches are disposed between adjacent miniature ultrasound transducers. A second etching process is performed to remove portions of the protective layer disposed over the first and second bond pads, thereby exposing the first and second bond pads. | 09-18-2014 |
20140343433 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING DEVICE ENGAGEMENT - An intravenous ultrasound (IVUS) system can include a catheter and a translation mechanism for translating the catheter. Engagement between the catheter and the translation mechanism may be detected, and the translation mechanism can be placed in a connected or disconnected mode, accordingly. When in connected mode, certain IVUS operations may be enabled when compared to disconnected mode, wherein such operations may be disabled. Thus, some embodiments may ensure proper engagement between the catheter and the translation mechanism prior to allowing certain IVUS operations to be carried out. | 11-20-2014 |
20140343434 | ELECTRICAL ISOLATION OF CATHETER WITH EMBEDDED MEMORY IN IVUS SYSTEMS - An intravenous ultrasound (IVUS) system can include a catheter which can include memory. Because portions of the catheter are in intimate contact with the patient, electrical signals are isolated for safety. The IVUS system or catheter can thus comprise a catheter interface which provides bidirectional isolation circuitry for coupling the catheter to additional components of the IVUS system. Such circuitry allows for memory operation and communication from within the catheter while remaining electrically isolated. Catheter memory can contain information specific to the catheter such as the type of catheter, information regarding catheter components, information regarding catheter use, and other information useful for catheter operation. | 11-20-2014 |
20140371598 | CATHETER - A catheter including a sheath configured to be inserted into a lumen; a drive shaft inserted into the sheath; an image information acquiring unit fixed to a distal end of the drive shaft and acquires image information; a hub which moves the drive shaft in an axial direction of the sheath; an outer tube on a proximal end side of the sheath and includes a first connector at a proximal end thereof; a second connector which includes on a proximal end side of the outer tube a male connector able to be connected to and disconnected from the first connector; and an inner tube on a distal end side of the hub, that moves with respect to the outer tube along with the movement of the hub, and includes at a distal end thereof a latch section that is not able to pass through the second connector. | 12-18-2014 |
20150094595 | OVER-THE-WIRE ULTRASOUND SYSTEM - Disclosed are embodiments of devices and methods for imaging the inside of a body part, such as a blood vessel. In particular embodiments, a catheter has a chamber within which is a transducer. A wire guide channel extends throughout the length of the catheter. The transducer is rotatable around the wire guide channel. | 04-02-2015 |
20150297182 | MECHANICALLY ROTATING INTRAVASCULAR ULTRASOUND PROBE - A mechanically rotating intravascular ultrasound probe relates to the technical field of medical devices, and aims to provide a forward-looking mechanically rotating intravascular ultrasound probe having a small volume, a high image resolution and good imaging stability. The intravascular ultrasound probe includes a catheter, an ultrasonic transducer disposed at a front end of a cavity of the catheter and a driving apparatus that drives the ultrasonic transducer to rotate mechanically. The driving apparatus is a micro motor disposed in the cavity of the catheter, including a rotor and a stator. The ultrasonic transducer is installed on top of the rotor and electrically connected to the rotor, and the rotor is also electrically connected to the stator; the catheter is a magnetic metal tube, and a front end thereof is enclosed by an acoustic window which has a spherical tip and allows ultrasonic waves of the ultrasonic transducer to pass through; the acoustic window is filled with an ionic liquid having a function of a ultrasonic coupling agent. The ultrasound probe solves a problem of rotation torsion of an image when the catheter passes through a lesion with high-grade stenosis or a curved blood vessel section, and achieves forward scanning imaging and side scanning imaging for a blood vessel wall. | 10-22-2015 |
20150305708 | CATHETER WITH INTEGRATED CONTROLLER FOR IMAGING AND PRESSURE SENSING - An intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) device that includes a flexible elongate member having a proximal portion and a distal portion; a controller coupled to the distal portion of the flexible elongate member; an ultrasound transducer disposed at the distal portion of the flexible elongate member and in communication with the controller; a pressure transducer disposed at the distal portion of the flexible elongate member and in communication with the controller; and plurality of conductors extending from the controller to the proximal portion of the catheter, at least one conductor of the plurality of conductors being configured to carry both the signals representing information captured by the ultrasound transducer and information captured by the pressure transducer. | 10-29-2015 |
20150313479 | Device, System, and Method for Assessing Intravascular Pressure - An apparatus for assessing the severity of stenosis in a blood vessel includes an elongate body including a distal portion and a centering assembly. The centering assembly is actuatable to selectively center the elongate body in the vessel. A pressure sensor is disposed adjacent the centering assembly and is configured to detect fluid pressure in the vessel. A processing system receives the measured pressure from the pressure sensor, receives data representing the cross-sectional area of the vessel, receives data representing the size of the distal portion, calculates a offset correlation based on the size of the distal portion and based on the size of the vessel, and calculates a fractional flow reserve (FFR) for the vessel as an index of stenosis severity taking into account the offset correlation and the measured fluid pressure from the pressure sensor. | 11-05-2015 |
20150359509 | PULLBACK SYSTEM - Disclosed is a pullback system, which has a simplified and miniaturized structure and an advanced function. The pullback system includes a central unit, which includes a rotation transducer part that rotates, and a stretchable part that is connected to a side of the rotation transducer part to rotate together with the rotation transducer part and that has a stretchable property, and a first unit rotatably coupled to a portion of the central unit. As the first unit moves in a first direction oriented from the rotation transducer part to the stretchable part or in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the stretchable part contacts or stretches. | 12-17-2015 |
20150359510 | DESIGN AND METHOD FOR INTRAVASCULAR CATHETER - A compact and efficient drive shaft for an in vivo imaging system and a method of making the same is provided by the present disclosure. In one aspect, the drive shaft includes a plurality of conductors secured to the exterior of a flexible elongate core. The conductors connect an imaging element at the distal end to a connection assembly near the proximal end of the drive shaft. | 12-17-2015 |
20160007962 | CONDUCTOR INTERFACE FOR MINIMALLY INVASIVE MEDICAL SENSOR ASSEMBLY AND ASSOCIATED DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS | 01-14-2016 |
20160066886 | INTRAVASCULAR ULTRASOUND IMAGING SYSTEM WITH SLIP RING INTERFACE AND ASSOCIATED DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS - An intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging system is provided. The IVUS imaging system includes an intravascular device including a transducer shaft with an ultrasound transducer at a distal end. The IVUS imaging system also includes an interface module removably coupled to the intravascular device. The interface module includes a connector rotatably coupled to a proximal end of the transducer shaft; a motor coupled to the connector; a spinning element coupled to the motor, wherein the spinning element comprises four conductive rings; a stationary element comprising a plurality of brushes, wherein the stationary element is disposed proximate the spinning element such that a different one of the plurality of brushes is in mechanical contact with each of the four conductive rings; and four conductors coupled to the connector and the spinning element such that the stationary element and the intravascular device are in electrical communication. | 03-10-2016 |
20160143616 | CATHETER - A catheter includes a sheath that is inserted into a lumen; a drive shaft that transmits mechanical drive force; a hub that moves the drive shaft; an outer tube that is provided in the sheath on a proximal side and comprises a first connector at a proximal portion; an inner tube that can move inside the outer tube; a second connector that can be connected to and disconnected from the first connector and can receive the inner tube; a sheath connection portion that connects the sheath and the outer tube; and a protective tube that protrudes toward a distal side further than the inner tube, accommodates the drive shaft, can be inserted into the outer tube and the sheath, and can be pulled out of the outer tube together with the hub and the inner tube as the second connector is disconnected from the first connector. | 05-26-2016 |
20220133268 | Device and Method for Intravascular Imaging and Sensing - An intravascular sensor device can be used to guide treatment of a diseased blood vessel in the body of a patient. In some examples, the intravascular sensor device includes a pressure sensor and an ultrasound transducer. The intravascular sensor device is used to measure a pressure within the diseased blood vessel and acquire an ultrasound image of the diseased blood vessel. The pressure may be measured during hyperemic blood flow that is caused by a pharmacologic vasodilator drug. The measured pressure can be used to calculate a fractional flow reserve value. The ultrasound image can be used to determine a physical dimension of the blood vessel, such as cross-sectional area. The fractional flow reserve value and physical dimensions of the blood vessel can be used to optimize patient treatment. | 05-05-2022 |
600468000 | With blood flow measurement or detection | 4 |
20130123638 | ULTRASOUND CATHETERS FOR SENSING BLOOD FLOW - Disclosed herein are ultrasound devices for sensing blood flow. More particularly, a medical catheter is disclosed to detect the presence of blood vessels. | 05-16-2013 |
20130303920 | Ultrasound Catheter For Imaging And Blood Flow Measurement - Rotational intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging devices, systems, and methods are provided. Some embodiments are directed to transducer mounting configurations that enable polymer piezoelectric micro-machined ultrasonic transducers (PMUTs) to be used with a Doppler color flow rotational IVUS imaging system. In one embodiment, a rotational intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) device includes: a flexible elongate body; a piezoelectric micromachined ultrasound transducer (PMUT) coupled to a distal portion of the flexible elongate body; and an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) coupled to the distal portion of the flexible elongate body. The ASIC is electrically coupled to the PMUT and includes a pulser, an amplifier, a protection circuit, and timing and control circuitry for coordinating operation of the pulser, amplifier, and protection circuit. The PMUT transducer is mounted with a tilt angle such that the IVUS catheter can be used to collect Doppler ultrasound blood flow data in conjunction with the IVUS imaging. | 11-14-2013 |
20150297818 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPROVING AN AV ACCESS SITE - The invention relates to restricting flow through a vascular access site such as an arteriovenous (AV) fistula or a graft using intravascular measurements to guide the procedure. The invention provides systems and methods for using intravascular detection to guide the restriction of flow through an AV fistula or graft. An intravascular instrument such as an imaging catheter or guidewire with measuring capabilities is inserted into a vessel proximal to an access site and used to evaluate the access site, which is banded to obtain healthy flow as indicated by the intravascular instrument. In certain aspects, the invention provides a method for improving a hemodialysis fistula or graft by inserting an intravascular instrument into a vessel proximal to the fistula or graft, making a measurement with the intravascular instrument, and restricting flow through the fistula or graft until the measurement obtains a predetermined value. | 10-22-2015 |
600469000 | Detecting emboli | 1 |
20130066212 | Device and Method for Determining the Likelihood of a Patient Having a Clinical Event or a Clinically Silent Event Based on Ascertained Physiological Parameters - A patient's physiological parameters, ascertained using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in combination with virtual histology (VH), are evaluated to predict whether the patient's physiology has an increased risk of producing a Clinical Event or a Silent Clinical Event. In one embodiment, one or more physiological parameters, such as Plaque Burden, Minimum Lumen Area, and whether or multiple VH-TCFAs are present, are compared to target values and/or ranges. A concurrence of the values for the physiological parameters to the target ranges indicates that a patient's physiology has an increased risk of producing a Clinical Event or a Silent Clinical Event. | 03-14-2013 |
600470000 | By inflatable ballon | 4 |
20090264771 | Ultrasonic Based Characterization of Plaque in Chronic Total Occlusions - A probe for detecting at least one property of a chronic total occlusion in a lumen. The probe includes an elongated member having a distal end configured to be inserted into the lumen, and an ultrasound transducer mounted at the distal end of the elongated member. The ultrasound transducer is configured to emit an ultrasonic signal and to receive a reflected signal from the chronic total occlusion. The probe also includes a processor configured to receive the reflected signal from the ultrasound transducer and convert the reflected signal to at least one property of the chronic total occlusion. | 10-22-2009 |
20100113939 | SMART BALLOON CATHETER - The invention provides techniques for the diagnosis and treatment of a narrowing lumen with a smart balloon catheter. The smart balloon catheter includes pressure and diameter sensing features along with a feedback system to control the dilation of the balloon. Ambient pressure of the lumen is detected with multiple pressure sensors located on the distal end of the catheter and displayed on a monitoring device. Ambient pressure results are used to position the distal end of the catheter within the narrowing lumen. A controlled gradual, or stepwise, dilation of the balloon occurs. The pressure sensors detect the ambient pressure of the lumen outside the of the balloon, and the pressure within the balloon. Distances sensors measure the distance between the center of the catheter and the expanded balloon surface. The diameter of the balloon at different cross-sections is determined and displayed on the monitoring device. The volume of the balloon, and the waist of the narrowing lumen, are determined. The rate of the dilation continues as a function of input provided by pressure and distance sensors. the dilation halts based on pressure, distance or volume endpoints. | 05-06-2010 |
20110251492 | ULTRASOUND ASSESSMENT OF LUMENS TO FACILITATE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT - Devices and methods for assessing the orientation and shape of vessel lumens and hollow portions of organs are described. The devices and methods are particularly adapted for determining the orientation and shape of the native heart valves to facilitate the later implantation of a prosthetic heart valve. The devices are typically catheter-based having an expandable member fixed to a distal end of the catheter. Located within the expandable member is an ultrasonic imaging probe and an acoustic reflective material. The methods typically comprise deploying the balloon percutaneously to a target location, expanding the balloon, and determining the orientation and shape of a lumen, particularly a cardiac valve. | 10-13-2011 |
20190142246 | RADIALLY-DIRECTED BALLOON VISUALIZATION DEVICE | 05-16-2019 |