Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080287810 | Miniature actuator mechanism for intravascular optical imaging - 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 optical coherence tomography (OCT) element. This novel SMA actuator mechanism can be easily fabricated in micro-scale, providing an advantage over existing imaging devices by offering the ability to miniaturize the overall size of the device. Because the device does not require a rotating shaft or fiber optic along the length of the catheter, it also allows for a more flexible catheter or guide wire, and provides room for other interventional devices. The device simplifies the manufacture and operation of OCT by allowing a straight fiber optic directed by an independent, oscillating reflector or prism controlled by the actuator mechanism located only in the distal tip of the device. A variation uses the actuator mechanism to rotate only the distal end of the optical fiber, eliminating the need to spin the entire fiber via a remote mechanism. Also disclosed are methods of using the same. | 11-20-2008 |
20090099551 | Sensors and control for an interventional catheter - This invention provides small position sensors for applications where localized sensing in a small volume of space is needed but where measurement of large relative displacement is also necessary. The invention enables a surgeon to accurately position the tip of a catheter during minimally invasive therapy. The current invention further improves the quality of tactile feedback to a physician during catheter-based surgeries with an axial force sensor at the tip of the catheter that allows for the transmission of force information to the physician. One embodiment of this invention is a position sensor for active interventional catheters, where the sensor may be laser-machined shape memory alloy (SMA), and the catheter actuators may be heated SMA or wire-pulleys. Providing position feedback from a catheter during minimally invasive therapy allows for closed-loop control of the catheter tip position under computer-aided guidance and enable force feedback to the physician. | 04-16-2009 |
20100113938 | MINIATURE ACTUATOR MECHANISM FOR INTRAVASCULAR IMAGING - 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. | 05-06-2010 |
20110218437 | Devices, Systems, and Methods for Field of View Control in Imaging Systems - Devices, systems, and methods for controlling the field of view in imaging systems are provided. For example, in one embodiment an imaging system includes a flexible elongate sized and shaped for use within an internal structure of a patient, an imaging transducer positioned within the distal portion of the flexible elongate member, and a monitor positioned within the distal portion of the flexible elongated member and configured to generate a feedback signal indicative of a position of the imaging transducer relative to the transducer's motion profile. The imaging system may also include a controller in communication with the monitor and configured to adjust a control signal based on the feedback signal in order to achieve a desired field of view for the imaging transducer. | 09-08-2011 |
20110263986 | MINIATURE FORWARD-LOOKING ULTRASOUND IMAGING MECHANISM ENABLED BY LOCAL SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY ACTUATOR - The present invention relates to a new forward-looking ultrasound device including a local actuator embedded inside an elongate member such as a guide wire or catheter. The present invention includes an ultrasound transducer element configured to engage with the local actuator and rotate about an axis of rotation at least when the ultrasound transducer element and the local actuator are engaged. Also disclosed are methods of using the same. | 10-27-2011 |
20120238868 | Miniature Actuator Mechanism for Intravascular Imaging - 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. | 09-20-2012 |
20130269174 | Miniature Forward-Looking Ultrasound Imaging Mechanism Enabled by Local Shape Memory Alloy Actuator - The present invention relates to a new forward-looking ultrasound device including a local actuator embedded inside an elongate member such as a guide wire or catheter. The present invention includes an ultrasound transducer element configured to engage with the local actuator and rotate about an axis of rotation at least when the ultrasound transducer element and the local actuator are engaged. Also disclosed are methods of using the same. | 10-17-2013 |
20130289391 | System and Method Using Forward Looking Imaging for Valve Therapies - A system is provided for aortic valve imaging utilizing forward looking imaging sensors. A method of imaging the aortic valve is provided that can be utilized for diagnostic evaluation and the delivery of a therapy. In one form, the imaging system can be used to place a replacement aortic valve. In another aspect, an imaging system is combined with a valve replacement delivery system. | 10-31-2013 |