Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100214562 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR NON-INVASIVELY EVALUATING A TARGET OF INTEREST OF A LIVING SUBJECT - In one aspect, the present invention relates to a probe using integrated confocal reflectance imaging, confocal Raman spectroscopy, and gross spatial imaging for non-invasively evaluating a target of interest of a living subject. In one embodiment, the probe includes a casing with a first end and an opposite, second end, a first optical port, a second optical port, and a third optical port, where the first and second optical ports are located at the first end of the casing and the third optical port is located at the second end of the casing such that the first and third optical ports define a first optical path between them and the second and third optical ports define a second optical path between them, respectively, where each of the first and second optical paths has a first portion and a second portion, where the second portions of the first and second optical paths are substantially overlapped and proximal to the third optical port, and where the probe also includes a collimation lens, a coupling lens, an objective lens assembly, a first mirror, a second mirror, a third mirror, a band pass filter, a long pass filter, a scanning member, an electronic imaging device, and a focus control device, where the collimation lens, the band pass filter, and the second mirror are placed at the first portion of the first optical path, where the coupling lens, the long pass filter, and the first mirror are placed at the first portion of the second optical path, and where the third mirrors, the scanning member, and the objective assembly are placed at the overlapped second portion of the first and second optical paths. | 08-26-2010 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090005768 | Catheter with omni-directional optical lesion evaluation - A catheter is adapted to ablate tissue and provide lesion qualitative information on a real time basis, having an ablation tip section with a generally omni-directional light diffusion chamber with one openings to allow light energy in the chamber to radiate the tissue and return to the chamber. The chamber is irrigated at a positive pressure differential to continuously flush the opening with fluid. The light energy returning to the chamber from the tissue conveys a tissue parameter, including without limitation, lesion formation, depth of penetration of lesion, cross-sectional area of lesion, formation of char during ablation, recognition of char during ablation, recognition of char from non-charred tissue, formation of coagulum around the ablation site, differentiation of coagulated from non-coagulated blood, differentiation of ablated from healthy tissue, tissue proximity, and recognition of steam formation in the tissue for prevention of steam pop. | 01-01-2009 |
20090005771 | Optical Pyrometric Catheter for Tissue Temperature Monitoring During Cardiac Ablation - A system for opto-pyrometric tissue temperature monitoring in real time. The system is adapted for cardiac ablation and tissue temperature measurement, having a catheter having a tip electrode adapted for RF ablation of cardiac tissue and an optical collector whose distal end is received in an opening formed in the tip electrode to detect black body radiation from the cardiac tissue. The system includes an optical detection system in communication with the optical collector, the optical processing system processing signals representative of a wavelength of at least a portion of the black body radiation to determine a tissue temperature. The incorporation of an optical collector within a catheter tip permits real time monitoring of tissue temperature during ablation and lesion formation to prevent critical thresholds in temperature associated with events that can damage tissue, including steam pop, thrombus, char, etc. | 01-01-2009 |
20090005773 | Ablation catheter with optically transparent, electrically conductive tip - A catheter enables real-time light measurements, for example, without limitation, diffuse reflectance, fluorescence, etc., from biological materials, such as tissue (including blood), while performing RF ablation. The catheter tip design isolates illumination and collection paths such that light exits the catheter tip and travels through the tissue of interest (e.g., cardiac tissue or blood) before returning to the catheter tip. Such a design advantageously avoids saturation of the optical detector, and ensures diffusion of the illumination light within the medium of interest. The catheter has a catheter body and a tip electrode. The tip electrode has an exterior shell, an inner layer of diffuse material and a hollow cavity, wherein the inner layer is configured to transmit light outside the tip electrode to a tissue via a set of illumination openings in the shell wall and the hollow cavity is configured to receive light from the tissue via a set of collection openings in the shell wall and the inner layer. An inner surface of the inner layer has a reflective coating to isolate light injected into the inner layer from light collected in the hollow cavity. There are a first optical waveguide extending between the catheter body and the tip electrode to inject light into the inner layer and illuminate the tissue, and a second optical waveguide extending between the catheter body and the tip electrode to collect the recaptured light in the hollow cavity. | 01-01-2009 |
20090131931 | CATHETER WITH OMNI-DIRECTIONAL OPTICAL TIP HAVING ISOLATED OPTICAL PATHS - A catheter enables real-time light measurements, for example, without limitation, diffuse reflectance, fluorescence, etc., from biological materials, such as tissue (including blood), while performing RF ablation. The catheter tip design isolates illumination and collection paths such that light exits the catheter tip and travels through the tissue of interest (e.g., cardiac tissue or blood) before returning to the catheter tip. Such a design advantageously avoids saturation of the optical detector, and ensures diffusion of the illumination light within the medium of interest. The catheter has a catheter body and a tip electrode. The tip electrode has an exterior shell, an inner layer of diffuse material and a hollow cavity, wherein the inner layer is configured to transmit light outside the tip electrode to a tissue via a set of illumination openings in the shell wall and the hollow cavity is configured to receive light from the tissue via a set of collection openings in the shell wall and the inner layer. An inner surface of the inner layer has an opaque coating to isolate light injected into the inner layer from light collected in the hollow cavity. There are a first optical waveguide extending between the catheter body and the tip electrode to inject light into the inner layer and illuminate the tissue, and a second optical waveguide extending between the catheter body and the tip electrode to collect the recaptured light in the hollow cavity. | 05-21-2009 |
20090253990 | OPTICAL DIAGNOSIS OF HEMOPHILIC JOINT EFFUSION - Non-invasive systems and methods to distinguish between blood and synovial fluid in patients are described. In one embodiment, the system comprises a patient interface system that can be placed over a swollen joint. A region of the swollen joint is illuminated with radiation. The scattered or transmitted radiation from the region of effusion is collected by a collection system and detected by a radiation detector. The information from the detector is analyzed by an analytic processing system to diagnose the cause of the joint effusion. | 10-08-2009 |
20120245572 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MONITORING EARLY FORMATION OF STEAM POP DURING ABLATION - A system for measuring real-time tissue reflection spectral characteristics during ablation includes a catheter for collecting light reflected from tissue undergoing ablation, a detection component for separating constituent wavelengths of the collected light, a quantification apparatus for generating measured light intensity data of the collected light, and a processor for analyzing the data in relation to time. A method for monitoring formation of steam pop during ablation includes delivering light to tissue, delivering ablative energy to the tissue, measuring the reflectance spectral intensity of the tissue, and observing whether the measured reflectance spectral instensity (MRSI) initially increases in a specified time period followed by a decrease at a specified rate. If the MRSI does not decrease, delivery of ablation energy continues. If the MRSI decreases within the specified time at the specified rate, formation of a steam pocket is inferred and delivery of ablative energy is decreased or discontinued. | 09-27-2012 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090275920 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATING A VESSEL USING FOCUSED FORCE - Systems and methods for treating a vessel include devices having a main elongated element with a balloon at its distal end, an auxiliary elongated element wherein a distal end of the auxiliary elongated element is proximal to the balloon, and a core wire having a internal core wire portion and an external core wire portion, wherein the external core wire portion is external to the balloon. In some embodiments, a distal connecting element is attached to the distal end of the balloon. In some embodiments, the distal connecting element is positioned at a rotational distance from the auxiliary elongated element. In some embodiments, the balloon is a fixed wire balloon. Inflation of the balloon causes guidewires positioned within the device and external core wires to be pushed up against the lesion, providing a focused force for cracking the lesion. | 11-05-2009 |
20100179466 | METHOD FOR SELECTIVE THERMAL TREATMENT - Methods for selective cooling or heating of a target site in the human body include a catheter having a supply elongated element and a delivery elongated element, with inlet and exit ports. Blood is withdrawn from the supply elongated element and cooled or heated in a control unit. The treated blood is sent to the targeted area via delivery elongated element. The supply elongated element can act as an insulator for the treated blood in the delivery elongated element. | 07-15-2010 |
20100241212 | VESSEL TREATMENT DEVICES - A catheter system for treating lesions is provided. The system is suitable for treatment of bifurcation lesions, has a low profile and provides substantially predictable translational and rotational positioning. In one embodiment, the system includes a fixed wire balloon catheter and a partially attached guidewire lumen, wherein the guidewire lumen is attached to the catheter at a crotch point. The location of the crotch point is predetermined so as to provide substantially predictable positioning. Several embodiments of the system are described for various types of lesions and vessel configurations. | 09-23-2010 |
20100286720 | VESSEL TREATMENT DEVICES - A catheter system for treating lesions is provided. The system is suitable for treatment of bifurcation lesions, has a low profile and provides substantially predictable translational and rotational positioning. In one embodiment, the system includes a fixed wire balloon catheter and a partially attached guidewire lumen, wherein the guidewire lumen is attached to the catheter at a crotch point. The location of the crotch point is predetermined so as to provide substantially predictable positioning. Several embodiments of the system are described for various types of lesions and vessel configurations. | 11-11-2010 |
20100331755 | METHODS FOR SELECTIVE THERMAL TREATMENT - Systems and methods for selective cooling of a target site include a catheter having a supply lumen and a delivery lumen, with inlet and exit ports. Blood is withdrawn from the supply lumen and cooled or heated in a control unit. The treated blood is sent to the targeted area via delivery lumen. The supply lumen can act as an insulator for the delivery lumen. | 12-30-2010 |
20110118774 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATING A VESSEL USING FOCUSED FORCE - A device for introduction into a vessel including a main elongated element having a main elongated element proximal end and a main elongated element distal end, a balloon positioned at the main elongated element distal end, and a core wire attached to the device at a core wire attachment point and including an internal core wire portion positioned in the main elongated element and an external core wire portion positioned distally with respect to the internal core wire portion and positioned in parallel relation and external to the balloon. | 05-19-2011 |
20110282195 | VARIABLE LENGTH CATHETER FOR DRUG DELIVERY - A system and method for localized delivery of a therapeutic or diagnostic agent within a vessel is provided. The system and method provide for adjustability of the length of the treatment area and for reducing of pressure within the treatment area. A catheter system includes an inner elongated element, an outer elongated element positioned coaxially with respect to the inner elongated element, and a blood-release element at a distal end of the inner elongated element. A proximal occlusion element is positioned at the distal end of the outer elongated element, proximal to an outlet port. A distal occlusion element is positioned at a distal end of the inner elongated element. The distal end of the inner elongated element is distal to and movable with respect to the outer elongated element distal end. | 11-17-2011 |
20110319754 | VARIABLE LENGTH CATHETER FOR DRUG DELIVERY - A system and method for localized delivery of a therapeutic or diagnostic agent within a vessel is provided. The system and method provide for adjustability of the length of the treatment area. A catheter system includes an inner elongated element and an outer elongated element positioned coaxially with respect to the inner elongated element. A proximal occlusion element is positioned at the distal end of the outer elongated element, proximal to an outlet port. A distal occlusion element is positioned at a distal end of the inner elongated element. The distal end of the inner elongated element is distal to and movable with respect to the outer elongated element distal end. | 12-29-2011 |
20120259214 | MICROCATHETER WITH DISTAL TIP PORTION AND PROXIMAL SOLUTION LUMEN - There is provided a microcatheter having a proximal solution lumen and a distal tip portion with a guidewire lumen. The microcatheter and methods of use thereof allows for introduction of solution into a vessel while manipulating the guidewire and/or the microcatheter itself. The solution may be a contrast solution, for viewing of the vessel, a therapeutic or diagnostic solution, or any other type of solution. | 10-11-2012 |
20120283764 | ANEURYSM COIL DELIVERY SYSTEM - Devices and methods for treating an aneurysm include a single unit having an access element and an occlusion element, the access element providing access to the aneurysm for introducing treatment objects such as coils therethrough while the occlusion element blocks the treatment objects from protruding into the vessel. The access element is an elongated element having an access lumen for direct introduction of coils or for introduction of coils via a microcatheter. The occlusion element is a balloon or an elongated element for introduction of blocking objects such as coils therethrough. In embodiments of the present invention, a distal end of the access element is preshaped at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the device, wherein upon introduction of the device into the vessel, the access element is aligned with the longitudinal axis and at placement of the device adjacent the aneurysm, the access element assumes its pre-shaped configuration. | 11-08-2012 |
20140180207 | VARIABLE LENGTH CATHETER FOR DRUG DELIVERY - A catheter system for localized delivery of a therapeutic or diagnostic agent within a vessel is provided. The system provides for adjustability of the length of the treatment area and for reducing of pressure within the treatment area. The catheter system includes an inner elongated element, an outer elongated element positioned coaxially with respect to the inner elongated element, a blood-release element at a distal end of the inner elongated element and a supply elongated element coaxial to the outer elongated element. A proximal occlusion element is positioned at the distal end of the outer elongated element, proximal to an outlet port. A distal occlusion element is positioned at a distal end of the inner elongated element. The distal end of the inner elongated element is distal to and movable with respect to the outer elongated element distal end. | 06-26-2014 |
20140180249 | VARIABLE LENGTH CATHETER FOR DRUG DELIVERY - A method for localized delivery of a therapeutic or diagnostic agent within a vessel is provided. The method provides for adjustability of the length of the treatment area and for reducing of pressure within the treatment area. A catheter system includes an inner elongated element, an outer elongated element positioned coaxially with respect to the inner elongated element, and a blood-release element at a distal end of the inner elongated element. A proximal occlusion element is positioned at the distal end of the outer elongated element, proximal to an outlet port. A distal occlusion element is positioned at a distal end of the inner elongated element. The distal end of the inner elongated element is distal to and movable with respect to the outer elongated element distal end. | 06-26-2014 |
20140214002 | BIFURCATION CATHETER WITH VARIABLE LENGTH OCCLUSION ELEMENTS - There is provided a catheter for providing a delivery substance to a bifurcated vessel, and isolating a treatment zone within the bifurcation. The catheter includes a proximal shaft and a first and second distal shaft positioned within the proximal shaft. The proximal shaft has a proximal occlusion element at a distal end thereof, the first distal shaft has a first distal occlusion element at a distal end thereof, and the second distal shaft has a second distal occlusion element at a distal end thereof. When the proximal occlusion element, and the first and second distal occlusion elements are deployed, a treatment zone is defined, and a delivery substance may be introduced into the treatment zone via the proximal shaft. | 07-31-2014 |
20140277377 | OBLIQUE STENT - A stent having a main body with a proximal end and a distal end section having proximal and distal openings used for treatment of lesions in blood vessels and hollow organs, particularly at the ostium of side branches. The stent adapts to the anatomical configuration of a vessel branch by having at least one oblique end section in at least its expanded state. Truncated versions of the oblique end section are described as well. | 09-18-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110251840 | PITCH-CORRECTION OF VOCAL PERFORMANCE IN ACCORD WITH SCORE-CODED HARMONIES - Despite many practical limitations imposed by mobile device platforms and application execution environments, vocal musical performances may be captured and continuously pitch-corrected for mixing and rendering with backing tracks in ways that create compelling user experiences. In some cases, the vocal performances of individual users are captured on mobile devices in the context of a karaoke-style presentation of lyrics in correspondence with audible renderings of a backing track. Such performances can be pitch-corrected in real-time at a portable computing device (such as a mobile phone, personal digital assistant, laptop computer, notebook computer, pad-type computer or netbook) in accord with pitch correction settings. In some cases, pitch correction settings include a score-coded melody and/or harmonies supplied with, or for association with, the lyrics and backing tracks. Harmonies notes or chords may be coded as explicit targets or relative to the score coded melody or even actual pitches sounded by a vocalist, if desired. | 10-13-2011 |
20110251841 | COORDINATING AND MIXING VOCALS CAPTURED FROM GEOGRAPHICALLY DISTRIBUTED PERFORMERS - Despite many practical limitations imposed by mobile device platforms and application execution environments, vocal musical performances may be captured and continuously pitch-corrected for mixing and rendering with backing tracks in ways that create compelling user experiences. Based on the techniques described herein, even mere amateurs are encouraged to share with friends and family or to collaborate and contribute vocal performances as part of virtual “glee clubs.” In some implementations, these interactions are facilitated through social network- and/or eMail-mediated sharing of performances and invitations to join in a group performance. Using uploaded vocals captured at clients such as a mobile device, a content server (or service) can mediate such virtual glee clubs by manipulating and mixing the uploaded vocal performances of multiple contributing vocalists. | 10-13-2011 |
20110251842 | COMPUTATIONAL TECHNIQUES FOR CONTINUOUS PITCH CORRECTION AND HARMONY GENERATION - Using signal processing techniques described herein, pitch detection and correction of a user's vocal performance can be performed continuously and in real-time with respect to the audible rendering of the backing track at the handheld or portable computing device. In some implementations, pitch detection builds on time-domain pitch correction techniques that employ average magnitude difference function (AMDF) or autocorrelation-based techniques together with zero-crossing and/or peak picking techniques to identify differences between pitch of a captured vocal signal and score-coded target pitches. Based on detected differences, pitch correction based on pitch synchronous overlapped add (PSOLA) and/or linear predictive coding (LPC) techniques allow captured vocals to be pitch shifted in real-time to “correct” notes in accord with pitch correction settings that code score-coded melody targets and harmonies. | 10-13-2011 |