| Volcano Corporation Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20160030152 | ENDOLUMINAL FILTER HAVING ENHANCED ECHOGENIC PROPERTIES - An endoluminal filter, comprising a first support member having a first end and a second end; and a second support member attached to the first end of the first support member or the second end of the first support member and forming a crossover with the first support member to form two loops one on either side of the crossover, wherein at least a portion of the first support member, the second support member, the first end, the second end or a region adjacent to the cross over or any portion of one of the above is modified to provide an enhanced echogenic characteristic of the endoluminal filter. A method of positioning a filter within a lumen, comprising advancing a sheath containing a filter through the lumen; deploying a portion of the filter from the sheath into the lumen to engage the lumen wall while maintaining substantially all of a material capture structure of the filter within the sheath; and deploying the material capture structure of the filter from the sheath to a position across the lumen, wherein any of the above steps are performed using an intravascular ultrasound system and the filter is modified to provided at least one echogenic characteristic. | 02-04-2016 |
| 20160030151 | FILTERS WITH ECHOGENIC CHARACTERISTICS - There are described a variety of intravascular filters have wherein at least a portion of the filter has been modified to provide an enhanced echogenic characteristic of the filter. | 02-04-2016 |
| 20160015362 | INTRAVASCULAR DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS HAVING MOTORS - Medical imaging devices and systems are provided. The medical imaging devices may include a transducer to transmit ultrasound signals (waves) and to receive the reflected ultrasound signals for imaging a vessel of interest. Embodiments may include disposing the transducer at a proximal end of the intravascular device and disposing a motor at a distal end of the intravascular device along with a rotatable acoustic mirror. The transducer may transmit and receive the ultrasound signals to and from the rotatable acoustic mirror via an acoustic lumen extending along the length of the device. Other embodiments may include disposing the transducer, the motor, and the rotatable acoustic mirror at the distal end of the medical imaging device. Further embodiments may include using a concentric layered structure to provide multiple conductors for transmitting signals to and receiving signals from components disposed at the distal end of the intravascular device. | 01-21-2016 |
| 20150087986 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRODUCING INTRAVASCULAR IMAGES - The invention generally relates to systems and methods for producing intravascular images. In certain embodiments, systems and methods of the invention involve causing transducers of an intravascular ultrasound device to generate a plurality of different types of data, each type of data being based on a different manner of operation of the transducers. The systems and methods of the invention additionally involve adjusting the manner of operation of the transducers for one of the types of data to thereby adjust an acquisition frame rate of the one type of data to an adjusted acquisition frame rate. The one type of data at the adjusted acquisition frame rate is then received and an intravascular image that includes the one type of data at the adjusted acquisition frame rate is displayed. | 03-26-2015 |
| 20150086098 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRODUCING INTRAVASCULAR IMAGES - The invention generally relates to systems and methods for producing composite intravascular images of multiple data types. In certain embodiments, systems and methods of the invention involve causing transducers of an intravascular ultrasound device to generate a plurality of different types of data, each type of data being based on a different manner of operation of the transducers. The manner of operation of the transducers is adjusted for one of the types of data to thereby cause the transducers to generate modified data for the one type of data. The modified data is received and an intravascular image is displayed that includes the modified data. | 03-26-2015 |
| 20150057536 | Balloon Catheter Junction - A balloon catheter junction includes a distal junction on a distal end of a balloon. The junction includes an inner member, a balloon inner sleeve encompassing the inner member and bonded to an interior of a mid-shaft, and a balloon distal leg bonded to an exterior of the mid-shaft. A connection medium is disposed between the balloon inner sleeve and the inner member. | 02-26-2015 |
| 20140357997 | INTRALUMINAL LEAD EXTRACTION WITH IMAGING - This invention generally relates to intraluminal systems and devices for use in lead extraction procedures. According to certain aspects, an intraluminal system includes an cutting element configured to cut tissue coupled to an implantable device, and an imaging element configured to simultaneously image the tissue cutting. In certain embodiments, the cutting element is an ablation element. | 12-04-2014 |
| 20140350404 | METHOD FOR VISUALIZING BLOOD AND BLOOD-LIKELIHOOD IN VASCUALAR IMAGES - Computer-implemented methods for use in improving the diagnostic quality of images, including intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) images, are disclosed. The methods include using a non-linear, probabilistic classifier algorithm to analyze a plurality of spatiotemporal features of RF backscatter and to produce a blood likelihood map or blood probability map that corresponds to the original IVUS image. The methods disclosed herein allow for visualizing both static and dynamic characteristic of a vessel either by producing a transparency modulated color overlay of the blood likelihood map without altering the underlying IVUS image or by processing the IVUS image based upon the blood likelihood map to better distinguish between static and dynamic components of the vessel. | 11-27-2014 |
| 20140278496 | System and Method for Medical Resource Scheduling - Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a medical resource scheduling method. The method includes creating first and second virtual machines associated with respective first and second procedure rooms, the first and second virtual machines executing within a computing system, and the computing system having computing resources. The method also includes receiving a procedure request identifying a first procedure to be performed in the first procedure room during a first time slot and determining a first amount of the computing resources necessary to process medical data generated by the first procedure. Further, the method includes determining whether the first amount of the computing resources is less than an unreserved amount of the computing resources available during the first time slot and, if the first amount of the computing resources is less than the unreserved amount, reserving the first amount of the computing resources for the first time slot. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140277012 | VIBRATING GUIDEWIRE TORQUER AND METHODS OF USE - The invention provides a method of intravascular intervention that includes inserting a guidewire comprising an extended body into a lumen within tissue of a patient, advancing the guidewire into a chronic total occlusion, vibrating a proximal end of the guidewire with a mechanical vibrator, and crossing the chronic total occlusion while a distal end of the guidewire is vibrating. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140277011 | IMAGING AND TREATMENT DEVICES AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF - The invention generally relates to imaging and treatment devices and methods of use thereof. In certain aspects, the invention provides a steerable imaging and treatment device. The device includes an elongate steerable body. An imaging apparatus is at least partially housed in the body and configured to image in a forward direction. A rotatable head is coupled to a distal end of the body, and includes an abrasive surface. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140276923 | VIBRATING CATHETER AND METHODS OF USE - The invention provides a method of intravascular intervention that includes inserting a catheter comprising an extended body into a lumen within tissue of a patient, advancing the catheter to a treatment site, vibrating a proximal end of the catheter with a mechanical vibrator, and treating the treatment site while a distal end of the catheter is vibrating. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140276771 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLED TISSUE ABLATION - The invention describes methods for safely delivering ablation energy to a tissue, e.g., thrombus, in need of ablation therapy. The method uses a catheter adapted for IVUS imaging, ablation, and impedance measurements to monitor the impedance of a tissue receiving ablation energy. In an embodiment, a user may view an IVUS image of the tissue with impedance measurements to determine if it is safe to deliver additional energy. In another embodiment, a processor is configured to determine if it is safe to deliver additional ablation energy based upon the impedance measurement. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140276687 | ASSESSMENT OF VARICOSE VEIN ABLATION VIA IMAGING OR FUNCTIONAL MEASUREMENT ANALYSIS - The present invention generally relates to methods for assessing the completeness of a varicose vein ablation. The method involves the use of imaging and/or functional measurement data to determine the extent to which a varicose vein has closed as a result of an ablation procedure. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140276684 | ATHERECTOMY METHODS USING COREGISTERED SETS OF DATA - The present invention generally relates to methods for removing plaque from a vessel. The method can involve obtaining a first image of a blood vessel using a first imaging modality, obtaining a second image of the blood vessel using a second imaging modality, and coregistering the first and second images, thereby generating a coregistered data set. The method can further involve inserting an atherectomy catheter into the blood vessel and removing plaque from the vessel with the atherectomy catheter based on plaque identified in the coregistered set of data. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140276620 | AUXILIARY SMALL VASCULATURE GUIDEWIRE - The invention generally relates to an auxiliary guidewire for an intravascular procedure. The invention provides an auxiliary guidewire that slips over a primary guidewire and can provide a very fine extension beyond the end of the primary guidewire. The primary guidewire can be taken to its limit within the fine vasculature, and the auxiliary guidewire can then extend further into the fine vasculature. The primary guidewire can be taken to a bifurcation. The primary guidewire and the auxiliary guidewire can be sent down separate branches of the bifurcation. A physician can select which of the primary guidewire and the auxiliary guidewire are within the branch that needs to be treated by, for example, consulting an angiography display. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140276615 | DELIVERY CATHETER HAVING IMAGING CAPABILITIES - The invention is a delivery catheter, e.g., a guide catheter, having an imaging element in proximity to the distal end of the catheter. Catheters of the invention are able to placement of the catheter in proximity to an ostium, thereby increasing the efficiency of contrast delivery while reducing the risk of ischemia due to blocked blood supply. The invention additionally assists in maintaining catheter position during delivery of a fluid from the catheter, resulting in better performance with less fluid. For example, a catheter of the invention can be used to produce improved fluoroscopic images with less overall contrast. This improvement reduces the risk of an allergic reaction to the contrast while decreasing the length of time for a procedure, i.e., because of a need to re-contrast. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140276143 | Smart Interface Cable for Coupling a Diagnostic Medical Device With a Medical Measurement System - The present disclosure involves a medical device. The medical device includes an elongate cable assembly having a distal connector, a proximal connector, and a cable body coupling the proximal and distal connectors. The distal connector is configured for coupling with a diagnostic medical device. The proximal connector is configured for coupling with a medical measurement system. An electronic component is located inside the distal connector or the associated cable housing. The electronic component includes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and a microprocessor. The ADC is configured to receive medical data gathered by the diagnostic medical device and convert the medical data into digital signals. The microprocessor is coupled to an output of the ADC and configured to process the digital signals into a format that is readable by the medical measurement system. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140276142 | Interface Devices, Systems, and Methods for Use with Intravascular Pressure Monitoring Devices - Embodiments of the present disclosure are configured to assess the severity of a blockage in a vessel and, in particular, a stenosis in a blood vessel. In some particular embodiments, the devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure are configured to provide FFR measurements over a length of a vessel of interest in a small, compact device that integrates with existing proximal and distal pressure measurement systems and does not require a separate power source. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140276140 | Systems and Methods for Multi-Modality Medical Data Collection - Embodiments of the present disclosure are configured to collect multi-modality medical data from a patient. In some embodiments, a method includes acquiring heartbeat data from the patient using a heart-monitoring device, the heartbeat data identifying a first cardiac cycle of the patient and selecting a diagnostic window within the first cardiac cycle of the patient, wherein the diagnostic window encompasses only a portion of the first cardiac cycle of the patient. The method also includes acquiring first medical data from the patient during the diagnostic window using a first medical device, the first medical data being associated with a first medical modality and acquiring second medical data from the patient during the diagnostic window using a second medical device, the second medical data being associated with a second medical modality different than the first medical modality. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140276139 | INTRAVASCULAR PRESSURE SENSOR CALIBRATION - The invention is a method for calibrating an intravascular pressure sensor at the point of use. By using data from a secondary pressure measurement device, e.g., an automated aortic pressure monitor, the pressure sensor can be easily calibrated over a range of temperatures and pressures relevant to the patient. Accordingly, an intravascular pressure sensor can be calibrated without undergoing a factory calibration. Additionally, in the event that the calibration is lost, the sensor can be recalibrated. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140276138 | SENSING GUIDEWIRES WITH A CENTERING ELEMENT AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF - The invention generally relates to sensing guidewires with a centering element and methods of use thereof. In certain aspects, guidewires of the invention include a core member sized to fit within a vessel. A sensor is coupled to the core member. A centering element including a retracted and deployed configuration that is coupled to the core member such that upon deployment of the centering element, the sensor on the core member is located within a center of a lumen. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140276137 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING CORONARY FLOW RESERVE - The invention generally relates to systems and methods for determining coronary flow reserve (CFR). The invention provides systems and methods for determining coronary flow reserve using a flow reserve index obtained at rest and during hyperemia. One flow reserve index obtained under the two conditions can be used to compute coronary flow reserve. The difference between the resting value and the hyperemic value of the index correlates to a coronary flow reserve value. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140276136 | PERIOPERATIVE FEEDBACK IN ENDOVASCULAR ANEURYSM REPAIR USING PHYSIOLOGICAL MEASUREMENTS - The present invention generally relates to methods for detecting endoleaks associated with EVAR procedures using physiological measurements. The method can involve the taking of functional measurement data in the vicinity of a stent-graft delivered as part of the EVAR procedure and determining the presence of an endoleak based on such data. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140276117 | Intravascular Devices, Systems, and Methods - Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the intravascular devices include at least one electronic, optical, or electro-optical component positioned within a distal portion of the device and one or more connectors positioned at a distal portion of the device. In some instances, a tubular member forming a main body of the intravascular device includes a variable, spiral cut along a distal section such that the tubular member has a variable stiffness along the length of its distal section. In some particular instances, the tubular member is a hypotube that has an increased flexibility as it extends distally as a result of the variable, spiral cut. In some instances, the pitch and/or width of the spiral cut is varied along the length of the distal section of the hypotube to increase flexibility. Methods of making and/or assembling such intravascular devices/systems are also provided. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140276110 | IMAGING GUIDEWIRE SYSTEM WITH FLOW VISUALIZATION - The invention is a system comprising a guidewire having expanded imaging capabilities and a processor for processing the image data and causing relevant information, such as flow, to be displayed. The system is configured to cause image data to be processed and reconfigured in a user friendly format, e.g., color-coded, to provide details of flow and device placement within a biological lumen. | 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 20140276066 | IMAGING APPARATUS WITH REINFORCED ELECTRICAL SIGNAL TRANSMISSION MEMBER AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF - The invention generally relates to an imaging apparatus having a reinforced electrical signal transmission member, and method of use thereof. In certain aspects, the apparatus includes a hollow elongate body. The apparatus also includes an elongate electrical signal transmission member within the body. The elongate signal transmission member includes two or more outer jacket layers. There is an imaging device within the body and the signal transmission member is coupled to the imaging device. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140276063 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRODUCING AN IMAGE FROM A ROTATIONAL INTRAVASCULAR ULTRASOUND DEVICE - The invention generally relates systems and methods to for producing an image from a rotational intravascular ultrasound device. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140276059 | EXTERNALLY IMAGING A BODY STRUCTURE WITHIN A PATIENT - The invention generally relates to methods of imaging a body structure using an ultrasound device that is external to a patient's body. In certain aspects, the methods of the invention involve providing an ultrasound device that is external to a patient's body, and externally imaging a body structure within the patient using the external ultrasound device. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140276054 | Piezoelectric-Actuated Fluid-Delivery Devices and Associated Systems and Methods - Minimally invasive therapeutic fluid delivery devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the devices include at least a flexible elongate member with a chamber situated in the distal portion thereof, the chamber having an inlet and an outlet and a piezoelectric actuator that alters a volume of the chamber to eject a portion of the therapeutic fluid. In one embodiment, the device includes an array of piezoelectrically actuatable chambers that can eject a droplet of a drug orthogonally to the length of the flexible elongate member. In another embodiment, the device includes a piezoelectrically actuatable chamber that ejects along the length of the flexible elongate member. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140276044 | DELIVERY CATHETER HAVING EXPANDABLE ELEMENTS - The invention is a delivery catheter, e.g., a guide catheter, having expandable elements proximate to the distal end of the catheter. Catheters of the invention are easier to place in proximity to an ostium, thereby increasing the efficiency of contrast delivery while reducing the risk of ischemia due to blocked blood supply. The invention additionally directs the flow of a fluid from the catheter, resulting in better performance with less fluid. For example, a catheter of the invention can be used to produce improved fluoroscopic images with less overall contrast. This improvement also decreases the length of time for a procedure, i.e., because of a need to re-contrast. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140276038 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PREDICTING IMPACT OF A CATHETER ON CURVATURE OF A VESSEL - The invention generally relates to systems and methods for predicting impact of a catheter on curvature of a vessel. In certain aspects, the invention provides a system for predicting impact of a catheter on curvature of a vessel. The system includes a central processing unit (CPU) and storage coupled to the CPU for storing instructions. The stored instructions, when executed by the CPU, cause the CPU to accept as input data representative of stiffness of a catheter. The CPU is additionally caused to compare the data to a material parameters data set. The material parameters data set includes vessel displacement values for catheters of different stiffness. The CPU is additionally caused to predict impact of the catheter on a curvature of a vessel based on the comparison of the data to the material parameters data set, and to provide the prediction as an output. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140276036 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DIAGNOSING CORONARY MICROVASCULAR DISEASE - The invention provides systems and methods for assessing the vasculature of a subject. In certain aspects, systems and methods of the invention involve receiving functional flow data of a subject via a data collector co-located with a radiopaque label, receiving imaging data of the vasculature including the radiopaque label, generating a vasculature map corresponding to the functional flow data, and displaying the vasculature map image on a monitor. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140276028 | Integrated Therapeutic Imaging Catheter and Methods - Disclosed herein is an integrated therapeutic and imaging catheter. The catheter comprises an inner member defining a guidewire lumen, a radiopaque balloon assembly, a treatment device operatively associated with an outer sleeve of the balloon assembly, and an imaging device adjacent the balloon assembly. The balloon assembly comprises an inner sleeve surrounding the inner member and an outer sleeve surrounding the inner sleeve. The catheter includes a connection medium, wherein when the connection medium extends through the balloon it is disposed between the balloon inner sleeve and the inner member. The imaging device is disposed adjacent to the balloon assembly and is coupled to the connection medium. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140276027 | Devices, Systems, and Methods for Preservation of Arteriovenous Access Sites - The present disclosure relates to devices, systems, and methods for evaluating and preserving arteriovenous access sites. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a sensor wire that is sized, shaped, and configured to pass through a delivery instrument to measure pressure and flow within and around an AV access site, thereby indicating the impact of the arteriovenous access site on the blood flow to the surrounding vasculature and tissues in real time. Also, the present disclosure relates to a therapeutic system comprising a combination pressure-flow sensor wire, a balloon catheter with imaging capabilities, and a computer system to allow the user to evaluate the blood flow and blood pressure within and around an AV access site in real time, diagnose the presence of complications associated with arteriovenous access sites, treat such complications, and assess the effectiveness of treatment both during and after treatment. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140276026 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR IMAGING AND DELIVERING A FERTILIZED EGG INTO A WOMAN'S UTERUS - The invention generally relates to devices and methods for imaging and delivering a fertilized egg into a woman's uterus. In certain embodiments, the invention provides devices that include a body configured to fit within a lumen of a woman's reproductive system. The body includes an opening. Devices of the invention also include a channel within the body. The channel includes a distal end that is connected to the opening. Devices of the invention also include an imaging assembly coupled to the body. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140276024 | IMAGING AND DELIVERING THROMBOLYTIC AGENTS TO BIOLOGICAL MATERIAL INSIDE A VESSEL - The invention generally relates to devices and methods for imaging and delivery thrombolytic agents to biological material inside a vessel. In certain embodiments, the invention provides devices that include a body configured to fit within a lumen of a vessel. The body includes an opening. Devices of the invention also include a channel within the body. The channel includes a distal end that is connected to the opening. Devices of the invention also include an imaging assembly coupled to the body. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140276023 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING A PROBABILITY OF A FEMALE SUBJECT HAVING A CARDIAC EVENT - The invention generally relates to systems and methods for determining a probability of a female subject having a cardiac event. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140276017 | SYSTEM FOR GUIDING WORKFLOW DURING A MEDICAL IMAGING PROCEDURE - The invention includes patient interface modules that guide the workflow of an intravascular medical imaging procedure. In some instances a Patient Interface Modules (PIM) connected to the imaging catheter has one or more indicators that guide the workflow. Some modules may be adapted to connect to multiple imaging devices, or an imaging device and a pressure sensing device, or other treatment device. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140276016 | FLUSHING FOR IMAGING CATHETERS - The invention is an imaging catheter chamber having a plurality of openings to allow easy passage of fluids, e.g., saline from the interior of the chamber to the exterior of the catheter. The invention is useful for both IVUS and OCT imaging. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140276015 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR IMAGING AND CROSSING OCCLUDED VESSELS - The invention provides devices and methods for crossing total chronic occlusions. In certain aspects, a device for imaging a vessel includes an elongate body defining a first lumen and comprising a distal end; a housing operably associated with the distal end and comprising a forward-looking imaging element; and a member at least partially disposed within the first lumen of the elongate body; the member configured to extend beyond the distal end of the elongate body to advance into an occluded vessel. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140275996 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONSTRUCTING AN IMAGE OF A BODY STRUCTURE - The invention generally relates to systems and methods for constructing an image of a body structure. In certain embodiments, methods of the invention involve externally imaging a body structure within the patient using a first imaging device. The methods also involve internally imaging the body structure within the patient using a second imaging device. The second imaging device includes a radiopaque label co-located with an image collector of the second imaging device. Additionally, methods of the invention involve combining external imaging data and internal imaging data to produce an image of the body structure. The label on the second imaging device facilitates alignment of the external imaging data and the internal imaging data. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140275995 | DEFINED BORDERS - The present invention relates to use of co-registered data to virtually recreate a section of a vessel in an external image, in which the section of the vessel cannot be imaged using an external imaging modality. In certain aspects, a method of the invention includes obtaining external imaging data of a vessel, wherein data representing a specific portion of the vessel is absent from the external imaging data, obtaining intraluminal imaging data of the specific portion of the vessel, and co-registering the external imaging data with the intraluminal imaging data to construct an external image of the vessel that includes the specific portion of the vessel. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140275951 | GUIDEWIRE CONCIERGE - The invention provides a method of intravascular intervention that includes inserting a catheter comprising an extended body into a lumen within tissue of a patient, advancing the catheter to a treatment site, vibrating a proximal end of the catheter with a mechanical vibrator, and treating the treatment site while a distal end of the catheter is vibrating. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140275950 | IMAGING GUIDEWIRE WITH PRESSURE SENSING - An intravascular element, for example a guidewire, configured for pressure measurements and imaging within a patient. In an embodiment, the invention uses a system of optical fibers and photoabsorptive and/or photoreflective materials to make intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) measurements. In an embodiment, the invention uses microfabricated pressure sensors to measure fluidic pressure adjacent to the element, such as the pressure of the blood within the vasculature. In a clinical setting, the invention can provide a surgeon with critical information about pressure, tissue composition, and luminal area while also reducing the time for procedures. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140275844 | Universal Patient Interface Module and Associated Devices, Systems, and Methods - An intravascular device interface and associated systems and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the intravascular device interface includes a housing containing one or more processors in communication with a memory, a first connector, and a second connector. The first connector is secured to the housing and configured to interface with a proximal connector of an imaging intravascular device sized and shaped for insertion into human vasculature. The second connector is also secured to the housing and is configured to interface with a proximal connector of a physiology intravascular device. The one or more processors process data received from the first connector or the second connector for transmission over a device output. In some embodiments disclosed herein, an intravascular device interface includes a single connector that may be configured to support a non-rotational imaging device or a rotational imaging device. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140270445 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OCT DEPTH CALIBRATION - The invention generally relates to methods for calibrating an OCT image by comparing a detected location of a feature within the image to an expected location of the feature, calculating a calibration value, and transforming the location of pixels within the image to provide a calibrated image. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140270430 | System and Method of Adventitial Tissue Characterization - Disclosed herein is a system and method for characterizing adventitial tissue. In one aspect, a system and method is disclosed that characterizes tissue types within the adventitial tissue including nerve bundles and blood vessels. In a further aspect, the adventitia is imaged and characterized to provide guidance for crossing lesions within an occluded vessel. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140270429 | Parallelized Tree-Based Pattern Recognition for Tissue Characterization - Systems and methods for tissue characterization using multiple independent pattern recognition models are provided. Some embodiments are particularly directed to analyzing medical imaging data. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a set of medical imaging data and receiving a set of independent tissue characterization models. Each of the set of independent tissue characterization models is applied to the set of medical imaging data in order to obtain a plurality of interim classification results. An arbitration of the plurality of interim classification results is performed to determine a constituent tissue for the set of medical imaging data. The determined constituent tissue may be displayed in combination with a graphical representation of the set of medical imaging data. Each of the set of independent tissue characterization models may be applied to the set of medical imaging data in parallel. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140267804 | TOMOGRAPHIC IMAGING SYSTEM WITH INTEGRATED MICROSURGERY STABILIZATION TOOL - The invention relates to medical intervention systems with integrated imaging and microsurgery subsystems, in which the microsurgery subsystem employs hardware that is used for imaging in the imaging subsystem to provide a stabilization feedback loop to prevent unwanted vibrations or motions in a microsurgery tool. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140267330 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANAGING MEDICAL IMAGE DATA FOR MULTIPLE USERS - The invention provides systems and methods that provide a plurality of different displays (i.e., data formats) corresponding to intravascular imaging, such as obtained with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) or optical coherence tomography (OCT). The plurality of displays may be provided to a single user, e.g., a cardiovascular surgeon, or the displays may be divided between multiple users, e.g., a surgeon, a surgical tech, and a radiologist. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140266577 | Pressure Wire Detection and Communication Protocol for Use With Medical Measurement Systems - One aspect of the present disclosure involves a method. The method includes retrieving, from a diagnostic medical device, identification information that identifies a feature of the diagnostic medical device. A proprietary signal is generated in response to the identification information. The proprietary signal is sent to a medical measurement system to facilitate an unlocking of one or more programs to be executed on the medical measurement system. Another aspect of the present disclosure involves a method. The method includes detecting, through an electronic interface device, a coupling of a remote diagnostic medical device. Thereafter, a proprietary signal is received from the electronic interface device. An identity feature of the remote diagnostic medical device is ascertained based on the proprietary signal. One or more programs are unlocked for execution if the identity feature of the remote diagnostic medical device matches a predetermined identity feature. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140258743 | MEDICAL COMMUNICATION HUB AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - A powered medical communication hub including a housing and a rear interface assembly. The rear interface assembly includes a first data link configured to transmit first medical data to a processing system and a power link configured to receive a first amount of power. The hub also includes a power distribution module disposed within the housing, electrically coupled to the power link, and configured to convert the first amount of power into a plurality of power levels, and a forward interface assembly including a first connector communicatively coupled to the first data link and electrically coupled to the power distribution module, the first connector being configured to provide a first medical sensing device coupled thereto with a second amount of power equal to one of the plurality of power levels and receive the first medical data from the first medical sensing device. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140257248 | GUIDEWIRE WITH CENTERING MECHANISM - The invention provides a guidewire with a centering mechanism. The mechanism lifts the guidewire from a vessel wall and biases it towards the center of the vessel. Since the guidewire can be selectively lifted away from the vessel wall, scraping the catheter against the wall can be avoided, the tip can be guided into the correct branch of a bifurcation, and an imaging device can be used to its full potential. In certain aspects, the invention provides a guidewire with an elongated shaft with a proximal portion and a distal portion comprising a distal tip. One or more centering mechanism can be provided on a guidewire. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140257107 | Transducer Assembly for an Imaging Device - The present disclosure provides a transducer assembly. The transducer assembly includes a flex circuit. The transducer assembly also includes a first substrate that includes a piezoelectric micro-machined ultrasonic transducer (PMUT). The transducer assembly further includes a second substrate that includes an Integrated Circuit (IC) device. At least one of the first substrate and the second substrate is bonded to the flex circuit through wire bonding or through flip-chip. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140257102 | Devices, Systems, and Methods for Dual Image Intravascular Ultrasound - A system for imaging a vessel of a patient comprises an elongated sheath with proximal and distal ends. The elongated sheath includes a flexible body with a first lumen in communication with a distal opening at the distal end. The system further includes an imaging core disposed within the first lumen and rotatable about an axis of rotation. The imaging core includes a first transducer subassembly adapted to transmit a first beam, distally of the flexible body, through the distal opening. The imaging core also includes a second transducer subassembly adapted to transmit a second beam through the flexible body in a transverse direction to the axis of rotation. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140257095 | SHAPE SENSING INTERVENTIONAL CATHETERS AND METHODS OF USE - The invention relates to systems and methods for three dimensional imaging of tissue. The invention provides systems and methods to provide a representation of tissue from three-dimensional data that includes intravascular imaging data as well as data representing a shape of the intravascular imaging probe. Device of the invention combine a shape-sensing mechanism with an intravascular intervention catheter. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140257077 | IMAGING DEVICES AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF - The invention generally relates to imaging devices and methods of use thereof. Aspects of the invention provide an imaging device that includes a core wire and more than 32 optical fibers coupled to the core wire. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140254900 | MULTIMODAL SEGMENTATION IN INTRAVASCULAR IMAGES - The invention provides methods for detecting features of interest in cardiovascular images by receiving information from a first modality and transforming information from the first modality into a first coordinate space, receiving information from a second modality and transforming information from the second modality into a second coordinate space. The first coordinate space is aligned to the second coordinate space to combine information from the first modality and the second modality into a combined data set. The method can also involve detecting the feature of interest in a vascular image based on the combined data set. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140240713 | APPARATUSES AND METHODS FOR IMAGING INSIDE A VESSEL - The invention generally relates to apparatuses and methods for imaging inside a vessel. In certain aspects, the invention provides an apparatus that includes an imaging device configured to image an inside of a vessel, and a sensing device configured to detect a conformational shape of the apparatus. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140236118 | DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS THERAPEUTIC METHODS - The invention provides methods for diagnosing and treating deep vein thrombosis and other conditions associated with occluded or constricted vessels. According to certain aspects, methods of the invention involve inserting a sensing device into a vessel having a thrombus therein, assessing, with the sensing device, one or more functional parameters within the vessel, determining an interventional therapy for treating the thrombus based on the assessing step; and performing the interventional therapy. | 08-21-2014 |
| 20140218210 | Medical Communication Hub and Associated Methods - A medical sensing system including a data acquisition module operable to receive patient data from a medical sensing device, the data acquisition module being operable to packetize the patient data, a processing module operable to process the packetized first patient data, a user interface module operable to present the processed packetized patient data within a graphical user interface, and a message queue module in communication with the data acquisition module, processing module, and user interface module, the message queue module being operable to receive the packetized patient data from the modules, temporarily store the packetized patient data, and make the packetized patient data available for retrieval by the modules. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140214004 | Intravascular Devices Having Artificial Muscles and Associated Systems and Methods - Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the intravascular device includes at least one artificial muscle segment. In some instances, the artificial muscle segment or a plurality thereof is configured to move a distal portion of the intravascular device, change the shape of the tip of the intravascular device, rotate a portion of the intravascular device, and any combination thereof. A method for using an associated intravascular device is also provided. The method includes inserting an intravascular device into a vessel of a patient. The intravascular device has an actuator segment. The method further includes moving a portion of the intravascular device by selectively rotating the actuator segment and returning the portion of the intravascular device to a pre-activation position by selectively deactivating the actuator segment. | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140207008 | Devices, Systems, and Methods for Visually Depicting a Vessel and Evaluating Treatment Options - Devices, systems, and methods for visually depicting a vessel and evaluating treatment options are disclosed. In some instances, a method of evaluating a vessel of a patient includes moving a second instrument longitudinally through a vessel of the patient from a first position to a second position while maintaining a first instrument in a fixed longitudinal position with respect to the vessel; obtaining pressure measurements from the first and second instruments while the second instrument is moved longitudinally through the vessel; visually depicting the vessel on a display based on the obtained pressure measurements; and modifying the visual depiction of the vessel to simulate one or more treatment options. Systems for performing such methods are also provided. | 07-24-2014 |
| 20140200438 | INTRALUMINAL IMAGING SYSTEM - The invention generally relates to devices and methods that allow an operator to obtain real-time images of a luminal surface prior to, during, and after an intraluminal procedure, including while an intraluminal tool is engaged with the luminal surface. In one embodiment, an imaging system of the invention includes a guidewire comprising a first imaging element and a catheter comprising a second imaging element and a lumen that is configured to slidably receive at least a portion of the guidewire within. The first and second imaging elements are optical-to-acoustic transducers. The catheter is configured to move along a path of the guidewire to obtain real-time images within the lumen of a vessel and of the luminal surface. | 07-17-2014 |
| 20140194738 | Method for Focused Acoustic Computed Tomography (FACT) - A method for acoustic tomography within a patient may include generating a focused ultrasonic signal using a transducer is provided; the ultrasonic signal forming a path within the patient. The method includes directing the ultrasonic signal on a spot within the patient; scanning the spot in a predetermined pattern about a volume within the patient; receiving an ultrasonic echo in the transducer; converting the ultrasonic echo into a voltage; selecting a frequency band from the voltage; amplifying the voltage in the selected frequency band with a processing circuit; and generating an image of the volume within the patient structure utilizing the amplified voltage. A method for recanalization of a blood vessel including the above acoustic tomography steps is also provided. | 07-10-2014 |
| 20140194704 | INTRALUMINAL IMAGING SYSTEM - The invention generally relates to devices and methods that allow an operator to obtain real-time images of a luminal surface prior to, during, and after an intraluminal procedure, including while an intraluminal tool is engaged with the luminal surface. In one embodiment, an imaging system of the invention includes a first elongate member that includes at least one first imaging element and a second member that includes at least one second imaging element. The first imaging element is an optical-to-acoustic transducer, and the second imaging element is an optical-to-acoustic transducer. The second member also defines a lumen. The second member is configured to receive at least a portion of the first elongate member within the lumen and is configured to move along a path of the first elongate member to obtain real-time images within the lumen and of the luminal surface. | 07-10-2014 |
| 20140193057 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR TRANSFORMING LUMINAL IMAGES - The invention provides methods and systems for correcting translational distortion in a medical image of a lumen of a biological structure. The method facilitates vessel visualization in intravascular images (e.g. IVUS, OCT) used to evaluate the cardiovascular health of a patient. Using the methods and systems described herein it is simpler for a provider to evaluate vascular imaging data, which is typically distorted due to cardiac vessel-catheter motion while the image was acquired. | 07-10-2014 |
| 20140188515 | Multi-Modality Case Management System and Method - Generally, the present disclosure is directed to managing and storing patient data in a multi-modality medical processing system. The method and systems described herein store all medical data acquired from a patient in a single patient record that is assigned a unique identifier. For example, (i) information identifying a patient, (ii) data acquired during a first diagnostic procedure, and (iii) data acquired during a second, different diagnostic procedure may all be stored in association with the same unique identifier, so as to simplify patient case review and retrieval. As an aspect of this, identifying patient information such as patient name and date of birth need only be inputted into the disclosed system a single time, thereby reducing the chance of clerical error. | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140188514 | Multi-Modality Anonymizing System and Method - Generally, the present disclosure is directed to anonymizing patient data in a multi-modality medical processing system. The method and system described herein automatically remove information from medical data that could identify the patient from which it was acquired, so as to protect the privacy of the patient. Specifically, the anonymizing is performed without intervention from a human to limit errors and incomplete information deletion. Further, data sets in different medical modalities may be anonymized at the same time, and multiple patient cases corresponding to different patients may be anonymized at the same time to increase efficiency. | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140188513 | Multi-Modality Selective Archiving System and Method - Generally, the present disclosure is directed to selectively archiving patient data in a multi-modality medical processing system. The method and system described herein selectively archive medical data at a patient case level, at modality data set level, and/or at an individual image level, so as to allow a practitioner to have a fine level of control over the specific data archived. Further, data sets in different medical modalities may be archived at the same time, and patient cases corresponding to different patients may be archived at the same time to increase archival efficiency. | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140188503 | Multi-Modality Case Explorer System and Method - Generally, the present disclosure is directed to displaying patient medical data in a multi-modality medical processing system. The method and system described herein present medical data in multiple different modalities on a single user interface screen, allowing a practitioner viewing the user interface to manage all acquired data sets associated with a patient regardless of modality. As such, the amount of time a practitioner must spend reviewing patient medical data is reduced, leading to more efficient diagnosis and treatment. Further, multiple patient cases corresponding to different patients may be presented on a single user interface screen to simplify multi-patient case management. | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140188103 | Methods and Apparatus for Neuromodulation Utilizing Optical-Acoustic Sensors - A thermal neuromodulation apparatus, system, and methods for the ablative and non-ablative application of thermal energy to the nerves of a patient are disclosed. The thermal neuromodulation apparatus includes an elongated, hollow body configured to traverse the tortuous intravascular pathways of the renal vasculature and includes an expandable structure bearing electrodes and configured to selectively apply thermal energy via electric fields to the renal nerves through a vessel wall. The thermal neuromodulation apparatus may also include optical-acoustic sensors and an imaging apparatus to obtain data from the treatment area before, during, and after neuromodulation to monitor and/or control the neuromodulation process. | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140187985 | Pressure Sensor Calibration Systems and Methods - Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the intravascular devices include at least one pressure sensing component within a distal portion of the device. In that regard, one or more electrical, electronic, optical, and/or electro-optical pressure-sensing components is secured to an elongated member and the system includes components to process the output signals according to various calibration parameters. | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140187984 | In-Wall Hypotube Sensor Mount for Sensored Guidewire - A guidewire system for treating a patient may include a sensor assembly for detecting a physiological characteristic of a patient and a hypotube sized for insertion into vasculature of the patient and having an integrated sensor mount formed therein for predictably locating the sensor during assembly. The hypotube may also have a wall structure and a lumen, and the sensor mount may be formed within the wall structure of the hypotube and may include a first mechanical stop configured to limit movement of the sensor assembly in at least a first dimension and a second mechanical stop configured to limit movement of the sensor assembly in at least a second dimension. A sensor housing may be disposed about the sensor mount and may have a window formed therein to provide fluid communication between the sensor assembly and an environment outside the hypotube. | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140187983 | Intravascular Guidewire with Hyper Flexible Distal End Portion - In one embodiment, a sensing guidewire for performing atraumatic intravascular physiologic measurements includes an elongated core wire and a sensor disposed at a distal end portion thereof. A flexure is disposed in the core wire proximal to the sensor housing. The flexure is substantially more flexible than regions of the core wire disposed on either side of the flexure, and enables a distal end portion of the guide wire to conform to and rest against a wall of vascular structure, such as an aneurism, without exerting an undue outward pressure thereon in response to making any contact with the wall. | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140187982 | Intravascular Devices Having Information Stored Thereon And/Or Wireless Communication Functionality, Including Associated Devices, Systems, And Methods - Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the intravascular devices are guide-wires that include one or more sensing components and a sensor control module that stores information about the guide-wire. In some instances, the information about the guide-wire stored in the sensor control module is calibration information for a sensing component of the guide-wire. In some embodiments, the intravascular devices are guide-wires that include wireless communication functionality. In some instances, the guide-wires include one or more antennas adjacent a proximal portion of the guide-wire. In some instances, the guide-wires include passive radio frequency devices integrated into the guide-wire. Systems associated with such intravascular devices are disclosed. Methods of using such devices and systems are also disclosed. | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140187981 | Intravascular Devices Having Information Stored Thereon And/Or Wireless Communication Functionality, Including Associated Devices, Systems, And Methods - Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the intravascular devices are guide-wires that include one or more sensing components and a sensor control module that stores information about the guide-wire. In some instances, the information about the guide-wire stored in the sensor control module is calibration information for a sensing component of the guide-wire. In some embodiments, the intravascular devices are guide-wires that include wireless communication functionality. In some instances, the guide-wires include one or more antennas adjacent a proximal portion of the guide-wire. In some instances, the guide-wires include passive radio frequency devices integrated into the guide-wire. Systems associated with such intravascular devices are disclosed. Methods of using such devices and systems are also disclosed. | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140187980 | Hypotube Sensor Mount for Sensored Guidewire - A guidewire system for treating a patient may include a sensor assembly for detecting a physiological characteristic of a patient, the sensor assembly having a portion having a first width. The system also may include a hypotube having an integrated sensor mount formed therein for predictably locating the sensor during assembly, the hypotube having a lumen and the sensor mount being formed of opposing walls of the hypotube, the distance between the opposing walls being a second width. The first width of the sensor assembly may be greater than the second width between the opposing walls of the hypotube such that a portion of the sensor assembly lies directly on the walls of the hypotube. A sensor housing disposed about the sensor mount and configured to reinforce the hypotube at the sensor mount. | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140187979 | Pressure-Sensing Guide Wire With Sliding Pressure Sensor - An intravascular sensor assembly including a flexible elongate member having a longitudinal axis (LA) is provided. The sensor assembly includes a first engagement feature proximal to a distal end of the flexible elongate member; a core member disposed inside a lumen of the flexible elongate member, the core member configured to translate within the flexible elongate member along the LA proximal to the first engagement feature; and a component holding a sensor circuit, the component fixedly secured to a distal end of the core member such that the mounting structure translates along the LA of the flexible elongate member with the core member. A system and a method for performing measurements using a sensor as above are also provided. | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140187978 | Intravascular Devices Having Information Stored Thereon And/Or Wireless Communication Functionality, Including Associated Devices, Systems, And Methods - Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the intravascular devices are guide-wires that include one or more sensing components and a sensor control module that stores information about the guide-wire. In some instances, the information about the guide-wire stored in the sensor control module is calibration information for a sensing component of the guide-wire. In some embodiments, the intravascular devices are guide-wires that include wireless communication functionality. In some instances, the guide-wires include one or more antennas adjacent a proximal portion of the guide-wire. In some instances, the guide-wires include passive radio frequency devices integrated into the guide-wire. Systems associated with such intravascular devices are disclosed. Methods of using such devices and systems are also disclosed. | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140187972 | Guidewire Devices and Methods - Guidewire devices and methods are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, a guidewire including a flexible element having a first center point, a stiffening core wire comprising at least three wires collectively having a second center point and extending from a proximal section to a distal section within the flexible element, wherein the flexible element has an outer diameter of about 0.035 inches or less, and wherein the first and second center points are within about 0.001 inches of each other, is included. Methods of making and/or assembling such guidewire devices are also provided. | 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 |
| 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 |
| 20140187960 | Intravascular Ultrasound Imaging Apparatus, Interface, Architecture, and Method of Manufacturing - Sold-state 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 an ultrasound transducer array used in a solid-state IVUS system. In one embodiment, an intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) device includes: a flexible elongate member; an ultrasound scanner assembly disposed at a distal portion of the flexible elongate member, the ultrasound scanner assembly including an ultrasound transducer array; an interface coupler disposed at a proximal portion of the flexible elongate member; and a cable disposed within and extending along a length of the flexible elongate member between the ultrasound scanner assembly and the interface coupler. The cable includes four conductors electrically coupling the ultrasound scanner assembly and the interface coupler. | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140187959 | Ultrasound Transducers and Methods of Manufacturing Same - The present disclosure provides various embodiments of an ultrasound transducer for use in intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging. An exemplary ultrasound transducer includes substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. A well is disposed in the substrate that extends from the first surface to the second surface, where a well surface of the substrate defines a shape of the well. The well surface has a greater surface area than a cylindrically-shaped well surface. The ultrasound transducer further includes an arcuate-shaped transducer membrane is positioned within the well adjacent to the first surface of the substrate, and a backing material is disposed in the well that physically contacts the well surface and the transducer membrane. The backing material secures the arcuate-shape of the transducer membrane. | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140187957 | Ultrasonic Transducer Electrode Assembly - The present disclosure provides a method of fabricating an ultrasound transducer. A substrate having a first side and a second side opposite the first side is provided. A bottom electrode is formed over the first side of the substrate. A piezoelectric element is formed over the bottom electrode. The piezoelectric element has a chamfered sidewall. A top electrode is formed over the piezoelectric element. A step metal element is formed over a portion of the top electrode proximate to the chamfered sidewall of the piezoelectric element. | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140187956 | Ultrasonic Transducer Electrode Assembly - The present disclosure provides a method of fabricating an ultrasound transducer. A substrate having a first side and a second side opposite the first side is provided. A bottom electrode is formed over the first side of the substrate. A piezoelectric element is formed over the bottom electrode. The piezoelectric element has a chamfered sidewall. A top electrode is formed over the piezoelectric element. A step metal element is formed over a portion of the top electrode proximate to the chamfered sidewall of the piezoelectric element. | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140187925 | Synthetic Aperture Image Reconstruction System In a Patient Interface Module (pim) - A field programmable gate array (FPGA) circuit including a quadrature internal conditioning circuit is provided. The circuit having a buffer circuit; and a reconstruction engine circuit, wherein the reconstruction engine circuit includes: a circuit to measure a phase of a signal; and a flavor interpolation circuit; wherein: the circuit to measure the phase of a signal includes digitization points forming two complex numbers for each cycle of the center frequency of the signal. A system for collecting tissue images including a patient interface module (PIM); a pulse transmitter circuit; an analog to digital converter circuit; and an FPGA circuit as above; and a catheter having a sensing head is also provided. A method for using the above system to provide an image reconstruction is also provided. | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140187874 | Intravascular Devices, Systems, and Methods - Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some instances, the intravascular device is a guide wire with electrical conductors printed on a solid core wire. In some instances, the electrical conductors are coupled to conductive bands adjacent a proximal portion of the guide wire. Methods of making, manufacturing, and/or assembling such intravascular devices and associated systems are also provided. In certain aspects, guidewires of the invention include a body having an inner core and an outer layer with one or more embedded conductors. The conductors are exposed at one or more locations along the body and a conductive material can be layered over the exposed locations. A sensor can also be coupled to the body via the conductive material at one of the exposed locations. | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140184027 | Layout and Method of Singulating Miniature Ultrasonic Transducers - The present disclosure provides a method of singulating a plurality of miniature ultrasound transducers from a wafer. The method includes receiving a wafer on which a plurality of miniature ultrasound transducers is formed. The miniature ultrasound transducers each include a transducer membrane containing a piezoelectric material. The method includes etching, from a front side of the wafer, a plurality of trenches into the wafer. Each trench at least partially encircles a respective one of the miniature ultrasound transducers in a top view. Each trench includes an approximately rounded segment. The method includes thinning the wafer from a back side opposite the front side. The thinning the wafer is performed such that the trenches are open to the back side. The method includes performing a dicing process to the wafer to separate the miniature ultrasound transducers from one another. The dicing process is performed without making crossing cuts in the wafer. | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140184023 | Layout and Method of Singulating Miniature Ultrasonic Transducers - The present disclosure provides a method of singulating a plurality of miniature ultrasound transducers from a wafer. The method includes receiving a wafer on which a plurality of miniature ultrasound transducers is formed. The miniature ultrasound transducers each include a transducer membrane containing a piezoelectric material. The method includes etching, from a front side of the wafer, a plurality of trenches into the wafer. Each trench at least partially encircles a respective one of the miniature ultrasound transducers in a top view. Each trench includes an approximately rounded segment. The method includes thinning the wafer from a back side opposite the front side. The thinning the wafer is performed such that the trenches are open to the back side. The method includes performing a dicing process to the wafer to separate the miniature ultrasound transducers from one another. The dicing process is performed without making crossing cuts in the wafer. | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140183670 | Capacitive Intravascular Pressure-Sensing Devices and Associated Systems and Methods - Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the intravascular devices are guide wires that include a capacitive pressure-sensing component disposed at a distal portion of the guide wire. Methods of making such intravascular devices, including various manufacturing and assembling techniques, are disclosed. Systems associated with such intravascular devices and methods of using such devices and systems are also disclosed. | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140182100 | Pre-Polarized Film Flex Circuit Based Ultrasonic Transducer - The present disclosure involves a method and apparatus for making a compact and flexible ultrasonic transducer assembly that works by using existing flex circuit fabrication processes, modified flex circuit fabrication processes, and pre-polled metalized piezoelectric film, and an ASIC to create a sub 1 mm ultrasonic transducer hybrid assembly. | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140181717 | Measurement Navigation in a Multi-Modality Medical Imaging System - Systems and methods for multi-modality data processing are provided. Some embodiments are particularly directed to navigating sets of multi-modality medical data in a multi-modality processing system. In one embodiment, a method for navigating medical data in a medical processing system includes receiving a reference set of medical data by the medical processing system, where the medical data corresponds to a modality selected from the group consisting of: FFR, iFR, pressure, flow, IVUS, and OCT. The medical processing system also receives a navigation command. An enhancement and a subset of the reference set of medical data to enhance are identified based on the navigation command. The medical processing system performs the selected enhancement on the subset of data and the enhanced subset is displayed. The enhancement may include performing a single-axis zoom on the subset. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140181716 | Gesture-Based Interface for a Multi-Modality Medical Imaging System - Systems and methods for multi-modality data processing are provided. Some embodiments are particularly directed to interpreting gesture-based commands in a multi-modality processing system. In one embodiment, a method for interpreting user input in a medical processing system includes receiving a state designator corresponding to a mode of operation of the medical processing system, where the mode of operation includes a value representative of a modality selected from the group consisting of: IVUS, OCT, pressure, and flow. A list of active commands is generated based on the received state designator. A user input sequence is received from one or more user input devices. The medical processing system correlates the user input sequence to a command of the list of active commands, and the command is utilized to control operation of a component of the system. The list of active command may include a subset of commands common to multiple modalities. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140180721 | Data Labeling and Indexing in a Multi-Modality Medical Imaging System - Systems and methods for multi-modality data processing are provided. Some embodiments are particularly directed to labeling and indexing multi-modality medical data. In one embodiment, a method for labeling medical data received by a multi-modality medical processing system includes receiving, by the medical processing system, medical data to be labeled. A reference set of labels corresponding to the medical data is presented at a display device. A selection of a first label from the reference set of labels is received from an interface device. A target set of labels corresponding to the medical data is presented at the display device, the target set of labels based on the first label. A selection of a second label from the target set of labels is received from the interface device. The medical data is then labeled based on the first and second labels. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140180703 | System and Method for Multi-Modality Workflow Management Using Hierarchical State Machines - A multi-modality medical system having a computing system communicatively coupled to a medical instrument is provided. An acquisition control activity module is configured to control acquisition of medical data from a patient with the medical instrument and a business logic state machine having a first data acquisition state and a first data review state and being operable to utilize the acquisition control activity module to control acquisition of medical data from the patient with the medical instrument while in the first data acquisition state, and being configured to convert the medical data into images representative of portions of the patient while in the first data acquisition state. The computing system includes also includes a user interface state machine having a second data acquisition state and a second data review state and being configured to present the images within a user interface while in the second data review state. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140180702 | Resource Management in a Multi-Modality Medical System - Generally, the present disclosure is directed to managing shared resources in a multi-modality medical system. A multi-modality medical system acquires, stores, processes, and displays data associated with a plurality of different medical modalities. Although different, independent modules within the medical system handle different modality workflows, such modules rely on common resources in the system. The method and systems described herein coordinate usage of the common resources, such as a display viewport, among the independent modality modules. For example, a token-based, locking scheme is utilized to exclusively assign a shared resource to a single modality component. This locking scheme prevents, for example, resource deadlocks from occurring during a patient procedure, thus enhancing patient safety. This scheme also ensures, for example, that one diagnostic step in a patient procedure is completed before a second diagnostic step is started, and that all workflow operations halt in the event of an error. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140180659 | Method and Apparatus for Performing Virtual Pullback of an Intravascular Imaging Device - The present disclosure provides a method of simulating an intravascular procedure in a virtual environment. The method includes displaying information from a first view and a second view simultaneously. The first view contains virtual representations of an anatomical region of a human body and an intravascular imaging device disposed in the anatomical region. The second view contains a cross-sectional image of a segment of the anatomical region corresponding to a location of the intravascular imaging device. The method includes moving, in response to a user input, the virtual representation of the intravascular imaging device with respect to the virtual representation of the anatomical region. The method includes updating the cross-sectional image as the virtual representation of the intravascular imaging device is being moved. The updated cross-sectional image corresponds to a new location of the intravascular imaging device. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140180316 | IMAGING AND REMOVING BIOLOGICAL MATERIAL - The invention generally relates to devices and methods for imaging and removing biological material from a vessel wall. In certain embodiments, the invention provides devices that include a body configured to fit within a lumen of a vessel, the body including an opening, a biological material removal assembly configured to remove biological material that is exposed to the removal assembly via the opening, and an imaging assembly coupled to the body and positioned to image the opening. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140180273 | Device, System, and Method for Imaging and Tissue Characterization of Ablated Tissue - Disclosed herein is a system for ablating and characterizing tissue. The system comprises an ablation element configured to emit ablative energy toward a tissue of interest, an imaging apparatus configured to emit energy and collect imaging data including reflected signals from the tissue of interest, and a characterization application. The characterization application comprises a signal analyzer for analyzing the imaging data and determining one or more signal properties from the reflected signals, and a correlation processor configured to associate the one or more signal properties to pre-determined tissue signal properties of different tissue components through a pattern recognition technique. The pre-determined tissue signal properties are embodied in a database, and the correlation processor is configured to identify a tissue component and an ablation level of the tissue of interest based on the pattern recognition technique. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140180268 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CATHETER STEERING AND OPERATION - The invention generally relates to intravascular intervention catheters and provides catheters for performing an intravascular procedure that use a computer to control an operation at the end of the catheter. The computer can process image data to determine where the important features are within a patient's vessels. The catheter can include imaging devices, steering devices, ablation mechanisms, or a combination thereof. By referencing the precisely-calculated location of the important features, the computer can provides signals that can be used by a control device (such as a set of servomotors for navigation) to operate the mechanisms at the catheter tip. Thus the catheter can be steered or an ablation mechanism can be operated or be prevented from operating depending on a detected location of the catheter. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140180256 | SINGLE COIL CONTACT GUIDEWIRE CONNECTOR - The present invention generally relates to guidewire connectors. The invention can involve a housing that includes a channel. The invention can also involve at least one contact element configured to hold a guidewire inside the housing by pressing the guidewire against the channel. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140180255 | DISTAL CATHETER TIPS AND FORMATION THEREOF - The present disclosure provides various embodiments of products for a tapered catheter tip and methods of forming a tapered distal tip for a catheter. An exemplary tapered catheter tip of the invention includes a proximal segment, a distal segment, and a midsection there between. The midsection includes at least two tip materials in an overlapping configuration and the distal segment includes one of the at least two tip materials. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140180254 | Distal Catheter Tip Formation - The present disclosure provides various embodiments of methods of forming a tapering distal tip for a catheter. An exemplary method includes providing a mandrel and a holding hypotube, placing a tip first material with a first outer diameter over the mandrel and the hypotube, placing a tip second material with a second outer diameter over the mandrel and under the first material, placing a shrink tube of heat-shrink material around at least a junction of the first material and second material, heating the shrink tube, cooling the first material and second material, and removing the shrink tube and the hypotube. The first outer diameter is greater than the second outer diameter. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140180168 | GUIDEWIRE WITH TOUCH SENSOR - The present invention generally relates to methods and devices for sensing the surface of a luminal wall. The invention can involve an elongated body configured to fit within the lumen of a vessel and at least one touch sensor located on the elongated body. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140180142 | Pressure-Sensing Intravascular Devices, Systems, and Methods - Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the intravascular devices include at least one pressure sensing component within a distal portion of the device. In that regard, one or more electrical, electronic, optical, and/or electro-optical pressure-sensing components is secured to an elongated substrate such that the pressure-sensing component is mounted perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis of the device. In some implementations, the elongated substrate has a cylindrical profile. Methods of making, assembling, and/or using such intravascular devices and associated systems are also provided. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140180141 | Mounting Structures for Components of Intravascular Devices - Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the intravascular devices include at least one mounting structure within a distal portion of the device. In that regard, one or more electronic, optical, and/or electro-optical component is coupled to the mounting structure. Methods of making and/or assembling such intravascular devices/systems are also provided. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140180140 | Wireless Interface Devices, Systems, And Methods For Use With Intravascular Pressure Monitoring Devices - Embodiments of the present disclosure are configured to assess the severity of a blockage in a vessel and, in particular, a stenosis in a blood vessel. In some particular embodiments, the devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure are configured to collect and wirelessly distribute reliable pressure signals to other devices, and do so in a small, compact device that integrates with existing proximal and distal pressure measurement systems and does not require a separate power source. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140180139 | Connectors for Use With Intravascular Devices and Associated Systems and Methods - Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, side-loading electrical connectors for use with intravascular devices are provided. The side-loading electrical connector has at least one electrical contact configured to interface with an electrical connector of the intravascular device. A first connection piece of the side-loading electrical connector is movable relative to a second connection piece between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position an elongated opening is formed between the first and second connection pieces to facilitate insertion of the electrical connector between the first and second connection pieces in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the intravascular device and wherein in the closed position the at least one electrical contact is electrically coupled to the at least one electrical connector received between the first and second connection pieces. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140180135 | CHRONIC TOTAL OCCLUSION CATHETER - The present invention generally relates to forward imaging devices for imaging the inside of a vessel and associated methods. The invention can involve an elongated body configured to fit within the vessel of a lumen and at least one imaging sensor located on the elongated body configured to image an object in a forward direction. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140180134 | IMAGING CATHETER FOR IMAGING FROM WITHIN BALLOON - The invention generally relates to balloon catheters for vascular intervention and particularly to devices for imaging from within a balloon. The invention provides a balloon catheter with an imaging device inside the balloon and capable of viewing a treatment site through a wall of the balloon. The device allows a physician to both view the affected site within the vessel and to inflate the balloon at the location that is in view, thus allowing the balloon to be deployed with good positioning and efficiency while minimizing a stiff length of the catheter to give it good maneuverability. | 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 20140180120 | Ultrasound Imaging Catheters with Reciprocating Phased Array Transducers - In one embodiment, a catheter imaging device includes an elongated catheter shaft having a forward looking ultrasonic transducer disposed at a distal end thereof. A first device is coupled to the transducer for sweeping an ultrasonic beam produced by the transducer in a first plane and through a first angle therein, and a second device is coupled to the transducer for sweeping the ultrasonic beam in a second plane and through a second angle therein, the second plane being disposed orthogonal to the first plane. In one aspect, the ultrasonic transducer includes a plurality of transducer elements. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140180119 | INTRALUMINAL IMAGING SYSTEM - The invention generally relates to devices and methods that allow an operator to obtain real-time images of a luminal surface prior to, during, and after an intraluminal procedure, including while a tool is engaged with the luminal surface. An imaging system of the invention may include a first elongate member that includes a first imaging element and a catheter that includes a second imaging element. The first imaging element is an optical-to-acoustic transducer, and the second imaging element is an optical-to-acoustic transducer. The catheter also defines a lumen and includes an ablation element. The catheter is configured to receive at least a portion of the elongate member within the lumen and is configured to move along a path of the elongate member. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140180118 | Catheter Assembly with a Shortened Tip - Devices and methods of the invention generally relate to a shortened distal tip for use with intraluminal imaging devices. In certain aspects, an intraluminal device of the invention includes a body and a tip member. The body utilizes an imaging element located on a distal end of the body, in which the imaging element is configured to image an object within a forward plane extending beyond the distal end of the body. A tip member is coupled to the distal end of the body and sized to fit at least between the forward plane and the distal end. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140180117 | Preparation and Application of a Piezoelectric Film for an Ultrasound Transducer - The present disclosure involves a method of fabricating an ultrasound transducer. A piezoelectric polymer is mixed into a solution containing a first chemical and a second chemical to form a viscous film. In some embodiments, the first chemical includes methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), and the second chemical includes dimethylacetamide (DMA). In other embodiments, the first chemical includes cyclohexanone, and the second chemical includes dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The film is coated onto a wafer and then flashed off during the coating. Thereafter, the film is baked. The second chemical is removed during the baking. Thereafter, the film is annealed. In some embodiments, the annealing is performed using an annealing temperature in a range from about 135 degrees Celsius to about 145 degrees Celsius and an annealing duration in a range from about 17 hours to about 19 hours. The film has a β phase crystallinity greater than 50% after the annealing. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140180108 | Method for Multi-Frequency Imaging Using High-Bandwidth Transducer Outputs - A method for imaging a volume within a patient is provided. The method includes generating an ultrasonic signal at a first selected frequency, using a first transducer located within the tissue structure; directing the ultrasonic signal on a spot in the volume within the patient; scanning the spot in a predetermined pattern about the wall of the volume within the patient; receiving an ultrasonic echo in a second transducer at a second selected frequency; converting the ultrasonic echo into a voltage; amplifying the voltage with a processing circuit; and providing an image of the volume within the patient from the voltage. In some embodiments, the method may include classifying the image according to a characterization tool; and providing a plurality of images of the volume from the voltage. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140180107 | ULTRASOUND IMAGING WITH VARIABLE LINE DENSITY - The invention generally relates to intravascular ultrasound imaging and to systems and methods to improve line density and image quality. The invention provides an intravascular imaging system that uses a clock device to provide a set of trigger signals for each revolution of the imaging catheter and capture various patterns of scan lines for each set of trigger signals. The system can be operated to capture two scan lines of data for each trigger signal thereby doubling scan line density compared to existing systems. The clock device can be provided by hardware, such as a rotary encoder, that is configured to define a maximum number of trigger signals that the module can provide per rotation of the catheter. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140180105 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MULTIPATH PROCESSING OF IMAGE SIGNALS - The invention generally relates to intravascular imaging system and particularly to processing in multimodal systems. The invention provides an imaging system that splits incoming image data into two signals and performs the same processing step on each of the split signals. The system can then send the two signals down two processing pathways. Methods include receiving an analog image signal, transmitting the received signal to a processing system, splitting the signal to produce a first image signal and a second image signal, and performing a processing operation on the first image signal and the second image signal. The first and second signal include substantially the same information as one another. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140180089 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GUIDEWIRE CONTROL - The invention generally relates to guidewires for intravascular procedures that include an electroactive polymer. An electroactive polymer can be at one or a number of locations on or within a guidewire. The polymer reacts to an applied electrical potential by changing a dimension (e.g., contracting or expanding). Electroactive polymers can be disposed along or within the guidewires in any pattern, such as wrapped helically within a surface, placed longitudinally parallel to an axis of the guidewire, dispose circumferentially around the guidewire, others, or a combination thereof. Depending on the designed geometry, a potential difference applied by an actuator will cause the guidewire to change a shape, a property, a surface characteristic, a dimension, or a combination thereof. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140180087 | Display Control for a Multi-Sensor Medical Device - Systems and methods for user control over the acquisition, processing, and presentation of medical data are provided. Some embodiments are particularly directed to controlling the display of multi-modality medical data in a multi-modality processing system. In one embodiment, a medical imaging system receives a set of medical data including a first data subset collected using a first sensor and a second data subset collected using a second sensor, where the first sensor and the second sensor are different. A display attribute to be applied to the first data subset independent of the second data subset is received. An instruction is generated that affects the processing of the first data subset based on the display attribute. The first data subset is processed according to the instruction. The processed first data subset is displayed according to the display attribute, and the second data subset is displayed independent of the display attribute. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140180083 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FLUSH-TRIGGERED IMAGING - The invention generally relates to intravascular imaging and methods of improved image quality by triggering image operations with a vessel flush. The invention provides systems and methods for intravascular imaging in which a flush such as the influx of clear saline or radiopaque dye triggers the imaging operation. The flush is detected by a mechanism—such as a pressure sensor or optical device on the imaging catheter, an external angiography system, or other device—that uses detection as a trigger to initiate imaging. Thus, when the blood is flushed, the catheter automatically takes a picture of the vessel wall. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140180079 | Guarded Imaging Devices and Methods - An integrated therapeutic and imaging device that uses at least two balloons to provide a guarded zone that can be evacuated and replaced with a fluid that is sufficiently clear to permit optical coherence tomography (or even high resolution ultrasound) imaging that would otherwise be of poor quality or impossible. Methods of making and operating the imaging device to obtain clear, high quality images, as well as treating a patient's tissue with the device within a living body in association with obtaining an image of the patient's tissue, are included. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140180078 | Method for Multi-Frequency Imaging and Composite Image Display Using High-Bandwidth Transducer Outputs - A method for imaging a volume within a patient volume is provided. The method includes generating a first signal and a second signal, directing the first signal and the second signal to a spot in the patient volume; receiving a first response signal and a second response signal from the spot in the patient volume; providing a first image from of the patient volume using the first response signal; providing a second image from the patient volume using the second response signal; and combining the first image and the second image to form a composite image. The method includes receiving multiple images at multiple frequency ranges; selecting a region of interest including the plurality of images; selecting multiple border lines separating the region of interest into multiple sub-regions; selecting data from an image in a sub-region; and forming an image in the region of interest. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140180077 | TISSUE ABLATION CATHETER AND METHODS OF ABLATING TISSUE - Catheters having expandable members, e.g., balloons, incorporating heating elements and temperature sensors for controlled delivering of energy to tissues, i.e., to treat diseases, especially hypertension. The invention also describes methods for monitoring and controlling the amount of energy delivered to the tissue. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140180076 | SMOOTH TRANSITION CATHETERS - The present invention generally relates to a rapid exchange configuration that reduces the profile of a catheter riding on a guidewire and minimizes guidewire resistance. According to certain embodiments, a body of the catheter includes a distal portion and a proximal portion. The distal portion defines a guidewire lumen and includes a guidewire exit port being open in a proximal direction and leading to the guidewire lumen. A proximal section of the guidewire lumen is straight. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140180071 | LOCATING INTRAVASCULAR IMAGES - The invention includes imaging catheters having image collectors co-located with radiopaque labels, methods of using the imaging catheters, and systems for locating the position of intravascular images within the body. In some instances, an angiogram is used to determine the precise location of the co-located radiopaque labels, and thus, the position of the intravascular image. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140180070 | INTRALUMINAL IMAGING SYSTEM - The invention generally relates to devices and methods that allow an operator to obtain real-time images of a luminal surface prior to, during, and after an intraluminal procedure, including while a tool is engaged with the luminal surface. An imaging system of the invention may include a first elongate member that includes a first imaging element and a catheter that includes a second imaging element. The first imaging element is an optical-to-acoustic transducer, and the second imaging element is an optical-to-acoustic transducer. The catheter also defines a lumen and includes cutting element. The catheter is configured to receive at least a portion of the elongate member within the lumen and is configured to move along a path of the elongate member. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140180069 | INTRALUMINAL IMAGING SYSTEM - The invention generally relates to devices and methods that allow an operator to obtain real-time images of a luminal surface prior to, during, and after an intraluminal procedure, including while a tool is engaged with the luminal surface. An imaging system of the invention may include a first elongate member that includes a first imaging element and a catheter that includes a second imaging element. The first imaging element is an optical-to-acoustic transducer, and the second imaging element is an optical-to-acoustic transducer. The catheter also defines a lumen and includes an implant delivery mechanism. The catheter is configured to receive at least a portion of the elongate member within the lumen and is configured to move along a path of the elongate member. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140180068 | CATHETER ORIENTING MARKERS - The present invention generally relates to methods, devices and systems for determining the rotational orientation of a device. The invention can involve providing a device comprising a plurality of markers, wherein each marker within the plurality of markers differs from an adjacent marker by size, shape, and/or position on the device. The invention can also involve inserting the device into a vessel and imaging the device to capture an image of the device in an imaging plane. The invention can further involve processing the captured image to determine an orientation of the device relative to the imaging plane based on the markers. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140180067 | IMPLANT DELIVERY SYSTEM AND IMPLANTS - The invention generally relates to devices and methods that allow an operator to obtain real-time images of a luminal surface during an implant delivery procedure. In certain embodiments, a delivery device of the invention includes an elongate body and an inner member moveably disposed within the elongate body. The elongate body includes a first imaging element and defining a center lumen that leads to an opening. The elongate body is configured to releasably hold an implant within the center lumen and the first imaging element is configured to at least partially surround the center lumen such that the implant is deployable through the first imaging element. The inner member is configured to engage with and deploy the implant out of the opening of the elongate body and into a body lumen. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140180066 | INTRODUCER HAVING A FLOW SENSOR - An introducer, including a needle, a guide shaft, and a sheath, that can be used to place an access cannula into a blood vessel. In an embodiment, the guide shaft includes a Doppler flow sensor, allowing a user to easily identify a vein or artery beneath the skin. In another embodiment, the guide shaft also includes a pressure sensor. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140180056 | IMAGING GUIDEWIRE WITH PHOTOACTIVATION CAPABILITIES - A guidewire providing imaging and light for photoactivation of therapeutic agents. Using optical fibers with Bragg gratings, electromagnetic waves are coupled to photoacoustic materials thereby providing acoustic energy for imaging tissues. The reflected acoustic waves can be sensed with photoreflective materials coupled to different optical fibers. Additional optical fibers allow photoactivated therapeutics to be activated in proximity to the imaged tissues. The photoactivated therapeutics may be administered intravenously or with a drug-delivery catheter. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140180055 | ASPIRATING AND REMOVING BIOLOGICAL MATERIAL - The invention generally relates to devices and methods for imaging and aspirating biological material from inside a vessel. In certain embodiments, the invention provides devices that include a body configured to fit within a lumen of a vessel. The body includes an opening. Devices of the invention also include an aspiration channel within the body. The aspiration channel includes a distal end that is connected to the opening. Devices of the invention also include an imaging assembly coupled to the body. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140180035 | FUNCTIONAL GAIN MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUE AND REPRESENTATION - The present invention generally relates to methods for determining the degree of improvement after a therapeutic procedure. The method can involve determining a baseline measurement prior to conducting a therapeutic procedure, conducting the therapeutic procedure, and determining a post-therapy measurement after conducting the therapeutic procedure. The method further involves comparing the post-therapy measurement to the baseline measurement, thereby determining the degree of improvement after conducting the therapeutic procedure. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140180034 | SIMULTANEOUS IMAGING, MONITORING, AND THERAPY - Using the disclosed intravascular devices it is possible to image tissues, deliver therapy, and evaluate the tissue after the therapy is delivered. One embodiment is a catheter configured to provide ultrasound imaging, drug delivery, and Doppler flow analysis. The devices can use ultrasound imaging as well as optical coherence tomography (OCT). | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140180032 | System and Method for Multi-Site Intravascular Measurement - Systems and methods for obtaining and processing data collected using a multi-site intravascular sensing device are provided. Some embodiments are directed to locating a structure within a vessel and performing an examination of the structure once it has been located. In one embodiment, an elongate member has a plurality of sensors and set of measurements is obtained using the plurality of sensors, the set of measurements including at least one measurement from each sensor of the plurality of sensors. The various sensor measurements are compared and a difference in a vascular characteristic is determined from the compared measurements. The location of the structure may be determined based on the adjacent sensors. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140180031 | MULTI-SENSOR DEVICES - The present invention generally relates to devices that include multiple sensors for measuring different characteristics inside a vessel. For example, devices of the invention may have sensors for imaging the interior of a vessel while also detecting both pressure and/or detecting flow inside the vessel. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140180030 | INTRAVASCULAR BLOOD PRESSURE AND VELOCITY WIRE - The present invention generally relates to devices for determining pressure and flow in a vessel and methods for using such devices. The device can involve an elongate body configured for insertion into a vessel, a flow sensor positioned on the elongate body configured for detecting flow in the vessel, and a pressure sensor positioned on the elongate body configured for detecting pressure in the vessel, wherein the pressure sensor comprises an optical sensor. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140180028 | GUIDEWIRE WITH ADJUSTABLE TIP - The present invention generally relates to guidewires with adjustable tips. In certain aspects, the guidewire includes an elongate member and a core member extending through a lumen of the elongate member. The elongate member includes a distal portion. The distal portion includes a coil segment and at least a portion of the coil segment being compressible from a relaxed state, in which the coil segment aligns with a longitudinal axis of the elongate body, to a compressed state, in which the coil segment moves in a direction away from the longitudinal axis. The distal portion may include one or more sensors. The core member is coupled to the elongate member at a point on the distal portion such that movement of the elongate member translates the elongate member relative to the core member and compresses the coil segment from the relaxed state to the compressed state. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140179170 | LASER DIRECT STRUCTURED CATHETER CONNECTION FOR INTRAVASCULAR DEVICE - The invention generally relates to intravascular imaging catheters and methods of making catheters for imaging systems. The invention provides a connector for an imaging catheter that includes a unitary body with very thin electrical contacts that are formed on the surface of the body. Due to the scale of the contacts, the connector operates essentially as a single unitary piece of material. Each of the leads may be less than about 100 μm wide and less than about 8 μm thick, and further the leads may be spaced apart by less than about 160 μm | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140178574 | Method and Apparatus for Focusing Miniature Ultrasound Transducers - The present disclosure provides methods and apparatus of fabricating a transducer for use in ultrasound imaging. A substrate is provided. The substrate may be a silicon substrate having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. A transducer membrane is formed over the first side of the substrate. The transducer membrane includes a piezoelectric component. A well is formed in the substrate from the second side. A backing material is dispensed onto a first sidewall of the well in a manner so as to create a capillary effect that causes the backing material to wick down the sidewall, across the back side of the substrate exposed by the well, and up a second sidewall of the well. The transducer membrane is deflected so that the transducer membrane has a concave shape. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140178026 | OPTICAL FIBER PROTECTOR - This invention generally relates to devices and methods for protecting an optical fiber during assembly of an optical system. In certain aspect, the invention provides an optical fiber protector. The optical fiber protector includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is configured to contact and couple to an optical fiber connector. The second portion is configured to couple to an optical component. The optical fiber protector further includes a bore for receiving at least a portion of an optical fiber there through. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140178000 | POWER-EFFICIENT OPTICAL BUFFERING USING OPTICAL SWITCH - The present invention generally relates to optical circuits for mitigating power loss in medical imaging systems and methods for using such circuits. Circuits of the invention can involve a first optical path, a second optical path, and a means for recombining an optical signal transmitted through the first and second optical paths by sequentially gating the first and second optical paths to a single output. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140177935 | Adaptive Interface for a Medical Imaging System - Systems and methods for control of a medical data processing system are provided. Some embodiments are particularly directed to presenting a user interface for control of an IVUS imaging system. In one embodiment, a method comprises: presenting a set of mode options to a user at a user display device; receiving a mode selection selected by the user; determining a set of operating parameters based on the mode selection; receiving, by a medical processing system, a first set of medical sensing data; and processing, by the medical processing system, the first set of medical sensing data according to the operating parameters. The determining may be further based on at least one of a previous mode selection, a user preference, an operative course of a medical procedure, patient information, the first set of medical sensing data, a second set of medical sensing data, a status indicator, and a sensing device identifier. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140177660 | WAVELENGTH STABILIZATION - Systems and methods of the invention generally relate to feedback loops for wavelength stabilization. According to certain aspects, a method of the invention includes filtering light through a tunable filter configured to deliver a target wavelength of light, measuring the wavelength of the filtered light, detecting a change between the target wavelength and the filtered wavelength, and adjusting the tunable filter based on the detected change so that the filtered wavelength matches the target wavelength. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140177237 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR NARROWING A WAVELENGTH EMISSION OF LIGHT - The present invention generally relates to methods and systems for narrowing a wavelength emission of light. In certain aspects, methods of the invention involve transmitting light through a filter and passing a portion of the filtered light through a gain chip assembly at least two times before that portion of light passes again through the filter. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140176963 | OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY SYSTEM THAT IS RECONFIGURABLE BETWEEN DIFFERENT IMAGING MODES - The invention generally relates to an optical coherence tomography system that is reconfigurable between two different imaging modes and methods of use thereof. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140176961 | MANUAL CALIBRATION OF IMAGING SYSTEM - The invention generally relates to methods for manually calibrating imaging systems such as optical coherence tomography systems. In certain aspects, an imaging system displays an image showing a target and a reference item. A user looks at the image and indicates a point within the image near the reference item. A processer detects an actual location of the reference item within an area around the indicated point. The processer can use an expected location of the reference item with the detected actual location to calculate a calibration value and provide a calibrated image. In this way, a user can identify the actual location of the reference point and a processing algorithm can give precision to the actual location. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140176960 | POLARIZATION SENSITIVE OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY SYSTEM - The invention generally relates to a polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography (OCT) system that includes both polarization maintaining and single mode optical fiber and methods of use thereof. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140176576 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GRAPHICAL PROCESSING OF MEDICAL DATA - The invention provides a computer server with a graphical processer that can process data from multiple medical imaging systems simultaneously. Data sets can be provided by any suitable imaging system (x-ray, angiography, PET scans, MRI, IVUS, OCT, cath labs, etc.) and a processing system of the invention allocates resources in the form of a virtual machine, processing power, operating system, applications, etc., as-needed. Embodiments of the invention may find particular application with cath labs due to the particular processing requirements of typical cath lab systems. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140176554 | Measurement and Enhancement in a Multi-Modality Medical Imaging System - Systems and methods for multi-modality data processing are provided. Some embodiments are particularly directed to enhancing and measuring multi-modality medical data. In one embodiment, a method for enhancing medical data in a medical processing system includes receiving, by the medical processing system, a reference set of medical data. The reference set of medical data may be display on a first user display. A region identifier, which corresponds to a region to be enhanced, is received along with an enhancement selection. A target set of data is identified based on the received region identifier and the received enhancement selection, and the medical processing system performs an enhancement corresponding to the enhancement selection upon the target set of data. The enhanced target set of data may be displayed on a second user display, the second user display being different from the first user display. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140176175 | Dry Catheter RF Tester - A method and a system of testing an electrical signal path functionality of a sensing catheter in a dry environment. A variety of test input patterns are generated by an arbitrary near field RF signal generator, transmitted into the sensing catheter disposed in a shielded enclosure. B-mode like images corresponding to the test input patterns are generated and displayed by an imaging system connected to a proximal end of the sensing catheter, and then analyzed by a computer system, as dependent on the frequency, amplitude, and phase of the test input patterns. A determination is made as to whether the sensing catheter retains a desired electrical signal path functionality based on the analysis. The sensing catheter could be a variety of sensing catheters including forward looking catheters, a rotational IVUS catheters, or phased array IVUS catheters. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140173888 | Method and Apparatus for Coupling Micro-Components Together Using a Micro-Clip - The present disclosure provides a micro-structure for coupling a first micro-component with a second micro-component. The micro-structure includes a center portion. The micro-structure also includes a first pair of arms connected to the center portion and extending away from the center portion in a first direction. The first pair of arms are separated by a first gap that is approximately equal to, or less than, a thickness of the first micro-component. The micro-structure also includes a second pair of arms connected to the center portion and extending away from the center portion in a second direction different from the first direction. The second pair of arms are separated by a second gap that is approximately equal to, or less than, a thickness of the second micro-component. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140173863 | Method and Apparatus for Shaping Transducer Membranes - The present disclosure provides a transducer shaping chamber for shaping ultrasound transducers. The transducer shaping chamber includes a transducer coupon carrier having one or more slots. The one or more slots each are geometrically shaped to hold a transducer coupon having a plurality of ultrasonic transducers formed thereon. The transducer shaping chamber includes a first plate disposed over a first side of the transducer coupon carrier. The transducer shaping chamber includes a second plate disposed over a second side of the transducer coupon carrier. The second side is opposite the first side. The transducer shaping chamber is configured to move the first plate and the second plate toward each other so as to push against the transducer coupon carrier from the first and second sides, respectively, until the transducer coupon carrier has been sealed against the first plate and with the second plate. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140171788 | Devices, Systems, and Methods for Targeted Cannulation - Described herein is a sensing wire for locating a blood vessel in a patient. The sensing wire comprises a hollow, rigid tube including a lumen extending from a proximal portion to a distal portion, an ultrasonic sensor coupled to the distal portion of the tube, and a communication assembly positioned at the distal portion and coupled to the ultrasound sensor. Also described is a system for accessing and evaluating a blood vessel in a patient. The system comprises an access sensor wire, an access needle sized to receive the access sensor wire, and a second sensing wire configured to be positioned within the access needle. A method is also disclosed for accessing a blood vessel with an introduction needle, where a short access sensing wire is replaced by a much longer second sensing wire after the needle is positioned in the vessel. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140171736 | Transitional Region Having Cuts and A Skive for an Imaging Catheter - An imaging device for imaging a portion of a patient's vasculature with an imaging element may include a proximal portion having a relatively higher stiffness that provides rigidity for pushing the imaging device through a patient's vasculature, and may include a distal portion having a relatively lower stiffness that enables threading through a curved vasculature of the patient. The imaging device also may include a transition region disposed between the proximal portion and the distal portion. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140163421 | Reinforced Catheter Transition With Flexible Tip Portion - The present disclosure provides various embodiments of a sheath for a rotational intravascular probe for insertion into a vasculature. An exemplary sheath includes a flexible portion having a lumen for receiving an ultrasound probe, a distal portion that includes a flexible multi-layer tip, and a transition portion that couples the proximal portion and the distal portion. The multi-layer tip defines a guide wire lumen having a distal guide wire opening and a proximal guide wire opening through a sidewall. In some embodiments, an area between the proximal guide wire entry opening and the flexible proximal portion is supported to prevent kinking and prolapse. | 06-12-2014 |
| 20140163369 | System and Method for Non-Invasive Tissue Characterization - Disclosed herein is a non-invasive system for determining tissue composition. The system comprises an imaging system with a non-invasive probe, a signal analyzer, and a correlation processor. The probe includes active imaging components for emitting energy and collecting imaging data including reflected signals from an object of interest. The signal analyzer analyzes the imaging data and determines one or more signal properties from the reflected signals. The correlation processor then associates the one or more signal properties to pre-determined tissue signal properties of different tissue components through a pattern recognition technique wherein the pre-determined tissue signal properties are embodied in a database, and identifies a tissue component of the object based on the pattern recognition technique. | 06-12-2014 |
| 20140163358 | High Pressure Therapeutic and Imaging Catheter - Disclosed herein is an integrated therapeutic and imaging catheter. The catheter comprises an inner member defining a guidewire lumen, a balloon assembly, a treatment device mounted about the balloon assembly, and an imaging device. The balloon assembly comprises an inner sleeve surrounding the inner member and a connection medium, wherein the connection medium is disposed between the balloon inner sleeve and the inner member, and an outer sleeve surrounding the inner sleeve. The imaging device is disposed distal to the balloon assembly and is coupled to the connection medium. | 06-12-2014 |
| 20140152467 | Medical Communication Hub and Associated Methods - A patient communication system having a medical sensing device operable to collect medical data, a network communication module operable to transmit the medical data onto a data network, a controller operable route the first medical sensing data to the network communication module, and a power source operable to provide power to the first medical sensing device, the controller, and the network communication module. | 06-05-2014 |
| 20140135633 | Devices, Systems, and Methods for Assessing a Vessel - Embodiments of the present disclosure are configured to assess the severity of a blockage in a vessel and, in particular, a stenosis in a blood vessel. In some particular embodiments, the devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure are configured to assess the severity of a stenosis in the coronary arteries without the administration of a hyperemic agent. Further, in some implementations devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure are configured to normalize and/or temporally align pressure measurements from two different pressure sensing instruments. Further still, in some instances devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure are configured to exclude outlier cardiac cycles from calculations utilized to evaluate a vessel, including providing visual indication to a user that the cardiac cycles have been excluded. | 05-15-2014 |
| 20140135621 | Rotational Shape-Memory Actuators and Associated Devices, Systems, and Methods - Rotational shape-memory actuators and associated devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, a rotational shape-memory actuator includes a first anchor, a second anchor, a spring element extending between the first and second anchors, a first shape memory element extending between the first and second anchors, a second shape memory element extending between the first and second anchors, and a communication line wrapped around the first and second shape memory elements. The first and second shape memory elements are configured to transition between a first configuration in which the first and second shape memory elements are twisted together and a second configuration in which the first and second shape memory elements are less twisted together such that transitions of the first and second shape memory elements between the first and second configurations cause the second anchor to rotate with respect to the first anchor. | 05-15-2014 |
| 20140121509 | Dependency-Based Startup In A Multi-Modality Medical System - A dependency-based startup method in a multi-modality medical processing system that includes receiving initialization information about a plurality of executable components to be started, the plurality of executable components including an executable modality component configured to communicate with a medical device communicatively coupled to the multi-modality medical processing system. The method also includes receiving dependency information about the executable modality component, the dependency information identifying one or more of the executable components upon which the executable modality component depends and transforming the initialization information and the dependency information into a dependency map that represents the dependencies between the plurality of executable components. Further, the method includes deriving a start order for the plurality of executable components based on the dependency map and starting the plurality of executable components in the multi-modality medical processing system according to the start order. | 05-01-2014 |
| 20140121475 | Multipurpose Host System for Invasive Cardiovascular Diagnostic Measurement Acquisition and Display - A multifunctional invasive cardiovascular diagnostic measurement host is disclosed that interfaces a variety of sensor devices, such as guide wire-mounted pressure sensors, flow sensors, temperature sensors, etc, and provides a multi-mode graphical user interface providing a plurality of displays in accordance with the various types of sensors and measurements rendered by the sensors. | 05-01-2014 |
| 20140100454 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ESTABLISHING PARAMETERS FOR THREE-DIMENSIONAL IMAGING - The invention relates to systems and methods for the operation of three-dimensional imaging systems. Systems and methods of the invention are operable to display an image of tissue, receive a selection of points from within the image, establish a boundary corresponding to the selected points, and capture a three-dimensional image of the tissue within the designated boundary | 04-10-2014 |
| 20140100453 | AUTOMATIC IMAGE PLAYBACK - The invention relates to systems and methods for three dimensional imaging of tissue. Systems and methods of the invention receive a three dimensional data set and display a series of coaxial longitudinal images (i.e., each rotationally offset from another around an axis) in sequence, creating a video effect as if the view were scrolling around the tissue. | 04-10-2014 |
| 20140100449 | AUTOMATIC STENT DETECTION - This invention relates generally to the detection of objects, such as stents, within intraluminal images using principal component analysis and/or regional covariance descriptors. In certain aspects, a training set of pre-defined intraluminal images known to contain an object is generated. The principal components of the training set can be calculated in order to form an object space. An unknown input intraluminal image can be obtained and projected onto the object space. From the projection, the object can be detected within the input intraluminal image. In another embodiment, a covariance matrix is formed for each pre-defined intraluminal image known to contain an object. An unknown input intraluminal image is obtained and a covariance matrix is computed for the input intraluminal image. The covariances of the input image and each image of the training set are compared in order to detect the presence of the object within the input intraluminal image. | 04-10-2014 |
| 20140100442 | SYSTEMS FOR INDICATING PARAMETERS IN AN IMAGING DATA SET AND METHODS OF USE - Systems and methods for aiding users in viewing, assessing and analyzing images, especially images of lumens and medical devices contained within the lumens. Systems and methods for interacting with images of lumens and medical devices, for example through a graphical user interface. | 04-10-2014 |
| 20140100440 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INSTANT AND AUTOMATIC BORDER DETECTION - The invention generally relates to medical imaging systems that instantly and/or automatically detect borders. Embodiments of the invention provide an imaging system that automatically detects a border at a location within a vessel in response only to navigational input moving the image to that location. In some embodiments, systems and methods of the invention operate such that when a doctor moves an imaging catheter to a new location with in tissue, the system essentially instantly finds, and optionally displays, the border(s), calculates an occlusion, or both. | 04-10-2014 |
| 20140100439 | GUIDEWIRE ARTIFACT REMOVAL IN IMAGES - This invention relates generally to methods and systems for removing an artifact within an image. Typically, the artifact is a guidewire artifact. In one aspect, at least two images of an imaging surface are acquired. Each acquired image comprises a set of data. A guidewire artifact is detected in one of the at least two images. The guidewire artifact is replaced with data representing the imaging surface obtained from another one of the at least two images. In certain embodiments, the at least two images are of the same imaging surface having a guidewire or object causing the artifact moved to a different position. | 04-10-2014 |
| 20140099012 | SYSTEMS FOR CORRECTING DISTORTIONS IN A MEDICAL IMAGE AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF - The invention relates generally systems for correcting distortion in a medical image and methods of use thereof. Methods and systems for displaying a medical image of a lumen of a biological structure, generally comprise obtaining image data of a lumen of a biological structure from an imaging device, correcting the image data for translational distortions, in which correcting is accomplished without reference to another data set, and displaying a corrected image. | 04-10-2014 |
| 20140099011 | REMOVAL OF A-SCAN STREAKING ARTIFACT - This invention generally relates to the removal of streaking artifacts and periodic noise from tomographic images. The method comprises obtaining an A-scan from an imaging data set. The A-scan having a signal and the signal defining an amplitude. Noise specific to the A-scan is estimated. The amplitude of the A-scan is scaled based on its specific estimated noise floor. In another aspect, a plurality of A-scans is obtained from an imaging data set. Each of the plurality of A-scans has a signal and the signal defines an amplitude. Noise specific to each A-scan of the plurality of A-scans is estimated. Each A-scan of the plurality of A-scans is scaled by the A-scan's specific estimated noise floor. | 04-10-2014 |
| 20140098412 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AMPLIFYING LIGHT - The invention relates to optical system including light sources that amplify light using a gain medium. Systems and method of the invention are provided for amplifying light while inhibiting reflections at a peak gain of the gain medium, thereby suppressing parasitic lasing. This allows a system to use a broad range of wavelengths without parasitic lasing, thereby increasing the useable range of a tunable optical filter. In this manner, light at wavelengths not at a peak gain can be used effectively, and the gain medium of an optical amplifier does not limit use of a system to a narrow range of wavelengths associated with a peak gain of the gain medium. A single optical system according to the invention can thus be used for applications that require a broad range of wavelengths. | 04-10-2014 |
| 20140098374 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR UNIFORM FREQUENCY SAMPLE CLOCKING - A method and a system for Uniform Frequency Sample Clocking to directly sample the OCT signal with a temporally-non-linear sampling clock derived from a k-space wavemeter on the external sample clock input port of a digitizer. | 04-10-2014 |
| 20140098099 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GENERATING IMAGES OF TISSUE - The invention relates to systems and methods for three dimensional imaging of tissue. The invention provides systems and methods to provide a representation of tissue from three-dimensional data in the form of a montage of images having an indication of a spatial registration among the images. | 04-10-2014 |
| 20140066791 | Mounting Structures for Components of Intravascular Devices - Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the intravascular devices include at least one mounting structure within a distal portion of the device. In that regard, one or more electronic, optical, and/or electro-optical component is coupled to the mounting structure. In some instances, the mounting structure is formed of a plurality of material layers. In some embodiments, the material layers have substantially constant thicknesses. Methods of making and/or assembling such intravascular devices/systems are also provided. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140066790 | Pressure Sensing Intravascular Devices With Reduced Drift and Associated Systems and Methods - Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the intravascular devices include at least one pressure sensing component positioned within a distal portion of the device. In some instances, a plurality of conductors are electrically coupled to the pressure sensing component and a potting material covers the electrical connections between the plurality of conductors and the pressure sensing component. In some instances, the potting material has a durometer hardness between about 20 Shore A and about 50 Shore A, a moisture absorption rate of about 0% per twenty-four hours, a linear shrinkage of 0%, a coefficient of thermal expansion (m/m/-° C.) of between about 1.0×10 | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140058257 | Device, System, and Method Utilizing a Radiopaque Coil for Anatomical Lesion Length Estimation - A catheter is provided with increased flexibility and radiopaque measurement visibility. The radiopaque measurement bands are formed of a continuous coil of radiopaque material defined by areas of tightly packed coils spaced by areas of loosely wound coils. Systems and methods of utilizing the measurement structure are also provided. | 02-27-2014 |
| 20140058251 | Device, System, and Method for Anatomical Lesion Length Estimation - An intravascular measurement system is provided. The system includes a catheter having a plurality of visible markers on a proximal portion that are proportional to a plurality of radiopaque markers on a distal portion. In at least one aspect, the system includes an imaging device adjacent the distal end. | 02-27-2014 |
| 20140056099 | System and Method for Focusing Ultrasound Image Data - Sold-state intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging devices, systems, and methods are provided. Some embodiments of the present disclosure are particularly directed to flexible and efficient systems for focusing IVUS echo data received from transducers including polymer piezoelectric micro-machined ultrasound transducers (PMUTs). In one embodiment, an ultrasound processing system includes first and second aperture engines coupled to an engine controller, which provides aperture assignments to the first and second aperture engines. The aperture engines receive the assignment and a portion of A-line data, perform one or more focusing process on the received A-line data, and produce focused data in accordance with the aperture assignment. In some embodiments, once an aperture engine has produced focused data, the engine controller clears the aperture engine and assigns another aperture. | 02-27-2014 |
| 20140039308 | Method for Seam Elimination and Reconstruction of Coplanar Images from Intravascular Ultrasonic Data - Methods, devices, and systems for providing seamless, co-planar intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) images are provided. In some embodiments, the methods include projecting a first A-scan line from a distal frame onto a reconstruction plane that extends perpendicular to an imaging axis, projecting a second A-scan line parallel to the first A-scan line from the proximal frame on the reconstruction plane; and determining a grayscale value of a point on the reconstruction plane by a weighted average of the first A-scan line and the second A-scan line. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140039276 | Devices, Systems, and Methods for Assessing a Vessel - Embodiments of the present disclosure are configured to assess the severity of a blockage in a vessel and, in particular, a stenosis in a blood vessel. In some particular embodiments, the devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure are configured to assess the severity of a stenosis in the coronary arteries utilizing external imaging. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140012134 | System and Method for Characterizing Vascular Tissue - A system and method is provided for using ultrasound data backscattered from vascular tissue to estimate the transfer function of a catheter and/or substantially synchronizing the acquisition of blood-vessel data to an identifiable portion of heartbeat data. The backscattered ultrasound data is used, together with an algorithm, to estimate at least one transfer function. The transfer function(s) can then be used (at least in a preferred embodiment) to calculate response data for the vascular tissue (i.e., the tissue component of the backscattered ultrasound data). The response data and histology data are then used to characterize at least a portion of the vascular tissue (e.g., identify tissue type, etc.). In some embodiments, the backscattered data is acquired during a cyclical portion of the heartbeat data so that the blood vessel can be analyzed or imaged as if it were standing still, or not expanding and relaxing. | 01-09-2014 |
| 20140009426 | Controller User Interface for a Catheter Lab Intravascular Ultrasound System - A touchpad controller for a componentized intravascular ultrasound system is disclosed for acquisition and display of intravascular information in a catheter lab environment. The system includes a patient interface module (PIM) adapted to hold a catheter having an imaging probe located near a distal end, a control panel, a monitor for displaying images and patient data, and a processing unit. The touchpad controller facilitates use beneath a sterile drape and sensitivity to gloved touch. Furthermore, the touchpad controller is sized for handheld use during an imaging session. A rail mount facilitates easy attachment of the touchpad controller alongside a patient table. | 01-09-2014 |
| 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 |
| 20130289369 | Methods and Apparatus for Renal Neuromodulation - A thermal neuromodulation apparatus, system, and methods for the ablative and non-ablative application of thermal energy to the renal nerves of a patient are disclosed. The thermal neuromodulation apparatus includes an elongated, hollow body configured to traverse the tortuous intravascular pathways of the renal vasculature and includes an expandable structure bearing electrodes and configured to selectively apply thermal energy via electric fields to the renal nerves through a vessel wall. The thermal neuromodulation apparatus may also include sensors and an imaging apparatus to obtain data from the treatment area before, during, and after neuromodulation to monitor and/or control the neuromodulation process. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130277932 | Integrated Support Structures for Mobile Medical Systems - In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a portable medical instrument system. The system includes a frame for supporting system process and user interface components. One or more support rails are interconnected with the frame to provide an accessories support system to securely receive medical accessory components. In at least one embodiment, the support rails have a configuration substantially matching a bedrail of a hospital bed. In another aspect, the support rails have a height to width ratio of about 2 to 1. In still a further aspect, the support rails have a height to width ration of 1 to 0.375. According to yet another aspect, at least one of the support rails may be molded from portions of the portable medical system itself. | 10-24-2013 |
