An ultrasonic imaging system includes an ultrasonic transducer having an image data array and a tracking array at each end of the image data array. The tracking arrays are oriented transversely to the image data array. Images from the image data array are used to reconstruct a three-dimensional representation of the target. The relative movement between respective frames of the image data is automatically estimated by a motion estimator, based on frames of data from the tracking arrays. As the transducer is rotated about the azimuthal axis of the image data array, features of the target remain within the image planes of the tracking arrays. Movements of these features in the image planes of the tracking arrays are used to estimate motion as required for the three-dimensional reconstruction. Similar techniques estimate motion within the plane of an image to create an extended field of view.

Multiple ultrasound image registration system, method and transducer

Atherectomy devices are guided by and manipulated by externally applied magnetic fields to treat total or partial occlusions of a patient's vasculature.

Magnetically Guided Atherectomy

A simple forward viewing ultrasound catheter includes one or more transducers (10) and an ultrasound mirror (14) supported by a bearing (12) in a sealed end of a catheter (16) with a drive cable (18) imparting relative motion to the transducer (10) and mirror (14) . The mirror directs ultrasound waves forward of the catheter. An optical fiber can be provided to direct a laser beam for ablation of atheroma while under guidance of simultaneous intravascular ultrasound.

Forward viewing ultrasonic imaging catheter

A transverse mode ultrasonic probe is provided which creates a cavitation area along its longitudinal length, increasing the working surface of the probe. Accessory sheaths are also provided for use with the probe to enable a user to select from features most suited to an individual medical procedure. The sheaths provide acoustic enhancing and aspiration enhancing properties, and/or can be used as surgical tools or as medical access devices, protecting tissue from physical contact with the probe.

Ultrasonic device for tissue ablation and sheath for use therewith

An ultrasonic medical device comprises an ultrasonic vibration generator that generates vibration along its longitudinal axis. The ultrasonic vibration is transmitted through an ultrasonic coupler and a series of transformer sections that amplify the ultrasonic vibration. A flexible member is coupled to the distal end of the transformer sections, and is thus supplied with a longitudinal vibration at its base by the transformer sections. The flexible member is designed so that it converts the longitudinal vibration into a standing wave that runs along the length of the flexible member. The standing wave produces a series of nodes and anti-nodes along the length of the flexible member. Each of the anti-nodes produces cavitation in fluids in contact with the probe. The cavitation of the fluids causes destruction of adjacent tissue. In this manner, the entire length of the flexible member becomes a working surface that may be utilized for destroying tissue.

Ultrasonic medical device operating in a transverse mode

A medical catheter (10) for treating atherosclerotic plaque (16) and other abnormalities includes optical fibers (30) for applying laser energy to the plaque (16) and an ultrasonic transducer system (32, 34) for sensing the location and configuration of the plaque (16). The optical fibers (30) and electrical wiring (40) for the transducers (32, 34) extend through a probe (28) which is rotatable inside of the catheter tube (12) to provide universal directional control of the fibers (30) and transducers (32, 34). A reflective system includes a curved reflector (38) in the probe (28) which can be axially adjusted to vary the directions of the ultrasonic signals. Alternative forms of the invention include different reflector schemes, an angled ultrasonic transducer (32, 34) having a conical signal output that varies with frequency, and various different systems for rotating the transducers (32, 34) and fibers (30).

Thomas R. Winston

Papers

Catheter for laser treatment of atherosclerotic plaque and other tissue abnormalities