Scimed Life Systems, Inc.

Timi 3 Systems, Inc.

Cibiem, Inc.

Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.

Boston Scientific Corporation

Atrionix, Inc.

Timi 3 System, Inc

Scimed Line Systems, Inc.

Veijo T Suorsa

Don S Mamayek

Todd Thompson

Michael J Horzewski

Donald S Mamayek

David K Swanson

Dorin Panescu

James G Whayne

David Allan White

Thomas C Moore

Donald Masters

Harm TenHoff

Niyazi Beyhan

Dennis M Mendoza

W Martin Belef

Yegor D Sinelnikov

Mark Gelfand

Alan K Schaer

Mark A Maguire

Howard Levin

James Clayton Peacock, Iii

Eric Williams

Miriam H Taimisto

Ary S Chernomorsky

Zoar Jacob Engelman

Martin Maitre Grasse

Kenneth M Martin

Richard A Bautista

Charles Lennox

Martin Belef

Jason Michael Miller

Michael Brick Markham

Michael J Howzewski

Alan K Shaer

James C Peacock

Martin M Grasse

Timothy A Koss

Xian Wei

Methods and devices for assessing, and treating patients having sympathetically mediated disease, involving augmented peripheral chemoreflex and heightened sympathetic tone by reducing chemosensor input to the nervous system via carotid body ablation.

Carotid body ablation with a transvenous ultrasound imaging and ablation catheter

Carotid body ablation via directed energy

The present invention provides ultrasound imaging catheters, systems and methods for their use which will be particularly useful to monitor the positioning of ablation catheters. In one embodiment, an imaging catheter () includes a catheter body () having a distal end (), a proximal end () and a longitudinal axis (). A transducer () is rotatably coupled to the distal end. The transducer has an axis of rotation () that is at a non-zero angle relative to the catheter body longitudinal axis. Such a configuration provides an exemplary side-looking imaging catheter.

Imaging catheter and methods of use for ultrasound-guided ablation

Systems and methods deliver ultrasound energy to an ultrasound transducer having an impedance subject to variations. The systems and methods electrically couple an ultrasound generator to the ultrasound transducer to deliver ultrasound energy. The systems and methods deliver ultrasound energy to the ultrasound transducer at a set output frequency and at an output power level that remains essentially constant, despite variations in the impedance, based upon preprogrammed rules.

Systems and methods for delivering ultrasound energy at an output power level that remains essentially constant despite variations in transducer impedance

Systems and methods monitor and enable the use of a medical instrument that is configured to be operated in a prescribed manner. The systems and methods employ a use register sized and configured to be carried by the medical instrument, which comprises a memory field for recording a start date and time at an instance of first operation of the medical instrument. The systems and methods also employ a use monitoring controller, which is adapted and configured to be coupled to the use register. The use monitoring controller includes a start validation function that compares the start date and time to a present real date and time and provides a start validation output based upon the comparison. The use monitoring controller also includes an enablement function that enables operation of the medical instrument only if the start validation output meets prescribed criteria.

Systems and methods for monitoring and enabling use of a medical instrument

Systems and methods apply audible acoustic energy to cause vasodilation and/or to increase tissue perfusion.

Systems and methods for applying audible acoustic energy to increase tissue perfusion and/or vasodilation

Ultrasound energy is delivered to an ultrasound transducer. The ultrasound energy is delivered at an output frequency that varies over time within a range of output frequencies, and a tuning function selects from within the range an operating output frequency for the ultrasound transducer based upon preprogrammed selection rules. The ultrasound energy is delivered to the ultrasound transducer at or near the operating output frequency selected, to perform a therapeutic or diagnostic function for a specified treatment time, after which operation of the ultrasound transducer is disabled.

Method for delivering ultrasonic energy

The present invention provides ultrasound-guided ablation catheters and methods for their use. In one embodiment, a tissue ablation apparatus ( ) includes a flexible elongate body ( ) having proximal ( ) and distal ( ) ends. A plurality of spaced-apart electrodes ( ) are operably attached to the flexible body near the distal end. A plurality of transducer elements ( ) are disposed between at least some of the electrodes. Transducers assist the physician in determining whether or not the ablation elements are in contact with the tissue to be ablated.

Ultrasound-guided ablation catheter and methods of use

Systems and methods for applying ultrasound energy to a body region. The systems and methods provide an ultrasound applicator including a housing, an ultrasound transducer carried by the housing, and a chamber sized to hold an acoustic coupling media subject to a pressure in acoustic communication with the ultrasound transducer. The systems and methods generate electrical signals to operate the ultrasound transducer to output acoustic energy at a selected intensity level. The systems and methods sense at least one system parameter and compare the sensed system parameter to a desired level. The systems and methods vary the pressure in the chamber based, at least in part, upon the comparison.

Systems and methods for applying ultrasonic energy

The present invention provides catheter systems and imaging assemblies using off-aperture electrical connections for ultrasound transducers. In one embodiment, a catheter includes a transducer connection apparatus ( ) comprising a washer ( ) having a hole ( ) therethrough. A transducer element ( ) is at least partially disposed within the washer hole. A matching layer ( ) is operably attached to the washer and to the transducer element. The washer, transducer element and matching layer provide an electrical connection between the transducer element and the washer. Signals can be sent to and received from the transducer by establishing an electrical connection with the washer.

Off-aperture electrical connection for ultrasonic transducer

A medical device assembly and method provides an ultrasound transducer mounted onto a catheter shaft. The ultrasound transducer is mounted such that there is a radial separation between the transducer and the underlying catheter shaft. The transducer is mounted on support structures which do not bridge the gap between the transducer and delivery member. The location of the support structures provides for an &ldquo;airbacked&rdquo; transducer that is very efficient and prevents heat build-up in the materials in contact therewith.

Apparatus and method incorporating an ultrasound transducer onto a delivery member

An ultrasound catheter is disclosed wherein a rotatable transducer couples to the input of a preamplifier. Protection circuits at the input and output of the preamplifier protect the preamplifier from the transducer excitation signal. The preamplifier couples to the distal end of a transmission line. In an alternate embodiment, at least one switch responds to the presence of the transducer excitation signal by coupling the transducer excitation signal to the rotatable transducer and protecting the preamplifier from the transducer excitation signal. The at least one switch responds to the absence of the transducer excitation signal by coupling a received signal produced by the rotatable transducer to the input of the preamplifier. The at least one switch further responds to the absence of the transducer excitation signal by coupling the output of the preamplifier to the distal end of the transmission line.

Preamplifier and protection circuit for an ultrasound catheter

A catheter assembly includes an elongate catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end with a drive cable disposed therein, the drive cable having a proximal end and a distal end, and rotatable relative to the catheter body. A first electro-magnetic element is disposed proximate the distal end of the catheter, and a second electro-magnetic element disposed proximate the distal end of the drive cable and in electrical communication with an operative element mounted at the end of the drive cable, the first and second electro-magnetic elements forming an inductive coupler. The catheter assembly can include various other distal operative elements, which are in communication with corresponding proximal operative elements via transmission lines embedded within the wall of the catheter body.

Imaging catheter assembly with distal end inductive coupler and embedded transmission line

A method of applying a matching layer to a transducer includes placing the transducer on a fixture and covering the transducer with a stencil so that an opening in the stencil allows access to a metal-coated, piezoelectric surface of the transducer, and so that the stencil is affixed to the transducer surface. A roughly cylindrically shaped bead of epoxy is extruded onto the stencil at a predetermined distance from the opening, and a blade is positioned upstanding relative to the transducer surface and located so that the bead lies between the blade and the opening. The fixture is moved laterally so that the blade rolls the bead across the exposed transducer surface to form a layer of epoxy thereon. The fixture can then be moved back in the opposite direction to its initial position if desired. The assembly can also be subjected to a vacuum before the fixture is returned to its initial position. If desired, the fixture can be designed to vibrate during movement. Also if desired, the epoxy bead can initially be placed in a trough designed to decrease surface-area exposure to the air. Alternatively, the fixture can be kept stationary while the blade is moved.

Method of applying a matching layer to a transducer

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Sunnyvale, CA, United States of America

Veijo T Suorsa