Abstract:
An imaging element characterizes tissue morphology by analyzing perfusion patterns of a contrast media in tissue visualized by the imaging element, to identify infarcted tissue. In a preferred implementation, a catheter tube (12) introduced into a heart region carries the imaging element (34), as well as a support structure (20) spaced from the imaging element, which contracts endocardial tissues. The imaging element is moved as the imaging element visualizes tissue. A selected electrical event is sensed in surrounding myocardial tissue which regulates movement of the imaging element. The support element stabilizes the moving imaging element as it visualizes tissue, providing resistance to dislodgment or disorientation despite the presence of dynamic forces.
Abstract:
This invention concerns systems and methods for locating an operative element (12) within an interior body space use a locating probe (14), which includes at least one transmitting element to transmit an electric waveform output within at least a portion of the space. The systems and methods also use a sensing element (16), which is adapted to be carried by the operative element to sense a local electric waveform within the space. A processing element coupled to the sensing element generates a processed output that locates the sensing element relative to the locating probe based, at least in part, upon a differential comparison of the waveform output and the sensed local waveform.
Abstract:
This invention is a catheter assembly (10) which has a distal end adapted for insertion into a living body, and a proximal end adapted to remain external to said body, or a cable for use in such an assembly that includes a cylindrical surface on which is inscribed a plurality of markings (16). Each of the markings indicates one of the specific locations within the living body at which the distal end may be placed during insertion. The markings are positioned at spaced intervals around the circumference of the cylindrical surface. A sleeve (18) is rotatably and/or axially movable around the cylindrical surface, the sleeve being provided with at least one window (20) adapted to be moved into alignment with a selected one of the markings.
Abstract:
This invention is a catheter assembly (10) which has a distal end adapted for insertion into a living body, and a proximal end adapted to remain external to said body, or a cable for use in such an assembly that includes a cylindrical surface on which is inscribed a plurality of markings (16). Each of the markings indicates one of the specific locations within the living body at which the distal end may be placed during insertion. The markings are positioned at spaced intervals around the circumference of the cylindrical surface. A sleeve (18) is rotatably and/or axially movable around the cylindrical surface, the sleeve being provided with at least one window (20) adapted to be moved into alignment with a selected one of the markings.
Abstract:
This invention is a catheter assembly (10) which has a distal end adapted for insertion into a living body, and a proximal end adapted to remain external to said body, or a cable for use in such an assembly that includes a cylindrical surface on which is inscribed a plurality of markings (16). Each of the markings indicates one of the specific locations within the living body at which the distal end may be placed during insertion. The markings are positioned at spaced intervals around the circumference of the cylindrical surface. A sleeve (18) is rotatably and/or axially movable around the cylindrical surface, the sleeve being provided with at least one window (20) adapted to be moved into alignment with a selected one of the markings.
Abstract:
An imaging element characterizes tissue morphology by analyzing perfusion patterns of a contrast media in tissue visualized by the imaging element, to identify infarcted tissue. In a preferred implementation, a catheter tube (12) introduced into a heart region carries the imaging element (34), as well as a support structure (20) spaced from the imaging element, which contracts endocardial tissues. The imaging element is moved as the imaging element visualizes tissue. A selected electrical event is sensed in surrounding myocardial tissue which regulates movement of the imaging element. The support element stabilizes the moving imaging element as it visualizes tissue, providing resistance to dislodgment or disorientation despite the presence of dynamic forces.
Abstract:
A system records use of a structure deployed in operative association with heart tissue in a patient. An image controller generates an image of the structure while in use in the patient. An input receives data including information identifying the patient. An output processes the image in association with the data as a patient-specific, data base record for storage, retrieval, or manipulation.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for locating an operative element within an interior body space use a locating probe, which includes at least one transmitting element to transmit an electric waveform output within at least a portion of the space. The systems and methods also use a sensing element, which is adapted to be carried by the operative element to sense a local electric waveform within the space. A processing element coupled to the sensing element generates a processed output that locates the sensing element relative to the locating probe based, at least in part, upon a differential comparison of the waveform output and the sensed local waveform.