97 results about "Intravascular imaging" patented technology

In part, the invention relates to processing, tracking and registering angiography images and elements in such images relative to images from an intravascular imaging modality such as, for example, optical coherence tomography (OCT). Registration between such imaging modalities is facilitated by tracking of a marker of the intravascular imaging probe performed on the angiography images obtained during a pullback. Further, detecting and tracking vessel centerlines is used to perform a continuous registration between OCT and angiography images in one embodiment.

The invention discloses a high-precision matching model-based method for calculating coronary artery parameters. According to the method, firstly, the angiography imaging means and the intravascular imaging means of a coronary vessel part are acquired. After that, an angiography image and an intravascular image are matched to form a high-precision matching model. The blood flow amount, the blood fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) and the microcirculation resistance index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR) of coronary vessels are calculated on the basis of the high-precision matching model. According to the method for calculating the coronary parameter blood flow, the blood flow reserve score and the microcirculation resistance index, the high-precision matching model of images is acquired through two ways, namely the angiography imaging means and the intravascular imaging means. The calculation result of the method is more accurate than the image of either the angiography imaging means orthe intravascular imaging means alone, so that the method is high in practicability.

A design and a fabrication method for an intravascular imaging and therapeutic catheters for combined ultrasound, photoacoustic, and elasticity imaging and for optical and / or acoustic therapy of hollow organs and diseased blood vessels and tissues are disclosed in the present invention. The invention comprises both a device—optical fiber-based intravascular catheter designs for combined IVUS / IVPA, and elasticity imaging and for acoustic and / or optical therapy—and a method of combined ultrasound, photoacoustic, and elasticity imaging and optical and / or acoustic therapy. The designs of the catheters are based on single-element catheter-based ultrasound transducers or on ultrasound array-based units coupled with optical fiber, fiber bundles or a combination thereof with specially designed light delivery systems. One approach uses the side fire fiber, similar to the one utilized for biomedical optical spectroscopy. The second catheter design uses the micro-optics in the manner of a probe for optical coherent tomography.

The present invention relates to a new intravascular imaging device based on a Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) actuator mechanism embedded inside an elongate member such as a guide wire or catheter. The present invention utilizes a novel SMA mechanism to provide side-looking imaging by providing movement for an optical coherence tomography (OCT) element. This novel SMA actuator mechanism can be easily fabricated in micro-scale, providing an advantage over existing imaging devices by offering the ability to miniaturize the overall size of the device. Because the device does not require a rotating shaft or fiber optic along the length of the catheter, it also allows for a more flexible catheter or guide wire, and provides room for other interventional devices. The device simplifies the manufacture and operation of OCT by allowing a straight fiber optic directed by an independent, oscillating reflector or prism controlled by the actuator mechanism located only in the distal tip of the device. A variation uses the actuator mechanism to rotate only the distal end of the optical fiber, eliminating the need to spin the entire fiber via a remote mechanism. Also disclosed are methods of using the same.