Abstract:
A system for imaging and treating tissue comprises a probe having a deflectable distal tip for carrying an imaging array and a delivery needle for advancement within a field of view of the imaging array. Optionally, the needle will carry a plurality of tines which may be selectively radially deployed from the needle. The imaging array will preferably be provided in a separate, removable component.
Abstract:
Devices and methods wherein an adapter is used to attach an electromagnetic image guidance component to a medical device such that an electromagnetic image guidance system may be used to track the location of the medical device within the body of a human or animal subject.
Abstract:
Systems and devices according to the present invention providing a needle deployment and visualization device, which includes: a shaft; an ultrasound imaging transducer extendable along at least a portion of the shaft for providing an image within a field of view; and a needle coupled and deployable from the shaft within the field of view. The needle has an artifact configured to preferentially reflect at least a portion of the ultrasound energy emanating from the ultrasound transducer back to the transducer in order to enhance imaging of the needle.
Abstract:
A needle electrode deployment shaft includes a central member and a plurality of needle electrodes. The central member has a plurality of needle advancement channels formed therein. The needle electrodes are disposed within the advancement channels and each advancement channel terminates in a ramp portion which deflects the needles radially outwardly as they are axially advanced. The ramps may be spirally or acutely configured in order to increase the distance through which the needles may be bent as they are axially advanced. Additionally, the central member may have a radially reduced distal tip in order to decrease tissue insertion forces.
Abstract:
A system for imaging and treating tissue comprises a probe having a deflectable distal tip for carrying an imaging array and a delivery needle for advancement within a field of view of the imaging array. Optionally, the needle will carry a plurality of tines which may be selectively radially deployed from the needle. The imaging array will preferably be provided in a separate, removable component.
Abstract:
Instruments and methods are described for performing hysteroscopy and/or combined hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy. According to some embodiments, the handle, electronics and integrated display screen form a re-usable portion of the instrument while the fluid hub and cannula which includes a CMOS imaging module and LED lighting, form a single use portion of the instrument. The cannula is semi-flexible such that the operator can easily grasp the cannula at some intermediate point along the shaft (e.g. 5 inches from the distal tip) to bend and/or steer the cannula during use. According to some embodiments, the distal tip has a larger diameter than the shaft which has been found to improve fluid management during use in some applications.
Abstract:
Devices and methods wherein an adapter is used to attach an electromagnetic image guidance component to a medical device such that an electromagnetic image guidance system may be used to track the location of the medical device within the body of a human or animal subject.
Abstract:
A needle electrode deployment shaft includes a central member and a plurality of needle electrodes. The central member has a plurality of needle advancement channels formed therein. The needle electrodes are disposed within the advancement channels and each advancement channel terminates in a ramp portion which deflects the needles radially outwardly as they are axially advanced. The ramps may be spirally or acutely configured in order to increase the distance through which the needles may be bent as they are axially advanced. Additionally, the central member may have a radially reduced distal tip in order to decrease tissue insertion forces.
Abstract:
A delivery system includes a rigid shaft, an imaging core, and an interventional core. The rigid delivery shaft has a proximal end, an angled distal tip, and an axial passage therethrough. The imaging core comprises an ultrasound imaging insert disposed within the axial passage. The imaging insert has an ultrasound array within a distal portion thereof, wherein the ultrasound array is tilted relative to a shaft axis. The interventional core comprises a curved ablation needle coupled to the rigid shaft. An angle of needle curvature may be inversely proportional to the ultrasound array tilt and tip angle.
Abstract:
A cannula has a distal portion which is angled relative to a proximal portion. The distal portion is straightened during introduction with a stiffening element. After introduction, the stiffening element is removed so that the distal portion angulates relative to the proximal portion so that the cannula can be moved out of the surgical field. The cannula preferably includes a stabilizing ring having suture holders. The stabilizing ring is also preferably angled relative to the cannula.