A combined system for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures includes a needle extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and including a lumen extending therethrough, the distal end including a sharp grind for cutting a tissue sample to be collected in the lumen of the needle and a protective sheath sized and shaped to be inserted through the lumen of the needle such that a distal end of the protective sheath extends distally past the distal end of the needle, the protective sheath extending longitudinally from a proximal end to the distal end and including a lumen extending therethrough.

A combined system for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures includes a needle extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and including a lumen extending therethrough, the distal end including a sharp grind for cutting a tissue sample to be collected in the lumen of the needle and a protective sheath sized and shaped to be inserted through the lumen of the needle such that a distal end of the protective sheath extends distally past the distal end of the needle, the protective sheath extending longitudinally from a proximal end to the distal end and including a lumen extending therethrough.

Rather than rely on variation from physician to physician and limited imaging information for assessing plaque vulnerability of a patient, medical imaging and other information are used by a machine-implemented classifier to predict plaque rupture. Anatomical, morphological, hemodynamic, and biochemical features are used in combination to classify plaque.

Rather than rely on variation from physician to physician and limited imaging information for assessing plaque vulnerability of a patient, medical imaging and other information are used by a machine-implemented classifier to predict plaque rupture. Anatomical, morphological, hemodynamic, and biochemical features are used in combination to classify plaque.

Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging devices, systems, and method are provided. In one embodiment, an IVUS imaging device includes a flexible elongate member configured to be positioned within a lumen of a patient, the flexible elongate member comprising a proximal portion and a distal portion; and an imaging assembly disposed at the distal portion of the flexible elongate member. The imaging assembly includes a first ultrasound transducer operating at a first center frequency; and a second ultrasound transducer operating at a second center frequency different from the first center frequency.

Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging devices, systems, and method are provided. In one embodiment, an IVUS imaging device includes a flexible elongate member configured to be positioned within a lumen of a patient, the flexible elongate member comprising a proximal portion and a distal portion; and an imaging assembly disposed at the distal portion of the flexible elongate member. The imaging assembly includes a first ultrasound transducer operating at a first center frequency; and a second ultrasound transducer operating at a second center frequency different from the first center frequency.

An intravascular ultrasound probe is disclosed, incorporating features for utilizing an advanced transducer technology on a rotating transducer shaft. In particular, the probe accommodates the transmission of the multitude of signals across the boundary between the rotary and stationary components of the probe required to support an advanced transducer technology. These advanced transducer technologies offer the potential for increased bandwidth, improved beam profiles, better signal to noise ratio, reduced manufacturing costs, advanced tissue characterization algorithms, and other desirable features. Furthermore, the inclusion of electronic components on the spinning side of the probe can be highly advantageous in terms of preserving maximum signal to noise ratio and signal fidelity, along with other performance benefits.

An intravascular ultrasound probe is disclosed, incorporating features for utilizing an advanced transducer technology on a rotating transducer shaft. In particular, the probe accommodates the transmission of the multitude of signals across the boundary between the rotary and stationary components of the probe required to support an advanced transducer technology. These advanced transducer technologies offer the potential for increased bandwidth, improved beam profiles, better signal to noise ratio, reduced manufacturing costs, advanced tissue characterization algorithms, and other desirable features. Furthermore, the inclusion of electronic components on the spinning side of the probe can be highly advantageous in terms of preserving maximum signal to noise ratio and signal fidelity, along with other performance benefits.

An apparatus for insertion into a body through a working channel of an endoscope includes a catheter including a dilator, a guide tube disposed in a lumen of the catheter, and a handle including a puncturing actuator operatively coupled to the proximal end of the guide tube. The dilator may be a cautery device and/or a balloon. The apparatus may also include a stylet needle that includes a cutting distal end for puncturing tissue and extends through a lumen in the guide tube. The handle may further include a stopper detachably coupled to the puncturing actuator to fix a position of the puncturing actuator on the handle, and moveable on the handle independently of the puncturing actuator when detached from the puncturing actuator. The disclosed embodiments also include a method for forming a passageway in a wall of a hollow body organ using the apparatus.

An apparatus for insertion into a body through a working channel of an endoscope includes a catheter including a dilator, a guide tube disposed in a lumen of the catheter, and a handle including a puncturing actuator operatively coupled to the proximal end of the guide tube. The dilator may be a cautery device and/or a balloon. The apparatus may also include a stylet needle that includes a cutting distal end for puncturing tissue and extends through a lumen in the guide tube. The handle may further include a stopper detachably coupled to the puncturing actuator to fix a position of the puncturing actuator on the handle, and moveable on the handle independently of the puncturing actuator when detached from the puncturing actuator. The disclosed embodiments also include a method for forming a passageway in a wall of a hollow body organ using the apparatus.