5563 results about "Ultrasound probe" patented technology

Induced movement in a patient is detected and correlated with a TMS stimulating pulse so as to determine the patient's motor threshold stimulation level. Direct visual or audible feedback is provided to the operator indicating that a valid stimulation has occurred so that the operator may adjust the stimulation accordingly. A search algorithm may be used to direct a convergence to the motor threshold stimulation level with or without operator intervention. A motion detector is used or, alternatively, the motion detector is replaced with a direct motor evoked potential (MEP) measurement device that measures induced neurological voltage and correlates the measured neurological change to the TMS stimulus. Other signals indicative of motor threshold may be detected and correlated to the TMS stimulus pulses. For example, left / right asymmetry changes in a narrow subset of EEG leads placed on the forehead of the patient or fast autonomic responses, such as skin conductivity, modulation of respiration, reflex responses, and the like, may be detected. The appropriate stimulation level for TMS studies are also determined using techniques other than motor cortex motor threshold methods. For example, a localized ultrasound probe may be used to determine the depth of cortical tissue at the treatment site. When considered along with neuronal excitability, the stimulation level for treatment may be determined. Alternatively, a localized impedance probe or coil and detection circuit whose Q factor changes with tissue loading may be used to detect cortical depth.

Devices and methods for cooling vessel walls to inhibit restenosis in conjunction with medical procedures such as coronary artery angioplasty. Stenosed vessel walls can be cooled prior to angioplasty, after angioplasty, or both. The invention is believed to inhibit restenosis through cooling to a temperature near freezing, preferably without causing substantial vessel wall cell death. One catheter device includes a distal tube region having coolant delivery holes radially and longitudinally distributed along the distal region. In some devices, holes spray coolant directly onto the vessel walls, with the coolant absorbed into the blood stream. In other embodiments, a balloon or envelope is interposed between the coolant and the vessel walls and the coolant returned out of the catheter through a coolant return lumen. Some direct spray devices include an occlusion device to restrict blood now past the region being cooled. Pressure, temperature, and ultrasonic probes are included in some cooling catheters. Pressure control valves are included in some devices to regulate balloon interior pressure within acceptable limits. In applications using liquid carbon dioxide as coolant, the balloon interior pressure can be maintained above the triple point of carbon dioxide to inhibit dry ice formation. Some cooling catheters are coiled perfusion catheters supporting longer cooling periods by allowing perfusing blood flow simultaneously with vessel wall cooling. One coiled catheter is biased to assume a coiled shape when unconstrained and can be introduced into the body in a relatively straight shape, having a stiffeninig wire inserted through the coil strands.