CATHETER ORIENTING MARKERS

The present invention generally relates to methods, devices and systems for determining the rotational orientation of a device. The invention can involve providing a device comprising a plurality of markers, wherein each marker within the plurality of markers differs from an adjacent marker by size, shape, and/or position on the device. The invention can also involve inserting the device into a vessel and imaging the device to capture an image of the device in an imaging plane. The invention can further involve processing the captured image to determine an orientation of the device relative to the imaging plane based on the markers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention generally relates to devices, systems, and methods for determining the rotational orientation of a device that exploit particular arrangements of markers located on the device to thereby determine rotational orientation. The provided invention significantly facilitates the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease where it is critical to know, for example, the orientation of a vessel imaged by the catheter or the orientation of an interventional device delivered over the catheter.

Although the present invention can be practiced with any elongated body, in certain embodiments, the invention encompasses an imaging catheter or guidewire. Imaging may comprise any imaging modality, including, but not limited to intravascular ultrasound, intravascular Doppler, and intravascular optical coherence tomography (OCT). Moreover, any target can be imaged by systems and methods of the invention including, for example, bodily tissue. In certain embodiments, systems and methods of the invention image within the lumen of a tissue. Various lumen of biological systems may be imaged, including, but not limited to, blood vessels, vasculature of lymphatic and nervous systems, various structures of the gastrointestinal tract including the lumen of the small intestine, large intestine, stomach, esophagus, colon, pancreatic duct, bile duct, hepatic duct, lumen of the reproductive tract including the vas deferens, uterus and fallopian tubes, structures of the urinary tract including urinary collecting ducts, renal tubules, ureter, and bladder, and structures of the head and neck and pulmonary system including sinuses, parotid, trachea, bronchi, and lungs. The dimensions and other physical characteristics of the catheter or guidewire may vary depending on the body lumen that is to be accessed. In addition, the dimensions can depend on the placement and number of imaging elements included on the imaging catheter or guidewire.

When imaging vasculature, the imaging catheters are delivered to the tissue of interest via an introducer sheath placed in the radial, brachial, or femoral artery. The introducer is inserted into the artery with a large needle, and after the needle is removed, the introducer provides access for guidewires, catheters, and other endovascular tools. An experienced cardiologist can perform a variety of procedures through the introducer by inserting tools such as balloon catheters, stents, or cauterization instruments. When the procedure is complete, the introducer is removed, and the wound can be secured with suture tape.

The provided catheters and guidewires may also serve other functions in addition to imaging. In certain aspects, the provided catheter may also serve as a delivery catheter for delivery of some type of a therapeutic device, such as a stent, ablator, or balloon. During the procedure, the catheter may be used to identify the appropriate location and the delivery catheter used to deliver the device to the appropriate location. In certain embodiments, the provided guidewire may serve as rail for the introduction of a catheter. The catheter is slid over the provided guidewire and used as normal.

The guidewire used in accordance with the invention may include a solid metal or polymer core. Suitable polymers include polyvinylchloride, polyurethanes, polyesters, polytetrafluoroethylenes (PTFE), silicone rubbers, natural rubbers, and the like. Preferably, at least a portion of the metal or polymer core and other elements that form the imaging guidewire body are flexible.

Catheter bodies will typically be composed of an organic polymer that is fabricated by conventional extrusion techniques. Suitable polymers include polyvinylchloride, polyurethanes, polyesters, polytetrafluoroethylenes (PTFE), silicone rubbers, natural rubbers, and the like. Optionally, the catheter body may be reinforced with braid, helical wires, coils, axial filaments, or the like, in order to increase rotational strength, column strength, toughness, pushability, and the like. Suitable catheter bodies may be formed by extrusion, with one or more channels being provided when desired. The catheter diameter can be modified by heat expansion and shrinkage using conventional techniques. The resulting catheters will thus be suitable for introduction to the vascular system, often the coronary arteries, by conventional techniques. Preferably, at least a portion of the catheter body is flexible.

In certain embodiments, the invention encompasses imaging tissue using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). IVUS uses a catheter with an ultrasound probe attached at the distal end. The proximal end of the catheter is attached to computerized ultrasound equipment. To visualize a vessel via IVUS, angiography is used while the operator positions the tip of the guidewire. The operator steers the guidewire from outside the body, through angiography catheters and into the blood vessel branch to be imaged.

An exemplary IVUS catheter is shown inFIG. 1. Rotational imaging catetheter100is typically around150cm in total length and can be used to image a variety of vacualture, including coronary or carotid arteries and veins. When the rotational imaging catheter100is used, it is inserted into an artery along the guidewire (not shown) to the desired location. Typically a portion of the catheter, including the distal tip110, comprises a lumen (not shown) that mates with the guidewire, allowing the catheter to be deployed by pushing it along the guidewire to its destination.

An imaging assembly120proximal to the distal tip110, includes transducers122that image the tissue with ultrasound energy (e.g., 20-50 MHz range) and image collectors124that collect the returned energy (echo) to create an intravascular image.

Rotational imaging catheter100additionally includes a hypotube140connecting the imaging window130and the imaging assembly120to the ex-corporal portions of the catheter. Located distal to the imaging window is a plurality of radiopaque markers137, discussed in more detail below. The hypotube140combines longitudinal stiffness with axial flexibility, thereby allowing a user to easily feed the catheter100along a guidewire and around tortuous curves and branching within the vasculature. The ex-corporal portion of the hypotube140can include shaft markers hat indicate the maximum insertion lengths for the brachial or femoral arteries. The ex-corporal portion of catheter100also include a transition shaft150coupled to a coupling160that defines the external telescope section165. The external telescope section165corresponds to the pullback travel, which is on the order of 130 mm. The end of the telescope section is defined by the connector170which allows the catheter100to be interfaced to a patient interface module (PIM) which includes electrical connections to supply the power to the transducer and to receive images from the image collector. The connector170also includes mechanical connections to rotate the imaging assembly120. When used clinically, pullback of the imaging assembly is also automated with a calibrated pullback device (not shown) which operates between coupling160and connector170. Systems for IVUS are also discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,771,895; U.S. Pub. 2009/0284332; U.S. Pub. 2009/0195514 A1; U.S. Pub. 2007/0232933; and U.S. Pub. 2005/0249391, the contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

As noted above, the imaging device includes a plurality of markers. In certain aspects of the invention, the plurality of markers is located at a distal region of the device, however, the location can be adjusted as desired. Each marker within the plurality of markers differs from an adjacent marker by size, shape, and/or position on the device.

An exemplary embodiment is provided inFIG. 2A, which depicts a close-up of marker region137ofFIG. 1. As shown, there are three markers,210A,210B, and210C. In this embodiment, each marker is of equal size (half the circumference of the catheter), but differ by their position on the device. More specifically, the markers presented here are offset from one another by an equal amount. In this instance, each marker is offset from the previous by120degrees, however, this amount is not limiting. In this embodiment, the difference in the position of each marker will be used to determine the rotational orientation of the device, as explained in further detail below.

FIG. 2Bdepicts the same three markers fromFIG. 2A, but from a forward-facing, cross-sectional view. As shown inFIG. 2B, markers210A,210B, and210C are clearly offset from one another. Although the embodiment depicted inFIGS. 2A and 2Billustrate three markers of equal size, any number of markers may be used. In addition, the shape and size of the markers may differ or may be consistent among the markers. In addition, the markers may be consistently positioned, offset at a consistent degree, or offset by varying degrees. Each of these parameters can be adjusted as desired.

As contemplated by the invention, the markers along the catheter are able to be imaged by an external imaging modality. In certain aspects of the invention, the provided markers are radiopaque markers, which facilitate their imaging by x-ray fluoroscopy or MRI, for instance. In certain aspects of the invention, the radiopaque marker utilizes a radiopaque material, including without limitation, palladium, tungsten, platinum, iridium, borium sulfate, and gold. The nature of the markers can be adjusted as needed depending on the selected imaging modality.

Reference will now be made to an exemplary method using the above device to determine the rotational orientation of the device. Although the method will be explained in further detail below, the method generally comprises providing a device comprising a plurality of markers, wherein each marker within the plurality of markers differs from an adjacent marker by size, shape, and/or position on the device (as exemplified by the device described above. The method further involves imaging the device to capture an image of the device in an imaging plane and processing the captured image to determine an orientation of the device relative to the imaging plane based on said markers. In providing further detail, reference will be made to the device depicted inFIGS. 2A and 2B.

In an exemplary method, the device is an imaging catheter, as shown inFIG. 1. The catheter comprises three markers as shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B. The length of each marker is half the circumference of the catheter and each marker is offset from the other two by120degrees. One of the markers (for example, marker210A ofFIGS. 2A and 2B) is selected to be the primary marker and is oriented in a known way when typically using the device. The markers of the imaging catheter are radiopaque, which allows them to be imaged via an external imaging modality, such as fluoroscopy.

Images from the external imaging system (e.g., fluoroscope) are captured and delivered to the catheter imaging system. By measuring the length of each marker in an image against the known diameter of the catheter, two possible angles of incidence for the imaging plane can be determined. For example, the marker length will only show exactly equal to the catheter diameter dm when the half-circumference of that marker is exactly perpendicular to the direction of imaging, as shown inFIG. 3A. A marker's length will be exactly half the catheter diameter dm when its half circumference is exactly parallel to the direction of imaging, as shown inFIG. 3B. By combining the information from all three markers, a unique orientation of the primary marker can be determined. Based upon this, the orientation of the imaging/treatment system (e.g., IVUS catheter) relative to the direction of the external imaging (e.g., fluoroscopy or angiogram) can be determined. If the orientation of the external imaging plane is known relative to the medial plane of the patient, the orientation of the device can then be calculated in relation to the median plane using, for example, trigonometric methods known in the art.

A greatly simplified example of this aspect of the invention is provided inFIGS. 4Aand4B. An IVUS image is obtained from an IVUS catheter, represented by the illustration provided inFIG. 4A. At this stage, it is unknown whether or not the image as shown in in the correct orientation. The image ofFIG. 4Awas taken by an imaging catheter configured with a plurality of makers as shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B. Marker210A is selected to be the primary marker and is known to be located on the top of the catheter. When imaging the catheter by fluoroscopy, however, the x-ray image depicts Marker210A as perpendicular to the imaging plane, as shown inFIG. 3A. This indicates that the catheter was not right-side up at the time the IVUS image was taken, but rather on its side. Examination of Markers210B and210C in the external image confirm this conclusion. Accordingly, the rotational orientation of the imaging catheter is known. Subsequently, the orientation of the IVUS image can be appropriately corrected, as shown inFIG. 4B.

In further aspects of the invention, once the orientation of the imaging device is known based on the preceding step, further image processing can be applied to each image captured by the internal imaging device to place it in its proper rotational orientation. This can also be performed using, for example, trigonometric methods known in the art.

It is to be understood that the configuration of markers in the methods just described are not limiting. In other words, other marker configurations are encompassed by the invention. Other embodiments may include for example, a single tight band of markers that extend more than halfway around the catheter diameter but less than 300 degrees. Each marker may be offset by different angles rather than a single consistent angle. This configuration may provide better accuracy when there is significant bending or re-orientation of the device between the two end markers. Other configurations may include a series of markers, where each marker is larger than the preceding marker. Additional configurations encompass markers of different shapes that may be used to distinguish orientation when the device is imaged externally.

Although any catheter, guidewire, and guide catheter can be used in accordance with the invention, in certain embodiments, the catheter is a forward imaging catheter. Extensive detail on forward imaging catheters is provided in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,736,317; 6,780,157; and 6,457,365, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. A catheter-based forward imaging device, whose image is planar, will produce a different image as the catheter is rotated. Nonetheless, it is still important to register and keep track of the imaging plane during cardiovascular procedures. Forward imaging catheters in accordance with the invention solve this problem by using a radiopaque marker with a particular configuration positioned at the distal end. The marker configurations are prepared such that an orientation can be determined by externally viewing the marker. In other words, a part of the configuration would be visible when the device is rotated in one direction relative to an external imaging plane, but not visible when the device is rotated in another direction.

An exemplary forwarding imaging catheter of this kind is depicted inFIGS. 5A-5D. The catheter500features a tip520at the distal end and an imaging transducer530inside the tip520. The tip520may be radiopaque. The imaging transducer530can be an ultrasound transducer for IVUS imaging. The imaging transducer530can also be optically-based for OCT imaging. The catheter500contains a marker component510positioned near the distal end of the catheter500proximal to the tip520. The marker component510comprises an arrangement of markers whose shape, size, and/or position within the marker component510allows the determination of the catheter orientation (as well as any image obtained by the imaging catheter) using the methods descried above. The marker component510will appear different when viewed in an external imaging plane (such as an x-ray angiogram), depending on how the catheter500is rotationally oriented. For example, when the catheter500is positioned right side up, as inFIG. 5C, the external imaging plane depicts two markers510A and510B in the marker component510. When the catheter has been turned on its side (FIG. 5D), however, these two markers510A and510B are no longer viewable in the external imaging plane.

Another exemplary forward imaging catheter is depicted inFIGS. 6A-D. As above, the catheter600features a tip620, an imaging transducer620, and a marker component610. The marker component610ofFIGS. 6A-6Ddiffers from the marker component510ofFIGS. 5A-5Dbut still facilitates determination of the rotational orientation, as shown inFIGS. 6C and 6D. As shown, the marker component620contains two spatially separated markers610A and610B, wherein only one of the two markers is visible when the marker is right-side up (FIG. 6C) or on its side (FIG. 6D).

In additional embodiments, the markers are not provided on a separate catheter component, but are etched into the catheter body as shown inFIG. 7. InFIG. 7, the catheter700features a tip720and an imaging transducer at the distal end. In this embodiment, however, the markers710are etched into the body of the catheter700rather than provided in a separate component. As shown, the markers710are spatially separated and also not on the same plane (in this case, not directly opposite from each other). This spatial separation and offset facilitates determining the orientation of the catheter700when viewed externally.

For the catheters depicted inFIGS. 5 and 6, the marker component may be formed by laser cutting a hypotube into the desired configuration, containing an arrangement of markers of a selected number, size, shape, and position. In another aspect, one can use a flat sheet and cut or photo-etch the sheet into the desired configuration and then roll it into its final cylindrical shape. The marker can also be prepared form two different pieces with the individual parts glued together at the distal end of the catheter.

It is contemplated that certain aspects of the invention are particularly amenable for implementation on computer-based systems. Accordingly, the invention also provides systems for practicing the above methods. The system may comprise a processor and a computer readable storage medium instructions that when executed cause the computer to receive a captured image of an externally imaged device comprising a plurality of markers. Each marker within the plurality of markers differs from an adjacent marker by size, shape, and/or position on the device. The instructions also cause the computer to process the captured image to determine an orientation of the device relative to an imaging plane of the captured image. In further embodiments of the provided systems, the instructions additionally cause the computer to determine an orientation of an image captured by the imaging device based on the preceding orientation step.

A system of the invention may be implemented in a number of formats. An embodiment of a system300of the invention is shown inFIG. 8. The core of the system300is a computer360or other computational arrangement (seeFIG. 9) comprising a processor365and memory367. The memory has instructions which when executed cause the processor to receive imaging data of vasculature of a subject collected with an image collector (e.g., the ultrasonic transducer of an IVUS catheter). The imaging data of vasculature will typically originate from an intravascular imaging device320, which is in electronic and/or mechanical communication with an imaging catheter325. The memory additionally has instructions which when executed cause the processor to receive an external image of the catheter including the radiopaque labels. The image of the subject will typically be an x-ray image, such as produced during an angiogram or CT scan. The image of the subject will typically originate in an x-ray imaging device340, which is in electronic and/or mechanical communication with an x-ray source343and an x-ray image collector347such as a flat panel detector, discussed above. Having collected the images, the processor then processes the image, and outputs an image of the subject showing the location of the image collector, as well as an image of the vasculature of a subject. The images are typically output to a display380to be viewed by a physician or technician. In some embodiments a displayed image will simultaneously include both the intravascular image and the image of the vasculature.

In advanced embodiments, system300may comprise an imaging engine370which has advanced image processing features, such as image tagging, that allow the system300to more efficiently process and display combined intravascular and angiographic images. The imaging engine370may automatically highlight or otherwise denote areas of interest in the vasculature. The imaging engine370may also produce3D renderings of the intravascular images and or angiographic images. In some embodiments, the imaging engine370may additionally include data acquisition functionalities (DAQ)375, which allow the imaging engine370to receive the imaging data directly from the catheter325or collector347to be processed into images for display.

Other advanced embodiments use the I/O functionalities362of computer360to control the intravascular imaging320or the x-ray imaging340. In these embodiments, computer360may cause the imaging assembly of catheter325to travel to a specific location, e.g., if the catheter325is a pull-back type. The computer360may also cause source343to irradiate the field to obtain a refreshed image of the vasculature, or to clear collector347of the most recent image. While not shown here, it is also possible that computer360may control a manipulator, e.g., a robotic manipulator, connected to catheter325to improve the placement of the catheter325.

A system400of the invention may also be implemented across a number of independent platforms which communicate via a network409, as shown inFIG. 6. Methods of the invention can be performed using software, hardware, firmware, hardwiring, or combinations of any of these. Features implementing functions can also be physically located at various positions, including being distributed such that portions of functions are implemented at different physical locations (e.g., imaging apparatus in one room and host workstation in another, or in separate buildings, for example, with wireless or wired connections).

As shown inFIG. 9, the intravascular imaging system320and the x-ray imaging system340are key for obtaining the data, however the actual implementation of the steps, for example the steps ofFIG. 6, can be performed by multiple processors working in communication via the network409, for example a local area network, a wireless network, or the internet. The components of system400may also be physically separated. For example, terminal467and display380may not be geographically located with the intravascular imaging system320and the x-ray imaging system340.

As shown inFIG. 9, imaging engine859communicates with host workstation433as well as optionally server413over network409. In some embodiments, an operator uses host workstation433, computer449, or terminal467to control system400or to receive images. An image may be displayed using an I/O454,437, or471, which may include a monitor. Any I/O may include a monitor, keyboard, mouse, or touch screen to communicate with any of processor421,459,441, or475, for example, to cause data to be stored in any tangible, nontransitory memory463,445,479, or429. Server413generally includes an interface module425to communicate over network409or write data to data file417. Input from a user is received by a processor in an electronic device such as, for example, host workstation433, server413, or computer449. In certain embodiments, host workstation433and imaging engine855are included in a bedside console unit to operate system400.

In some embodiments, the system may render three dimensional imaging of the vasculature or the intravascular images. An electronic apparatus within the system (e.g., PC, dedicated hardware, or firmware) such as the host workstation433stores the three dimensional image in a tangible, non-transitory memory and renders an image of the 3D tissues on the display380. In some embodiments, the 3D images will be coded for faster viewing. In certain embodiments, systems of the invention render a GUI with elements or controls to allow an operator to interact with three dimensional data set as a three dimensional view. For example, an operator may cause a video affect to be viewed in, for example, a tomographic view, creating a visual effect of travelling through a lumen of vessel (i.e., a dynamic progress view). In other embodiments an operator may select points from within one of the images or the three dimensional data set by choosing start and stop points while a dynamic progress view is displayed in display. In other embodiments, a user may cause an imaging catheter to be relocated to a new position in the body by interacting with the image.

In some embodiments, a user interacts with a visual interface and puts in parameters or makes a selection. Input from a user (e.g., parameters or a selection) are received by a processor in an electronic device such as, for example, host workstation433, server413, or computer449. The selection can be rendered into a visible display. In some embodiments, an operator uses host workstation433, computer449, or terminal467to control system400or to receive images. An image may be displayed using an I/O454,437, or471, which may include a monitor. Any I/O may include a keyboard, mouse or touch screen to communicate with any of processor421,459,441, or475, for example, to cause data to be stored in any tangible, nontransitory memory463,445,479, or429. Server413generally includes an interface module425to effectuate communication over network409or write data to data file417. Methods of the invention can be performed using software, hardware, firmware, hardwiring, or combinations of any of these. Features implementing functions can also be physically located at various positions, including being distributed such that portions of functions are implemented at different physical locations (e.g., imaging apparatus in one room and host workstation in another, or in separate buildings, for example, with wireless or wired connections). In certain embodiments, host workstation433and imaging engine855are included in a bedside console unit to operate system400.

Processors suitable for the execution of computer program include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processor of any kind of digital computer. Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or both. The essential elements of computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer will also include, or be operatively coupled to receive data from or transfer data to, or both, one or more mass storage devices for storing data, e.g., magnetic, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks. Information carriers suitable for embodying computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, (e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, NAND-based flash memory, solid state drive (SSD), and other flash memory devices); magnetic disks, (e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks); magneto-optical disks; and optical disks (e.g., CD and DVD disks). The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

To provide for interaction with a user, the subject matter described herein can be implemented on a computer having an I/O device, e.g., a CRT, LCD, LED, or projection device for displaying information to the user and an input or output device such as a keyboard and a pointing device, (e.g., a mouse or a trackball), by which the user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices can be used to provide for interaction with a user as well. For example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, (e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback), and input from the user can be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input.

The subject matter described herein can be implemented in a computing system that includes a back-end component (e.g., a data server413), a middleware component (e.g., an application server), or a front-end component (e.g., a client computer449having a graphical user interface454or a web browser through which a user can interact with an implementation of the subject matter described herein), or any combination of such back-end, middleware, and front-end components. The components of the system can be interconnected through network409by any form or medium of digital data communication, e.g., a communication network. Examples of communication networks include cell networks (3G, 4G), a local area network (LAN), and a wide area network (WAN), e.g., the Internet.

The subject matter described herein can be implemented as one or more computer program products, such as one or more computer programs tangibly embodied in an information carrier (e.g., in a non-transitory computer-readable medium) for execution by, or to control the operation of, data processing apparatus (e.g., a programmable processor, a computer, or multiple computers). A computer program (also known as a program, software, software application, app, macro, or code) can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages (e.g., C, C++, Per1), and it can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. Systems and methods of the invention can include programming language known in the art, including, without limitation, C, C++, Per1, Java, ActiveX, HTML5, Visual Basic, or JavaScript.

A computer program does not necessarily correspond to a file. A program can be stored in a portion of file417that holds other programs or data, in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple coordinated files (e.g., files that store one or more modules, sub-programs, or portions of code). A computer program can be deployed to be executed on one computer or on multiple computers at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network.

A file can be a digital file, for example, stored on a hard drive, SSD, CD, or other tangible, non-transitory medium. A file can be sent from one device to another over network409(e.g., as packets being sent from a server to a client, for example, through a Network Interface Card, modem, wireless card, or similar).

Writing a file according to the invention involves transforming a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium, for example, by adding, removing, or rearranging particles (e.g., with a net charge or dipole moment) into patterns of magnetization by read/write heads, the patterns then representing new collocations of information desired by, and useful to, the user. In some embodiments, writing involves a physical transformation of material in tangible, non-transitory computer readable media with certain properties so that optical read/write devices can then read the new and useful collocation of information (e.g., burning a CD-ROM). In some embodiments, writing a file includes using flash memory such as NAND flash memory and storing information in an array of memory cells include floating-gate transistors. Methods of writing a file are well-known in the art and, for example, can be invoked automatically by a program or by a save command from software or a write command from a programming language.

In certain embodiments, display380is rendered within a computer operating system environment, such as Windows, Mac OS, or Linux or within a display or GUI of a specialized system. Display380can include any standard controls associated with a display (e.g., within a windowing environment) including minimize and close buttons, scroll bars, menus, and window resizing controls. Elements of display380can be provided by an operating system, windows environment, application programming interface (API), web browser, program, or combination thereof (for example, in some embodiments a computer includes an operating system in which an independent program such as a web browser runs and the independent program supplies one or more of an API to render elements of a GUI). Display380can further include any controls or information related to viewing images (e.g., zoom, color controls, brightness/contrast) or handling files comprising three-dimensional image data (e.g., open, save, close, select, cut, delete, etc.). Further, display380can include controls (e.g., buttons, sliders, tabs, switches) related to operating a three dimensional image capture system (e.g., go, stop, pause, power up, power down).

In certain embodiments, display380includes controls related to three dimensional imaging systems that are operable with different imaging modalities. For example, display380may include start, stop, zoom, save, etc., buttons, and be rendered by a computer program that interoperates with IVUS, OCT, or angiogram modalities. Thus display380can display an image derived from a three-dimensional data set with or without regard to the imaging mode of the system.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

EQUIVALENTS