Systems and methods for making and using image-guided intravascular and endocardial therapy systems

An intravascular and endocardial therapy system comprising:

• a catheter having a distal end with a distal tip, a proximal end, and a longitudinal length, the catheter defining a central lumen extending along the catheter to the distal end, the catheter comprising
• a forward-facing transducer array disposed at the distal tip of the catheter, the transducer array configured and arranged for transforming applied electrical signals to acoustic signals and also for transforming received echo signals to electrical signals, and
• at least one catheter conductor electrically coupled to the transducer array and extending along the catheter;
• a delivery element disposed in the lumen of the catheter, the delivery element comprising a distal tip configured and arranged for contacting patient tissue, wherein the distal tip of the delivery element is configured and arranged to extend beyond the distal tip of the catheter;
• and
• a control module coupled to the transducer array, the control module comprising
• a pulse generator configured and arranged for providing electric signals to the transducer array, the pulse generator electrically coupled to the transducer array via the at least one catheter conductor, and
• a processor configured and arranged for processing received electrical signals from the transducer array to form at least one image, the processor electrically coupled to the transducer array via the at least one catheter conductor.

A method for performing an intravascular or endocardial therapy procedure, the method comprising:

• inserting a catheter assembly into a blood vessel of a patient, the catheter assembly comprising a catheter defining a lumen and a delivery element having a distal tip disposed in the lumen, wherein the catheter comprises a forward-facing transducer array disposed at a distal tip of the catheter;
• guiding the catheter through patient vasculature such that the distal tip of the delivery element is in proximity to a target therapy site;
• generating at least one image of the target therapy site using the transducer array;
• inserting a distal tip of the delivery element into patient tissue at the target therapy site;
• and
• drawing a dose of a therapeutic agent from a therapeutic source through the delivery element to the target therapy site.