Strain relief for intraluminal ultrasound imaging and associated devices, systems, and methods

An intraluminal ultrasound imaging device, comprising:

• a flexible elongate member configured to be positioned within a body lumen of a patient, wherein the flexible elongate member comprises an outer member and an inner member positioned inside the outer member;
• and
• an ultrasound imaging assembly comprising:
• a flexible substrate comprising a transducer array;
• a support member around which the flexible substrate is positioned;
• and
• a backing material,
• wherein the support member comprises a lumen, wherein the flexible substrate is positioned around the lumen,
• wherein the support member is positioned radially between the strain relief layer and the backing material,
• wherein the flexible substrate comprises a conductor interface portion positioned around the strain relief layer;
• wherein a stiffness of the support member is greater than a stiffness of the outer member and a stiffness of the inner member,
• wherein the ultrasound imaging assembly is coupled to the flexible elongate member at a location along a length of the intraluminal ultrasound imaging device,
• wherein the flexible elongate member further comprises a strain relief layer extending across the location where the ultrasound imaging assembly and the flexible elongate member are coupled such that the strain relief layer is configured to prevent kinking of the flexible elongate member at the location,
• wherein the outer member, the inner member, the flexible substrate, the support member, the backing material, and the strain relief layer are distinct from one another,
• wherein the strain relief layer is positioned radially inward of the flexible substrate and the transducer array,
• wherein the strain relief layer is positioned radially between the inner member and the support member.