US 2003/0229286 A1 · Resolution optical and ultrasound devices for imaging and treatment of body lumens

Abstract

A rotationally vibrating imaging catheter and method of utilization has an array of ultrasound or optical transducers and an actuator along with signal processing, display, and power subsystems. The actuator of the preferred embodiment is a solid-state nitinol actuator. The actuator causes the array to oscillate such that the tip of the catheter is rotated through an angle equal to or less than 360 degrees. The tip is then capable of rotating back the same amount. This action is repeated until the desired imaging information is acquired. The rotationally vibrating catheter produces more imaging points than a non-rotating imaging catheter and eliminates areas of missing information in the reconstructed image. Rotationally vibrating catheters offer higher image resolution than stationary array catheters and greater flexibility and lower costs than mechanically rotating imaging catheters. The rotationally vibrating array carried on a catheter is vibrated or rocked forward and backward to allow for acquisition of three-dimensional information within a region around the transducer array. The addition of adjunctive therapies to the imaging catheter enhances the utility of the instrument. Examples of such therapies include atherectomy, stent placement, thrombectomy, embolic device placement, and irradiation.

Claims15

Dependent claims

An imaging device for emitting ultrasonic acoustic waves and providing a useable image in response to detection of reflections of said acoustic waves, said imaging device comprising:

an axially elongate structure adapted for insertion into a body lumen or cavity;
an array of outwardly directed transmitting transducer elements mounted to said structure for electrically generating a plurality of output ultrasonic acoustic waves;
an actuator operably connected to said structure for rotationally vibrating said array of transducer elements circumferentially;
an actuator operably connected to said structure for rotationally vibrating said array of transducer elements in a plane that comprises the longitudinal axis of the axially elongate structure;
a cable connecting said structure to an environment external of said lumen and including at least one signal channel for transporting electrical signals;
at least one receiving transducer mounted on said structure and proximate to said array of transmitting transducer elements for receiving reflections of said output ultrasonic acoustic waves from said array of transducer elements and converting said reflection ultrasonic acoustic waves to reflection electrical signals that are transmitted along at least one of said signal channels in said cable;
a processor responsive to said reflection electrical signals from said cable for providing imaging data from said reflection electrical signals;
a display responsive to said imaging data for providing a visual image of said body lumen or cavity and its surrounding structure;
and
an element disposed at the distal tip of the axially elongate structure, adapted for performing endovascular medical intervention.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Resolution optical and ultrasound devices for imaging and treatment of body lumens

Life of this patent

Resolution optical and ultrasound devices for imaging and treatment of body lumens

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims15