# US 2024/0188929 A1 · Standalone flex circuit for intravascular imaging device and associated devices, systems, and methods > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2024/0188929 A1 - Document ID: US20240188929A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 18/581,526 - Filed: 2024-02-20 - Published: 2024-06-13 - Earliest claimed: 2016-03-30 - Assignees: Philips Image Guided Therapy Corporation - Applicants: Philips Image Guided Therapy Corporation - Inventors: Maritess MINAS; Princeton SAROHA; Jeremy STIGALL; David Kenneth WROLSTAD - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20240188929A1 ## CPC - A61B 8/12: in body cavities or body tracts, e.g. by using catheters - A61B 8/445: {Details of catheter construction} - A61B 8/4483: {characterised by features of the ultrasound transducer} - A61B 8/54: {Control of the diagnostic device} - B06B 1/0633: {Cylindrical array} - A61B 2562/164: the sensor is mounted in or on a conformable substrate or carrier - A61B 2562/166: the sensor is mounted on a specially adapted printed circuit board - H05K 1/189: characterised by the use of flexible or folded printed circuits - H05K 2201/10151: Sensor - A61B: DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (usefulness limited to only animals A61D) - B06B: METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR GENERATING OR TRANSMITTING MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS OF INFRASONIC, SONIC, OR ULTRASONIC FREQUENCY, {e.g.} FOR PERFORMING MECHANICAL WORK IN GENERAL (for particular applications, see the relevant subclasses, e.g. B07B1/40, B23Q17/12, B24B31/06; measurement of mechanical vibrations G01H; in direction finding, locating, distance or velocity measuring G01S; {generating seismic energy G01V1/02}; control of mechanical vibrations in general G05D; sound-producing devices, e.g. bells, sirens, whistles G10K, {e.g. methods or devices for transmitting, conducting, or directing sound in general G10K11/00}; generation of electrical oscillations H03B; electromechanical resonators in general H03H; electromechanical transducers {for communication techniques, e.g. microphones, speakers} H04R) - H05K: PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS ## Abstract An intravascular imaging device is provided. In some embodiments, the intravascular imaging device includes a flexible elongate member sized and shaped for insertion into a vessel of a patient, the flexible elongate member having a proximal portion and a distal portion; and an imaging assembly disposed at the distal portion of the flexible elongate member, the imaging assembly including a flex circuit positioned directly around the flexible elongate member. In some embodiments, a method of assembling an intravascular imaging device includes obtaining a flex circuit including a first layer having a plurality of transducers and a second layer having an acoustic backing material; and positioning the flex circuit directly around a distal portion of a flexible elongate member. ## Claims ### Claim 1 An apparatus, comprising: an intravascular imaging catheter comprising: a flexible elongate member sized and shaped for insertion into a vessel of a patient, wherein the flexible elongate member comprises: an outer member comprising: a distal portion terminating at a distal end; and an outer surface; an inner member positioned inside the outer member; and a flex circuit positioned at the distal portion of the flexible elongate member, wherein the flex circuit comprises a distal portion with a plurality of transducers and a proximal portion with a plurality of controllers in communication with the plurality of transducers, wherein the flex circuit is positioned directly around the outer surface of the outer member such that the plurality of transducers is positioned proximate to the distal end of the outer member. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the distal portion of the flex circuit terminates at a distal end, wherein the distal end of the flex circuit is aligned with the distal end of the outer member. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the inner member comprises a distal portion terminating at a distal end, wherein the distal end of the inner member is aligned with the distal end of the outer member. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flex circuit comprises a plurality of conductive traces configured to provide the communication between the plurality of controllers and the plurality of transducers. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein an entire length of the flex circuit is positioned outside of the outer member such that the plurality of transducers and the plurality of controllers are positioned outside of the outer member. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flex circuit comprises an inner surface, wherein the outer surface of the outer member faces the inner surface of the flex circuit. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the inner surface of the flex circuit directly contacts the outer surface of the outer member. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flex circuit encircles the outer member. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flex circuit is an outermost component of the intravascular imaging catheter at the distal portion of the outer member. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the outer member is an outermost component of the intravascular imaging catheter proximal of the flex circuit. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the intravascular imaging catheter further comprises a distal member comprising a proximal end, wherein the distal member is a distal-most component of the intravascular imaging catheter, wherein the proximal end of the distal member is immediately adjacent to the distal end of the outer member.