Intraluminal ultrasound assembly having a multiple material support member, and associated devices, systems, and methods

An apparatus, comprising:

• an intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) catheter, comprising:
• a flexible elongate member configured to be positioned within a blood vessel of a patient;
• a support member coupled to a distal portion of the flexible elongate member, wherein the support member comprises:
• a hollow inner member, wherein an outer surface of the hollow inner member comprises at least one of a first recess or a first groove that does not extend completely through a sidewall of the hollow inner member;
• and
• one or more annular members positioned around a perimeter of the hollow inner, wherein the one or more annular members extends radially outward from the hollow inner member;
• and
• a flexible substrate comprising a transducer array configured to obtain an IVUS image of the blood vessel, wherein the flexible substrate is positioned around the one or more annular members such that the flexible substrate is distinct from the one or more annular members.