Miniature ultrasound high efficiency transducer assembly, guidewire using the same and method

In a micro-miniature ultrasonic transducer assembly, a cylindrical member having a cup-shaped recess therein, a piezoelectric ceramic transducer mounted in the recess, said transducer having a diameter of less than 0.018 inches and having an aspect ratio of 2:1.+-.5% with respect to the diameter and thickness of the transducer.

A guidewire comprising a flexible elongate member having a distal extremity, an annular ultrasonic transducer having a centrally disposed hole therein and being secured to the distal extremity of the flexible elongate member, the transducer being in the form of a annulus having a diameter ranging from 0.007 inches to 0.018 inches and having a centrally disposed hole therein and having a thickness and a dimension from the hole to the outer margin of the annulus to provide a dimension which is approximately one-half of the thickness and electrical leads connected to the transducer and extending the length of the flexible elongate member.

In a micro-miniature ultrasonic transducer assembly, a cylindrical member having a cup-shaped recess therein, an annular piezoelectric ceramic transducer of a diameter of less than 0.018 inches in the form of an annulus mounted in the recess, said transducer having a centrally disposed hole therein and having an aspect ratio of 0.5 to 1.+-.5% with respect to the dimension from the hole to the outer margin of the annulus and thickness of the transducer.