US 6,709,396 B2 · Ultrasound array transducer for catheter use

Abstract

A catheter-based ultrasonic transducer array is provided which includes a piezoelectric member sandwiched between matching layers and a backing member. A flexible stiffening element or elements is embedded in the backing member. The element is opaque to radio frequencies and integrated along the azimuthal axis of the array so as to enable a user to view the element in an image of the array derived from the array output and thus determine the angular position of the array. A flexible interconnection assembly provides an electrical connection between the electrodes of the piezoelectric member and external cabling. Different methods are provided for adding a surrounding protective cover to the array.

Claims14

Dependent claims

A catheter-based ultrasonic transducer array assembly, said assembly comprising:

at least one matching layer;
a backing member;
a piezoelectric member having electrodes and being sandwiched between the at least one matching layer and the backing member;
at least one stiffening element disposed rearwardly of said piezoelectric member so as to provide stiffening of said assembly, said at least one stiffening element comprising a pair of elongate elements disposed in side by side relation;
flexible interconnection means for providing connection between the electrodes of the piezoelectric member and at least one external cable;
and
a surrounding protective cover.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Ultrasound array transducer for catheter use

Life of this patent

Ultrasound array transducer for catheter use

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims14