Transducer with multiple resonant frequencies for an imaging catheter
AssigneeSciMed Life Systems, Inc.
InventorsMiriam H. Taimisto, Richard Lardner
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Abstract
A single transducer element that is capable of oscillation at a plurality of natural resonant frequencies may be used in an ultrasonic imaging catheter assembly including a catheter body configured to be inserted and guided through the vascular system of a living being, a lumen and a rotatable imaging core adapted to pass through the lumen, the imaging core including a flexible drive-shaft. Because the transducer element is capable of oscillation at a plurality of natural resonant frequencies, a user can switch from one frequency to another in order to improve the depth of field or resolution without having to switch out the catheter or imaging core.
Claims31
An ultrasonic imaging catheter assembly comprising:
- a catheter body configured to be inserted and guided through a blood vessel of the vascular system of a living being, the catheter body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending through its longitudinal axis;
- and
- a rotatable imaging core adapted to pass through the lumen, the imaging core including a flexible drive-shaft and a discrete transducer element;
- wherein the discrete transducer element is capable of oscillation at a plurality of natural resonant frequencies and is configured to be switchable between the plurality of natural frequencies, and wherein each natural resonant frequency provides a unique depth of field and resolution in an image generated at the respective frequency.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.