Multiple transducers for intravascular ultrasound imaging

Abstract

The present invention relates to a new intravascular ultrasound imaging device with an increased field of view. By using more than one ultrasound transducer crystal that is capable of producing an ultrasonic signal for imaging, and preferably aligning the individual crystals on a shared backing with at least one edge of the crystals in contact, the field of view generated by a given actuator mechanism is increased without substantially increasing the overall dimensions of the device. Also disclosed are methods of using the same.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 678,676, filed May 4, 2005, titled “Multiple transducers for large field of view in intravascular ultrasound imaging,” U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 677,944, filed May 4, 2005, titled “Shape memory alloy (SMA) mechanism for side-looking intravascular imaging,” U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 710,304, filed Aug. 22, 2005, titled “Guide wire enabled with intravascular ultrasound imaging for interventional applications,” and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 711,653, filed Aug. 25, 2005, titled “Miniature mirror-based intravascular ultrasound imaging device for interventional applications,” and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 781,786, filed Mar. 13, 2006, titled “Electrically driven miniature intravascular optical coherence tomography imaging device,” the entire contents of each of which are incorporated here...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012] In some embodiments the actuator means comprises a first anchor, a second anchor, at least one movable element, a first SMA actuator connected to the first anchor and a m

Problems solved by technology

Coronary artery disease is very serious and often requires an emergency operation to save lives.

Unfortunately, with X-ray fluoroscopic images, there is a great deal of uncertainty about the exact extent and orientation of the atherosclerotic lesions responsible for the occlusion, making it difficult to find the exact location of the stenosis.

In addition, though it is known that restenosis can occur at the same place, it is difficult to check the condition inside the vessels after surgery.

Existing intravascular imaging devices are too large and insufficiently flexible to be placed simultaneously with other devices.

These devices have limitations in incorporating other interventional devices into a combination device for therapeutic aspects.

They require a large space inside catheter such that there is not enough room to accommodate other interventional devices.

Also due to the nature of the rotating shaft, the distal end of the catheter is very stiff and it is hard to go through tortuous arteries.

The high speed rotating shaft also contributes to distorted non-uniform images when imaging a tortuous path in the vasculature.

This approach also has problems, including for example the manipulation, spinning and scanning motion required with respect to a delicate glass or polycarbonate optical fiber; the actuator mechanism located outside the patient and tip located inside the patient are significantly distant from one another, leading to inefficiencies and control issues arising from the torque created by a long, spinning member; and remote mechanical manipulation and a long spinning element distort the image due to non-uniform rotational distortion.

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