Ultrasound probe for intravascular ultrasound imaging system

Abstract

This invention provides an ultrasound probe for an intravascular ultrasound imaging system, comprising: a sealed housing, a stator fixed within the sealed housing, a rotor rotatable relative to the stator, a rotating shaft disposed on the rotor, and a main bearing and a distal bearing fixed within the sealed housing; the rotating shaft extends along the length of the sealed housing and has a bearing portion, on the surface of which a first ultrasound transducer is disposed, and the end of the rotating shaft near the rotor passes through a bearing hole disposed on the main bearing, while the end of the rotating shaft away from the rotor passes through a second bearing hole disposed on the distal bearing. In this configuration, energizing a coil wound on the stator causes the rotor to rotate, thereby driving the rotating shaft supported by the bearing fixed to the stator to rotate, thus enabling the first ultrasound transducer disposed on the bearing bearing surface to rotate.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the patent application filed on August 22, 2019, with application number 201910780889.2 and invention title "Ultrasonic probe with driving device". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to an ultrasound probe for an intravascular ultrasound imaging system. Background Technology

[0003] Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) systems primarily consist of an IVUS catheter, an IVUS retraction system, and the IVUS main unit. After puncture via the radial or femoral artery, the IVUS catheter is advanced to the lesion area. During operation, the high-frequency ultrasound transducer at the catheter tip emits and receives high-frequency ultrasound signals. Radial scanning of the ultrasound beam is achieved through mechanical rotation or electronic scanning, acquiring real-time cross-sectional images of the vessel wall. The retraction system's motor drives the transducer at the catheter tip to retract, acquiring all cross-sectional images of the vessel wall within a certain length. As the core component of the IVUS system, high-frequency ultrasound transducers are mainly of two types: mechanically rotating probes and electronically scanning array probes. As the name suggests, a mechanically rotating probe contains a single ultrasound transducer that scans the cross-section of the vessel wall through mechanical rotation to acquire images. An electronically scanning probe, on the other hand, contains a ring transducer array (e.g., an array of 64 transducer units). By controlling the excitation phase of each transducer, the transverse section of the vessel wall is scanned; the probe itself does not need to rotate.

[0004] Considering factors such as cost and resolution, mechanically rotating IVUS probes are currently the most widely used. However, the rotation of a mechanically rotating IVUS probe relies on a rotary motor in the IVUS retraction system, which transmits torque over a long distance (approximately 1.5 meters) via a drive shaft to rotate the probe for imaging. The drive shaft must withstand this long-distance torque transmission while also maintaining flexibility through narrow or tortuous blood vessels, resulting in significant material requirements and manufacturing challenges. Furthermore, friction between the drive shaft and the catheter wall can cause uneven rotation, manifesting as the NURD phenomenon (Non-uniform rotational distortion) in the image. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned state of the prior art, and its object is to provide an ultrasonic probe that can rotate independently and has good rotational stability.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention provides an ultrasonic probe with a driving device, characterized in that it comprises: a sealed housing, which is cylindrical; a stator fixed inside the sealed housing, the stator having a stator core with coils distributed and wound along the inner wall of the sealed housing; a rotor that cooperates with the stator and is rotatable relative to the stator, the rotor having a shaft extending along the length direction of the sealed housing, the shaft having a bearing portion, a first ultrasonic transducer being disposed on the surface of the bearing portion; and a main bearing fixed to the stator and having a bearing hole, wherein the shaft of the rotor passes through the bearing hole of the main bearing.

[0007] In the ultrasonic probe of the present invention, when the coil wound on the stator is energized, the rotor that cooperates with it is placed in a magnetic field and rotates, thereby driving the shaft supported by the bearing fixed on the stator to rotate, thereby enabling the first ultrasonic transducer provided on the bearing support surface to rotate.

[0008] Additionally, the ultrasonic probe of this invention may optionally include a distal bearing fixed within the sealed housing and cooperating with the rotating shaft. This allows the rotating shaft to be more stably positioned within the housing.

[0009] Furthermore, in the ultrasonic probe of this invention, optionally, the support portion is disposed between the main bearing and the distal bearing. This improves the stability of the support portion during rotation.

[0010] Furthermore, in the ultrasonic probe of this invention, optionally, a wireless communication module connected to the first ultrasonic transducer is also provided in the carrier portion. Thus, the first ultrasonic transducer can communicate and transmit data with the outside world via the wireless communication module.

[0011] Alternatively, in the ultrasound probe of this invention, the end of the rotating shaft passes through the bearing hole of the distal bearing, and a tilting stage is mounted on the end, on which a second ultrasound transducer is disposed. This allows for the acquisition of intravascular ultrasound images with a wider range.

[0012] Additionally, in the ultrasonic probe of this invention, optionally, a contact point electrically connected to the coil is provided on the outer surface of the sealed housing. This allows the coil to be energized through the contact point.

[0013] Furthermore, in the ultrasound probe of this invention, optionally, the second ultrasound transducer emits ultrasound waves in a direction forming an angle with the length direction of the sealed housing. This allows for the acquisition of a wider range of intravascular ultrasound images.

[0014] Furthermore, in the ultrasonic probe of this invention, optionally, the wireless communication module is disposed on the side of the support unit opposite to the first ultrasonic transducer. This allows for uniform weight distribution of the support unit and improves rotational stability.

[0015] Additionally, in the ultrasonic probe of this invention, optionally, the rotor includes a rotor core and a plurality of permanent magnet blocks disposed on the outer periphery of the rotor core. Thus, it can be influenced by the magnetic field generated by the stator and driven by the magnetic field.

[0016] Additionally, in the ultrasonic probe of this invention, optionally, an ionic liquid with an acoustic impedance close to that of human tissue is placed inside the sealed housing. This facilitates the propagation of ultrasonic waves and reduces interference to the ultrasonic probe.

[0017] According to the present invention, an ultrasonic probe capable of independent rotation and having good rotational stability can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Embodiments of this disclosure will now be explained in further detail by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram showing an ultrasonic probe with a driving device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the disassembled structure of an ultrasonic probe with a drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the stator of an ultrasonic probe with a drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the stator of an ultrasonic probe with a drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the stator and rotor of an ultrasonic probe with a drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a rotor of an ultrasonic probe with a drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the rotor and shaft of an ultrasonic probe with a drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 8This is a three-dimensional structural diagram showing the coordination of the tilting stage, rotating shaft, and rotor of an ultrasonic probe with a driving device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the inclined platform side structure of an ultrasonic probe with a driving device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing the engagement of the main bearing and the distal bearing of an ultrasonic probe with a drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0030] 1…Ultrasonic probe, 10…Sealed housing, 11…Cover, 20…Stator, 21…Stator core, 22…Coil, 211…Protrusion, 30…Rotor, 31…Rotor core, 32…Permanent magnet block, 40…Shaft, 41…Bearing unit, 42…Tilting stage, 50…Main bearing, 51…Bearing hole, 60…Distant bearing, 61…Second bearing hole, 70…First ultrasonic transducer, 80…Second ultrasonic transducer, 90…Wireless communication module. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. In the drawings, the same components or components having the same function are denoted by the same symbols, and repeated descriptions of them are omitted.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram showing an ultrasonic probe 1 with a driving device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment relates to an ultrasonic probe 1 (sometimes also called "ultrasonic probe 1") with a driving device, which includes a sealed housing 10, a stator 20, a rotor 30, and a main bearing 50. The sealed housing 10 may be cylindrical. The stator 20 may be fixed inside the sealed housing 10 and has a stator core 21 with coils 22 distributed and wound along the inner wall of the sealed housing 10. The rotor 30 may cooperate with the stator 20 and be rotatable relative to the stator 20. The rotor 30 may have a shaft 40 extending along the length direction of the sealed housing 10, and the shaft 40 may have a support portion 41. A first ultrasonic transducer 70 may be disposed on the surface of the support portion 41. The main bearing 50 is fixed to the stator 20 and has a bearing hole 51, through which the shaft 40 of the rotor 30 passes.

[0034] In the ultrasonic probe 1 of this embodiment, when the coil 22 wound on the stator 20 is energized, the rotor 30 that cooperates with it is placed in a magnetic field and the rotor 30 rotates, thereby driving the rotating shaft 40 supported by the bearing fixed on the stator 20 to rotate. Thus, the first ultrasonic transducer 70 provided on the surface of the bearing portion 41 of the rotating shaft 40 can rotate.

[0035] In some examples, the ultrasound probe 1 can be connected to a drive shaft in the intravascular ultrasound system, and then connected to a retraction device (sometimes called a drive device) via the drive shaft. In this case, the ultrasound probe 1 can rotate stably inside the sealed housing 10, reducing the occurrence of NURD (non-uniform rotation artifacts). The retraction device only needs to provide the retraction force, and the drive shaft no longer needs to perform torque transmission. As a result, the sealing requirements for the portion of the catheter near the retraction device in the intravascular ultrasound system can be reduced (no rotational sealing is required). In addition, the material requirements for the catheters in the intravascular ultrasound system can be reduced (torque transmission does not need to be considered).

[0036] (Sealed housing 10)

[0037] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the disassembled structure of an ultrasonic probe 1 with a drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the sealing housing 10 can be cylindrical. In some examples, the sealing housing 10 can be bullet-shaped. This facilitates movement within the blood vessel. In other examples, the sealing housing 10 can have a cover 11 that mates with the cylindrical structure of the sealing housing 10. The cover 11 is detachably mounted to the sealing housing 10, forming a sealed space. This facilitates the recovery, repair, or replacement of components within the sealing housing 10. Furthermore, in some examples, the sealing housing 10 and the cover 11 can be integrally formed. This improves overall stability.

[0039] In some examples, contacts (not shown) electrically connected to the coil 22 are provided on the outer surface of the sealed housing 10. This allows energizing the coil 22 through the contacts. In some examples, the contacts may be located at the cover 11. This facilitates connection of the contacts to electrical devices such as wires. In other examples, the contacts may be located near the stator 20 and the sealed housing 10, i.e., near the outer periphery of the sealed housing 10 near the stator 20. This shortens the distance between the coil 22 and the contacts, improving the stability of the connection between the coil 22 and the contacts.

[0040] In other examples, the coil 22 can also have its wires connected to the outside of the sealing housing 10, meaning the sealing housing 10 is integrally formed with the wires of the coil 22. This improves the safety and stability of the wires of the coil 22. Additionally, in some examples, the outer periphery of the sealing housing 10 can have holes that match the number of wires in the coil 22 and allow the wires of the coil 22 to pass through. In this case, the wires of the coil 22 can be energized to the outside through the holes, thereby improving the flexibility of the wire connection while ensuring the airtightness of the sealing housing 10.

[0041] In other examples, the sealed housing 10 may have a joint (not shown) for connection to the drive shaft. This allows the ultrasonic probe 1 to be detachably connected to the drive shaft.

[0042] In some examples, the cross-section of the sealing housing 10 can be circular. This minimizes friction between the sealing housing 10 and the blood vessel, thereby reducing the risk of vascular injury. The cross-sectional diameter of the sealing housing 10 can range from 0.86 mm to 2.97 mm. In some examples, the dimensions of the cross-section of the sealing housing 10 can vary along its length.

[0043] In some examples, the sealing housing 10 can be made of materials with good biocompatibility, sound transmission properties, reliable flexibility, good corrosion resistance, and antithrombotic properties. For example, it can be a polymer or composite material. Specifically, the sound transmission properties allow ultrasound waves at frequencies from 10 MHz to 80 MHz to pass through.

[0044] In some examples, the interior of the housing contains an ionic liquid with an acoustic impedance close to that of human tissue. This facilitates the propagation of ultrasound waves and reduces interference to the ultrasound probe 1.

[0045] In some examples, the outer wall of the sealed housing 10 may also be covered with a coating (not shown). The coating may include, for example, at least one of an inorganic coating, a natural polymer coating, a synthetic polymer coating, or a pharmaceutical coating.

[0046] (Stator 20)

[0047] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the stator 20 of an ultrasonic probe 1 with a drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the stator 20 of an ultrasonic probe 1 with a drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] In this embodiment, the stator 20 can be fixed inside the sealed housing 10, and has a stator core 21 with coils 22 distributed along the inner wall of the sealed housing 10 and wound around it (see [link]). Figure 1 ).

[0049] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, in some examples, the stator core 21 may have an annular portion, wherein the outer diameter of the annular portion may be equal to the inner diameter of the sealing housing 10. This allows the stator core 21 to be securely mounted inside the sealing housing 10. In other examples, the outer diameter of the annular portion may be smaller than the inner diameter of the sealing housing 10. In this case, the stator 20 can be fixed to the sealing housing 10 by welding or bonding. In still other examples, the stator core 21 may be integrally formed with the sealing housing 10. This improves the reliability of the stator core 21 and the overall stability.

[0050] In some examples, the stator core 21 may have a protrusion 211 disposed radially inward along the sealing housing 10. In some examples, the protrusion 211 may be disposed at an equal angle on the stator 20, for example, at an included angle θ (see [reference]). Figure 4 This allows for the provision of a stable magnetic field. In other examples, the protrusion 211 may be positioned on the ring in a non-equiangular manner.

[0051] In some examples, coil 22 can be wound around the outer periphery of the protrusion 211 of stator core 21. This generates a magnetic field and drives rotor 30. In some examples, the user can control the rotation direction of rotor 30 by controlling the direction of the current passing through coil 22. In other examples, the user can control the rotation speed of rotor 30 by controlling the magnitude of the current passing through coil 22. This improves the flexibility of ultrasonic probe 1.

[0052] In some examples, the protrusion 211 of the stator core 21 may have a long side that is the same thickness distance as the annular portion. In other examples, the protrusion 211 of the stator core 21 may also have a limiting portion (not shown), that is, one end of the protrusion 211 has a protrusion along the width or length direction of the protrusion 211. This reduces the possibility of the coil 22 falling off.

[0053] In some examples, the stator 20 may have six stator cores 21. This provides a magnetic field sufficient to drive the rotor 30. In other examples, the stator 20 may have twelve stator cores 21. This allows for a more stable drive of the rotor 30 to rotate.

[0054] In some examples, the stator core 21 can be made of a material with good magnetic permeability. Specifically, the stator core 21 can be made of silicon steel sheets.

[0055] (Rotor 30)

[0056] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the engagement of the stator 20 and rotor 30 of an ultrasonic probe 1 with a drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the rotor 30 of the ultrasonic probe 1 with a drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the rotor 30 and shaft 40 of the ultrasonic probe 1 with a drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram showing the coordination of the tilting stage 42, rotating shaft 40 and rotor 30 of the ultrasonic probe 1 with a driving device according to the embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the inclined platform side structure of an ultrasonic probe 1 with a drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] like Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the rotor 30 can cooperate with the stator 20 and can rotate relative to the stator 20.

[0058] like Figure 6 As shown, in some other examples, the rotor 30 may include a rotor core 31 and a plurality of permanent magnet blocks 32 disposed on the outer periphery of the rotor core 31. In some examples, the rotor core 31 is cylindrical. In other examples, the permanent magnet blocks 32 may be disposed on the outer periphery of the rotor core 31 in an equiangularly distributed manner. This allows for better reception of the magnetic field generated by the stator 20.

[0059] In some examples, the rotor core 31 can be made of silicon steel sheets. As a result, the rotor core 31 can have good magnetic permeability.

[0060] In some examples, the number of permanent magnet blocks 32 is less than the number of protrusions 211 of the stator core 21. In some examples, the area of ​​the permanent magnet blocks 32 is larger than the bottom surface area of ​​the protrusions 211 of the stator core 21. As a result, they can be driven by the stator 20 more effectively.

[0061] In some examples, the surface of the rotor 30 may be provided with permanent magnet blocks 32 of different polarities. This allows it to be influenced by and driven by the magnetic field generated by the stator 20. In some examples, the permanent magnet blocks 32 of different polarities on the surface of the rotor 30 may be arranged alternately.

[0062] In some examples, the permanent magnet blocks 32 may also exist in the form of patches or the like. This makes it easy to change the distribution of the permanent magnet blocks 32 on the surface of the rotor 30.

[0063] In some examples, the permanent magnet block 32 can be disposed on the outer periphery of the rotor core 31 by means of welding or bonding. In other examples, the permanent magnet block 32 can be integrally formed with the rotor core 31.

[0064] In some examples, the rotor 30 can be made of permanent magnets. Thus, it can be influenced by the magnetic field generated by the stator 20 through its own magnetism and be driven by the magnetic field.

[0065] like Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, the rotor 30 may have a shaft 40 extending along the length of the sealed housing 10. The shaft 40 may have a support portion 41, and a first ultrasonic transducer 70 may be provided on the surface of the support portion 41. Specifically, the support portion 41 may be integrally formed with the shaft 40. This improves the reliability of the support portion 41. In other examples, the support portion 41 may be embedded in the shaft 40. This facilitates the replacement of the support portion 41.

[0066] In this embodiment, the shaft 40 can be rotatably supported via the main bearing 50 (described later). This improves the stability of the shaft 40 during rotation.

[0067] In some examples, the outer diameter of the shaft 40 can be smaller than the outer diameter of the rotor 30. In other examples, the shaft 40 can be coaxial with the rotor 30. This ensures overall stability when the shaft 40 rotates.

[0068] In some examples, the bearing 41 is disposed between the main bearing 50 and the distal bearing 60 (see [reference]). Figure 10 This improves the stability of the bearing part 41 during rotation.

[0069] In some examples, the support portion 41 is flat. Specifically, the support portion 41 can be a cuboid, cylinder, elliptical cylinder, prism, or other irregular shape. This allows for stable placement of the ultrasonic transducer. In other examples, the central axis of the support portion 41 can coincide with the central axis of the rotating shaft 40. This allows the support portion 41 to rotate around the central axis, thereby achieving better ultrasonic transducer imaging.

[0070] like Figure 8 As shown, in some examples, the first ultrasonic transducer 70 may be disposed on one side of the support portion 41. This allows the first ultrasonic transducer 70 to rotate along with the support portion 41. In some examples, the first ultrasonic transducer 70 may be fixed to the surface of the support portion 41 by means of bonding or other methods.

[0071] In some examples, a wireless communication module 90 connected to the first ultrasonic transducer 70 is also provided in the carrier 41. Thus, the first ultrasonic transducer 70 can communicate and transmit data with the outside via the wireless communication module 90. In other examples, the wireless communication module 90 can receive signals from the outside. In this case, the wireless communication module 90 can receive external signals and transmit them to the first ultrasonic transducer 70, thereby allowing the user to control the first ultrasonic transducer 70.

[0072] In some examples, the wireless communication module 90 may be located on the side of the carrier 41 opposite to the first ultrasonic transducer 70 (see [reference]). Figure 2 This allows for a more uniform weight distribution in the support unit 41, improving rotational stability. In other examples, the wireless communication module 90 can be located on the same side as the first ultrasonic transducer 70. This allows for better connection between the first ultrasonic transducer 70 and the wireless communication module 90. Additionally, in some examples, the first ultrasonic transducer 70 can be integrally formed with the wireless communication module 90. Furthermore, the support unit 41 can also be equipped with a signal preprocessing module, such as a lock-in amplifier or a balun coupler. This reduces interference and noise during subsequent signal transmission. Furthermore, the wireless communication module and the signal preprocessing module can be integrated onto a dedicated application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0073] In other examples, the wireless communication module 90 may also have the same functionality as the first ultrasonic transducer 70. This allows for the acquisition of more stable images.

[0074] like Figure 8 As shown, in some examples, the end of the rotating shaft 40 passes through the bearing bore 51 of the distal bearing 60 (described later) and is fitted with a tilting stage 42, on which a second ultrasonic transducer 80 is disposed. In some examples, the bottom surface of the tilting stage 42 is connected to one end of the rotating shaft 40 and can rotate with the rotating shaft 40. This allows for the acquisition of a wider range of intravascular ultrasound images. In some examples, the wider range of images may include anterior intravascular images and transverse intravascular images.

[0075] In some examples, the shaft 40 may have an internal cavity, and the support portion 41 and the tilting stage 42 may have through holes connecting to the internal cavity. Thus, the second ultrasonic transducer 80 can be connected to the wireless communication module 90 through the internal cavity. In other examples, the first ultrasonic transducer 70 can also be connected to the wireless communication module 90 through the internal cavity. This reduces the influence of the connecting wires on the rotation during rotation.

[0076] like Figure 9As shown, in some examples, the tilt angle of the tilt stage 42 can be between 5° and 15°. In some examples, the tilt stage 42 can have a suitable arbitrary angle α. Thus, a suitable angle of the tilt stage 42 can be selected according to the required range of forward vision.

[0077] (Main bearing 50)

[0078] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing the engagement of the main bearing 50 and the distal bearing 60 of the ultrasonic probe 1 with a drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0079] like Figure 10 As shown, in this embodiment, the main bearing 50 is fixed on the stator 20 and has a bearing hole 51, and the shaft 40 of the rotor 30 passes through the bearing hole 51.

[0080] In some examples, the main bearing 50 may be positioned and fixed along the inner wall of the sealing housing 10.

[0081] In some examples, the main bearing 50 can be integrally formed with the stator 20. In other examples, the main bearing 50 and the stator 20 can be separately fixed within the sealing housing 10. This increases the flexibility of the main bearing 50's installation method. In some examples, the main bearing 50 can be installed inside the sealing housing 10 by welding or bonding.

[0082] In some examples, the main bearing 50 may have a rotating portion that rotatably supports the shaft 40 and a fixed portion that is fixed inside the sealed housing 10. In other examples, the rotating portion and the fixed portion may be connected by ball bearings.

[0083] In some examples, the bearing bore 51 of the main bearing 50 can be coaxial with the stator 20. This allows the rotating shaft 40 fixed therein and the rotor 30 connected to the rotating shaft 40 to be coaxial with the stator 20.

[0084] In some examples, the inner diameter of the bearing bore 51 is not less than the outer diameter of the shaft 40. Preferably, the inner diameter of the bearing bore 51 is equal to the outer diameter of the shaft 40. This provides stable support when the shaft 40 rotates.

[0085] In some examples, the ultrasonic probe 1 may also include a distal bearing 60 fixed within the sealed housing 10 and cooperating with the shaft 40. This allows the shaft 40 to be more stably positioned within the housing. Specifically, the distal bearing 60 is located on the side of the shaft 40 away from the rotor 30. In some examples, the distal bearing 60 may have a second bearing bore 61. This allows the shaft 40 of the rotor 30 to pass through the second bearing bore 61, thereby obtaining support from the distal bearing 60.

[0086] In some examples, the second bearing bore 61 of the distal bearing 60 can be coaxial with the bearing bore 51 of the main bearing 50. This improves the overall coaxiality of the ultrasonic probe 1, thereby enhancing the stability of the rotating shaft 40 during rotation.

[0087] In some examples, the second ultrasound transducer 80 emits ultrasound waves at an angle to the length of the housing. This allows for the acquisition of a wider range of intravascular ultrasound images. Furthermore, since the direction in which the second ultrasound transducer 80 emits ultrasound waves forms a non-90° angle with the direction of blood flow, a Doppler effect is generated between the ultrasound waves emitted by the second ultrasound transducer 80 and the relatively moving blood, thereby enabling the calculation of blood flow velocity based on the frequency shift of the ultrasound waves.

[0088] Specifically, an ultrasonic transducer emits ultrasonic waves. When these waves encounter flowing blood within a blood vessel, the Doppler effect occurs, and the transducer receives the reflected waves. The blood flow velocity can be determined by the frequency difference between the emitted and reflected ultrasonic waves, and the direction of blood flow can be determined by whether the frequency of the reflected waves increases or decreases compared to the frequency of the emitted waves.

[0089] While the present invention has been specifically described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments, it is to be understood that the above description does not limit the invention in any way. Those skilled in the art can make modifications and variations to the present invention as needed without departing from its essential spirit and scope, and all such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An ultrasound probe for an intravascular ultrasound imaging system, characterized in that, include: The system comprises a sealed housing, a stator fixed within the sealed housing, a rotor rotatable relative to the stator, a shaft disposed on the rotor, and a main bearing and a distal bearing fixed within the sealed housing. The stator has a stator core with coils distributed along the inner wall of the sealed housing, and the stator core has an annular portion with an outer diameter equal to the inner diameter of the sealed housing. The shaft extends along the length of the sealed housing and has a load-bearing portion. A first ultrasonic transducer is disposed on the surface of the load-bearing portion. The end of the shaft near the rotor passes through a bearing hole disposed on the main bearing, and the end of the shaft away from the rotor passes through a second bearing hole disposed on the distal bearing. The main bearing is fixed to the stator, and the distal bearing is disposed on the side of the shaft away from the rotor. A wireless communication module connected to the first ultrasonic transducer is disposed on the opposite side of the load-bearing portion where the first ultrasonic transducer is disposed, so as to uniformly increase the rotational stability by the weight of the load-bearing portion. The first ultrasonic transducer communicates with the outside through the wireless communication module.

2. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotating shaft has an internal cavity, and the bearing part has a through hole connected to the internal cavity. The first ultrasonic transducer is connected to the wireless communication module through the internal cavity.

3. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, characterized in that: The end of the rotating shaft passes through the second bearing hole and is mounted on an inclined platform, on which a second ultrasonic transducer is disposed.

4. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 3, characterized in that: The second ultrasonic transducer emits ultrasonic waves in a direction that forms an angle with the length direction of the sealed housing.

5. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 3, characterized in that: The rotating shaft has an internal cavity, and the bearing part and the tilting platform have through holes connected to the internal cavity. The second ultrasonic transducer is connected to the wireless communication module through the internal cavity.

6. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bearing bore of the main bearing is coaxial with the stator.

7. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second bearing bore of the distal bearing is coaxial with the bearing bore of the main bearing.

8. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, characterized in that: The stator has a stator core with coils distributed and wound along the inner wall of the sealed housing. The rotor includes a rotor core and a plurality of permanent magnet blocks disposed on the outer periphery of the rotor core. The wires of the coils are connected to the outside of the sealed housing. When the coils are energized, the stator core generates a magnetic field, which drives the permanent magnet blocks to rotate the rotor.

9. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, characterized in that: The wireless communication module has the same function as the first ultrasonic transducer.

Images