Intravascular imaging device with wireless rotary motor

Abstract

The invention discloses an intravascular imaging apparatus and an imaging method. An example intravascular imaging device may include a catheter shaft. An imaging core may be disposed within the catheter shaft. The imaging core may include a sheath, an imaging transmitter / transducer fixed relative to the sheath, a reflector, and a wireless rotation motor coupled to the reflector. An antenna may be disposed adjacent the imaging transducer. A rectifying antenna may be disposed adjacent to the wireless rotary motor.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 320,810, filed on March 17, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to medical imaging. More particularly, the present invention relates to intravascular imaging. Background Art

[0003] A wide variety of medical devices have been developed for medical uses, such as intravascular use. Some of these devices include intravascular imaging devices. In addition, methods for intravascular imaging have been developed. Each of these medical devices and methods has certain advantages and disadvantages. There is a continuing need to provide alternative devices, as well as alternative methods. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present invention provides designs, materials, manufacturing methods and use alternatives for medical devices. An intravascular imaging device is disclosed. The intravascular imaging device includes: a catheter shaft; an imaging core disposed in the catheter shaft, the imaging core including a sheath, an imaging transmitter / transducer fixed relative to the sheath, a reflector and a wireless rotary motor coupled to the reflector; an antenna disposed adjacent to the imaging transmitter / transducer; and a rectifying antenna disposed adjacent to the wireless rotary motor.

[0005] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, the imaging emitter / transducer comprises an ultrasound transducer.

[0006] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, the imaging emitter / transducer comprises an optical coherence tomography emitter.

[0007] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, the imaging emitter / transducer includes both an ultrasound transducer and an optical coherence tomography emitter.

[0008] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, a rectifying antenna is disposed adjacent a distal region of the wireless rotary motor.

[0009] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, a rectifying antenna is disposed adjacent a proximal region of the wireless rotary motor.

[0010] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, the reflector comprises an angled surface.

[0011] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, the reflector comprises a curved surface.

[0012] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, the reflector comprises an annular surface.

[0013] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, a guidewire lumen is formed in the imaging core.

[0014] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, a guidewire lumen extends through the imaging emitter / transducer, the wireless rotary motor, or both.

[0015] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, the imaging emitter / transducer is axially fixed relative to the sheath.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, the imaging emitter / transducer is rotationally fixed relative to the sheath.

[0017] An intravascular imaging device is disclosed. The intravascular imaging device includes: a catheter shaft; an imaging core disposed in the catheter shaft, the imaging core including a sheath, an ultrasonic transducer rotationally fixed relative to the sheath, a reflector, and a wireless rotary motor coupled to the reflector; wherein the wireless rotary motor is configured to rotate the reflector relative to the ultrasonic transducer; a transmitter disposed adjacent to the ultrasonic transducer; a receiver disposed adjacent to the wireless rotary motor; and wherein the transmitter is configured to transmit power to the receiver to power the wireless rotary motor.

[0018] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, the reflector comprises an angled surface.

[0019] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, the reflector comprises a curved surface.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, the reflector comprises an annular surface.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, a guidewire lumen is formed in the imaging core.

[0022] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, a guidewire lumen extends through the imaging emitter / transducer, the wireless rotary motor, or both.

[0023] A method for imaging is disclosed. The method includes: placing an intravascular imaging device in a blood vessel, the intravascular imaging device including: a catheter shaft; an imaging core disposed in the catheter shaft, the imaging core including a sheath, an imaging transmitter / transducer fixed relative to the sheath, a reflector, and a wireless rotary motor coupled to the reflector; an antenna disposed adjacent to the imaging transmitter / transducer; and a rectifying antenna disposed adjacent to the wireless rotary motor; activating the imaging transmitter / transducer; and rotating the reflector with the wireless rotary motor.

[0024] The above summary of some embodiments is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the present invention. The following figures and detailed description more particularly exemplify these embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The present invention may be more fully understood by considering the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 An example intravascular imaging system is schematically depicted.

[0027] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an example intravascular imaging catheter system.

[0028] Figure 3 is a side view of a portion of an example intravascular imaging catheter system.

[0029] Figure 4 is a side view of a portion of an example intravascular imaging catheter system.

[0030] Figure 5 is a side view of a portion of an example intravascular imaging catheter system.

[0031] Figure 6 is a side view of a portion of an example intravascular imaging catheter system.

[0032] Figure 7 is a side view of a portion of an example intravascular imaging catheter system.

[0033] Figure 8 is a side view of a portion of an example intravascular imaging catheter system.

[0034] Fig. 9 is a side view of a portion of an example intravascular imaging catheter system.

[0035] Although the present invention is suitable for various modifications and alternative forms, its specific details have been shown in the drawings by way of example and will be described in more detail. However, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the present invention to the specific embodiments described. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents and substitutes that fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] For the following defined terms, these definitions shall apply unless a different definition is given in the claims or elsewhere in this specification.

[0037] All numerical values ​​are assumed to be modified by the term "about" herein, whether or not explicitly indicated. The term "about" generally refers to a range of numbers that one skilled in the art considers to be equivalent to the cited value (i.e., having the same function or result). In many cases, the term "about" can include values ​​that are rounded to the nearest significant figure.

[0038] The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers within that range (eg, 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5).

[0039] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term "or" is generally employed in its sense including "and / or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0040] It should be noted that references in the specification to "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "other embodiments", etc. indicate that the described embodiments may include one or more specific features, structures, or characteristics. However, such a description does not necessarily mean that all embodiments include the specific features, structures, and / or characteristics. Additionally, when specific features, structures, and / or characteristics are described in conjunction with one embodiment, it should be understood that such features, structures, and / or characteristics may also be used in conjunction with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described, unless explicitly stated to the contrary.

[0041] The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings, in which similar elements in different drawings have the same reference numerals. The drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, depict illustrative embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0042] Intravascular imaging devices that can be inserted into the patient's body have been shown to have diagnostic capabilities for a variety of diseases and conditions. For example, intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging systems and / or optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging systems can be used as imaging modes for diagnosing blocked blood vessels and providing information to help medical practitioners select and place stents and other devices to restore or increase blood flow. IVUS / OCT imaging systems can also be used to diagnose atheromatous plaque accumulation at specific locations within a blood vessel. IVUS / OCT imaging systems can also be used to determine the presence of intravascular obstruction or stenosis, as well as the nature and extent of obstruction or stenosis. IVUS / OCT imaging systems can also be used to visualize segments of the vascular system, which may be difficult to visualize using other intravascular imaging techniques, such as angiography, due to the movement (e.g., beating heart) or obstruction of one or more structures (e.g., one or more blood vessels that are not expected to be imaged). IVUS / OCT imaging systems can also be used to monitor or evaluate ongoing intravascular treatments, such as real-time (or almost real-time) angiography and stent placement. In addition, IVUS / OCT imaging systems can be used to monitor one or more heart chambers.

[0043] Figure 1 An example intravascular imaging system 100 is schematically illustrated. In this example, the intravascular imaging system 100 takes the form of an IVUS imaging system. However, other imaging systems, including optical coherence tomography imaging systems, are also contemplated. The IVUS imaging system 100 includes a catheter 102, which may be coupled to a processing unit or control module 104. The control module 104 may include, for example, a processor 106, a pulse generator 108, a drive unit 110, and one or more displays or display units 112. In some cases, the pulse generator 108 forms electrical pulses that may be input to one or more transducers ( Figure 3 312 in ).

[0044] For the purposes of this document, the term "display / display" may refer to an electronic device (e.g., such as a monitor, etc.) for visual representation of data or a visual representation of the data itself. In other words, the term "display" may refer to a hardware device for displaying data or the term "display" may refer to data displayed on a hardware device. In some cases, it may be helpful to use the phrase "display unit" when referring to a hardware component and the term "display" when referring to a visual / data component shown on a display unit. However, such terminology is generally not required to be strictly adhered to in the present invention or in the art. Those skilled in the art will be able to discern when the term "display" refers to a hardware component and when the term "display" refers to a visual / data component.

[0045] In some cases, the mechanical energy from the drive unit 110 can be used to drive an imaging core ( Figure 3 306 in ). In some cases, from one or more transducers ( Figure 3 The electrical signals sent by the one or more transducers ( 312 ) may be input to the processor 106 for processing. Figure 3 The processed electrical signals of the image processing unit 312 can be displayed as one or more images on the one or more display units 112. For example, a scan converter can be used to map scan line samples (e.g., radial scan line samples, etc.) to a two-dimensional Cartesian grid to display one or more images on the one or more display units 112.

[0046] In some cases, the processor 106 may also be used to control the functions of one or more of the other components of the control module 104. For example, the processor 106 may be used to control the frequency or duration of the electrical pulses sent from the pulse generator 108, the imaging core implemented by the drive unit 110, and the imaging function of the drive unit 110. Figure 3 The rotation rate of 306) in the imaging core ( Figure 3 306) or one or more properties of one or more images formed on one or more display units 112.

[0047] Figure 2 It is an IVUS imaging system ( Figure 1 100) is a schematic side view of an embodiment of a catheter 102. The catheter 102 includes a slender member 202 and a hub 204. The slender member 202 includes a proximal end 206 and a distal end 208. Figure 2 In the embodiment of the present invention, the proximal end 206 of the elongated member 202 is coupled to the catheter hub 204 and the distal end 208 of the elongated member is configured and arranged for percutaneous insertion into a patient. Optionally, the catheter 102 can define at least one flushing port, such as flushing port 210. The flushing port 210 can be defined in the hub 204. The hub 204 can be configured and arranged to be coupled to a control module ( Figure 1 104). In some cases, the elongated member 202 and the hub 204 are formed as a whole. In other cases, the elongated member 202 and the catheter hub 204 are formed separately and then assembled together.

[0048] Figure 31 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the distal end 208 of the elongated member 202 of the catheter 102. The elongated member 202 includes a sheath 302 having a longitudinal axis 303 and a cavity 304. An imaging core 306 is disposed in the cavity 304. The imaging core 306 includes an imaging device 308 connected to the distal end of a drive shaft 310 that can be rotated manually or using a computer-controlled drive mechanism. One or more transducers 312 can be mounted to the imaging device 308 and used to send and receive acoustic signals. The sheath 302 can be formed of any flexible, biocompatible material suitable for insertion into a patient. Examples of suitable materials include, for example, polyethylene, polyurethane, plastic, spiral cut stainless steel, nitinol hypotube, and the like or a combination thereof.

[0049] In some cases, for example, Figure 3 As shown, an array of transducers 312 is mounted to the imaging device 308. Alternatively, a single transducer may be employed. Any suitable number of transducers 312 may be used. For example, there may be two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, twelve, fifteen, sixteen, twenty, twenty-five, fifty, one hundred, five hundred, one thousand, or more transducers. As will be appreciated, other numbers of transducers may also be used. When multiple transducers 312 are employed, the transducers 312 may be configured in any suitable arrangement, including, for example, an annular arrangement, a rectangular arrangement, etc.

[0050] One or more transducers 312 may be formed of a material capable of transforming an applied electrical pulse into a pressure deformation on the surface of the one or more transducers 312, and vice versa. Examples of suitable materials include piezoelectric ceramic materials, piezoelectric composites, piezoelectric plastics, barium titanate, lead zirconate titanate, lead metaniobate, polyvinylidene fluoride, etc. Other transducer technologies include composite materials, single crystal composite materials, and semiconductor devices (e.g., capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers ("cMUT"), piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducers ("pMUT"), etc.).

[0051] The pressure deformation on the surface of the one or more transducers 312 forms an acoustic pulse of a frequency based on the resonant frequency of the one or more transducers 312. The resonant frequency of the one or more transducers 312 may be affected by the size, shape, and material used to form the one or more transducers 312. The one or more transducers 312 can be formed in any shape suitable for positioning within the catheter 102 and propagating an acoustic pulse of a desired frequency in one or more selected directions. For example, the transducer can be disc-shaped, block-shaped, rectangular, elliptical, etc. The one or more transducers can be formed in a desired shape by any process, including, for example, dicing, dicing and filling, machining, micro-manufacturing, etc.

[0052] As an example, each of the one or more transducers 312 may include a layer of piezoelectric material sandwiched between a matching layer and a conductive backing material formed of an acoustically absorbing material (e.g., an epoxy substrate with tungsten particles). During operation, the piezoelectric layer may be electrically excited to cause emission of acoustic pulses.

[0053] One or more transducers 312 can be used to form radial cross-sectional images of the surrounding space. Thus, for example, when one or more transducers 312 are disposed in catheter 102 and inserted into a patient's blood vessel, one or more transducers 312 can be used to form images of the walls of the blood vessel and the tissue surrounding the blood vessel.

[0054] The imaging core 306 rotates about the longitudinal axis 303 of the catheter 102. As the imaging core 306 rotates, the one or more transducers 312 transmit acoustic signals in different radial directions (e.g., along different radial scan lines). For example, the one or more transducers 312 may transmit acoustic signals in regular (or irregular) increments, such as 256 radial scan lines per revolution, etc. It should be understood that other numbers of radial scan lines may be transmitted per revolution instead.

[0055] When a transmitted acoustic pulse with sufficient energy encounters one or more medium boundaries, such as one or more tissue boundaries, a portion of the transmitted acoustic pulse is reflected back to the transmitting transducer as an echo pulse. Each echo pulse that reaches the transducer and has sufficient energy to be detected is converted into an electrical signal in the receiving transducer. One or more converted electrical signals are sent to the control module ( Figure 1 104), wherein processor 106 processes the electrical signal characteristics to form a displayable image of the imaging area based at least in part on information collection from each of the transmitted acoustic pulses and received echo pulses. In some cases, the rotation of imaging core 306 is controlled by a control module ( Figure 1 104) in the drive unit 110. In an alternative embodiment, one or more transducers 312 are fixed in place and do not rotate. In this case, the drive shaft 310 can instead rotate a mirror that reflects the acoustic signal to and from the fixed one or more transducers 312.

[0056] When the one or more transducers 312 are rotated about the longitudinal axis 303 of the catheter 102 emitting the acoustic pulses, a plurality of images may be formed that together form a radial cross-sectional image (e.g., a tomographic image) of a region around the one or more transducers 312, such as a portion of a vessel wall of interest and tissue surrounding the vessel. The radial cross-sectional images may optionally be displayed on one or more display units 112. At least one of the imaging cores 306 may be rotated manually or using a computer-controlled mechanism.

[0057] The imaging core 306 can also move longitudinally along the blood vessel into which the catheter 102 is inserted, so that multiple cross-sectional images can be formed along the longitudinal length of the blood vessel. During the imaging process, one or more transducers 312 can be retracted (e.g., pulled back) along the longitudinal length of the catheter 102. The catheter 102 may include at least one telescopic section that can be retracted during the retraction of the one or more transducers 312. In some cases, the drive unit 110 drives the retraction of the imaging core 306 within the catheter 102. The distance that the drive unit 110 pulls back the imaging core can be any suitable distance, including, for example, at least 5 cm, 10 cm, 15 cm, 20 cm, 25 cm, or more. The entire catheter 102 can be retracted during the imaging process, regardless of whether the imaging core 306 moves longitudinally independently of the catheter 102.

[0058] Optionally, a stepper motor may be used to pull back the imaging core 306. The stepper motor may pull the imaging core 306 back a short distance and stop long enough for the one or more transducers 306 to capture an image, a series of images, etc. before pulling the imaging core 224 back another short distance and again capturing another image or another series of images.

[0059] The quality of the images produced at different depths from the one or more transducers 312 may be affected by one or more factors, including, for example, bandwidth, transducer focus, beam pattern, and the frequency of the acoustic pulses. The frequency of the acoustic pulses output from the one or more transducers 312 may also affect the penetration depth of the acoustic pulses output from the one or more transducers 312. Generally, as the frequency of the acoustic pulses decreases, the penetration depth of the acoustic pulses within the patient's tissue increases. In some cases, the IVUS imaging system 100 operates in a frequency range of 5 MHz to 100 MHz.

[0060] One or more conductors 314 may electrically couple the transducer 312 to the control module 104 (see, e.g., Figure 1 ). In this case, one or more conductors 314 may extend along the longitudinal length of the rotatable drive shaft 310.

[0061] The catheter 102 having one or more transducers 312 mounted to the distal end 208 of the imaging core 308 can be percutaneously inserted into the patient via an accessible blood vessel, such as the femoral artery, femoral vein, or jugular vein, at a site, such as a blood vessel, remote from a selected portion of a selected area to be imaged. The catheter 102 can then be advanced through the patient's blood vessels to a selected imaging site, such as a portion of a selected blood vessel.

[0062] Each time one or more acoustic signals are output to the surrounding tissue and one or more corresponding echo signals are received and sent to the processor 106 by the imager 308, an image or image frame ("frame") can be generated. Alternatively, the image or image frame can be a composite of scan lines from a complete or partial rotation of the imaging core or device. During any type of movement of the imaging device 308, multiple (e.g., a sequence) frames can be acquired over time. For example, frames can be acquired during rotation and pullback of the imaging device 308 along a target imaging position. It should be understood that frames can be acquired with or without rotation and with or without pullback of the imaging device 308. In addition, it should be understood that other types of movement processes can be used to acquire frames in addition to or in place of at least one of rotation or pullback of the imaging device 308.

[0063] In some cases, it may be desirable to use a relatively smaller sized catheter / device when performing an intravascular imaging procedure. In doing so, it may be desirable to use a rotary motor to rotate a reflector (e.g., rather than a drive cable) to rotate an imaging emitter / transducer. An imaging device utilizing an imaging core with a rotary motor is disclosed herein.

[0064] Figure 4 Another example imaging core 406 is shown, which may be similar in form and function to other imaging cores disclosed herein. The imaging core 406 may include a sheath 402. An imaging emitter / transducer 412 may be disposed within the sheath 402. A conductor or transmitter 414 may be coupled to the imaging emitter / transducer 412. For purposes of the present invention, the terms "emitter / transducer" and "conductor or transmitter" are intended to encompass many different devices and / or components of devices, such as an ultrasound device (and / or components thereof), an ultrasound transducer, an optical fiber, a light emitting device, a light emitting device, a lens, a prism, an optical coherence tomography device (and / or components thereof), a conductive member or wire, and the like.

[0065] Reflector 416 can be disposed within sheath 402. Reflector 416 can take the form of a mirror. In at least some cases, reflector 416 can include an angled surface 430. Other reflectors are contemplated, including those disclosed herein. Energy 424 (e.g., ultrasound energy, light energy, etc.) can be sent / emitted from imaging emitter / transducer 412 and reflected by reflector 416 toward sheath 402. Energy 424 can pass through the wall of sheath 402 (and through elongated member 202 and / or sheath 302, e.g., when imaging core 406 is used with catheter 102).

[0066] The rotary motor 418 can be coupled to the reflector 416. In at least some cases, the rotary motor 418 can be in the form of a wireless rotary motor 418 (e.g., a micromotor and / or a wireless micromotor). In such a case, the imaging core 406 can include a transmitter or antenna 420 and a receiver or rectifying antenna 422. In at least some cases, the antenna 420 can be disposed adjacent to the imaging transmitter / transducer 412. In at least some cases, the rectifying antenna 422 can be disposed adjacent to the rotary motor 418. Typically, the antenna / transmitter 420 can be configured to send power to the rectifying antenna / receiver 422 in order to power the rotary motor 418. Therefore, the wireless rotary motor 418 can be powered to rotate the reflector 416 without having a conductive wire running from the power source to the wireless rotary motor 418. This may be desirable for a variety of reasons. For example, the wire extending between the power source and the rotary motor will extend across the transducer, which may block a portion of the image produced. Reducing or avoiding blocking may be desirable.

[0067] Figure 5 Another example imaging core 506 is shown, which may be similar in form and function to other imaging cores disclosed herein. The imaging core 506 may include a sheath 502. An imaging emitter / transducer 512 may be disposed within the sheath 502. A conductor or transmitter 514 may be coupled to the imaging emitter / transducer 512. A reflector 516 may be disposed within the sheath 502. A wireless rotary motor 518 may be coupled to the reflector 516. Energy 524 may be emitted from the imaging emitter / transducer 512 and reflected by the reflector 516 toward the sheath 502.

[0068] The imaging core 506 may also include a transmitter or antenna 520 and a receiver or rectenna 522. In at least some cases, the antenna 520 may be disposed adjacent to the imaging transmitter / transducer 512. In at least some cases, the rectenna 522 may be disposed adjacent to the rotary motor 518. The antenna / transmitter 520 may be configured to transmit power to the rectenna / receiver 522 to power the rotary motor 518. Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the rectenna 422 is disposed at a distal region of the wireless rotary motor 418. This is not intended to be limiting, as the locations of the various components may vary. Figure 5 In the depicted embodiment, the rectenna 522 is disposed on a proximal region of the wireless rotary motor 518. Different arrangements of antenna / transmitters 420, 520 and rectenna / receivers 422, 522 may be used as desired with any suitable example embodiments, such as those disclosed herein.

[0069] Figure 6Another example imaging core 606 is shown, which may be similar in form and function to other imaging cores disclosed herein. The imaging core 606 may include a sheath 602. An imaging emitter / transducer 612 may be disposed within the sheath 602. A conductor or transmitter 614 may be coupled to the imaging emitter / transducer 612.

[0070] In this example, the imaging emitter / transducer 612 includes a combined device that includes an ultrasound transducer 626 and an optical fiber 628 (e.g., which can be used as a transmitter for optical coherence tomography). Thus, the imaging emitter / transducer 612 can be used with IVUS procedures, OCT procedures, and / or combined procedures utilizing both IVUS and OCT. The different imaging emitters / transducers disclosed herein (e.g., IVUS transducers, ultrasound transducers, OCT devices, optical fibers, etc.) can be used as desired with any suitable example embodiments, such as those disclosed herein.

[0071] The reflector 616 can be disposed within the sheath 602. The rotation motor 618 can be coupled to the reflector 616. Energy (e.g., energy 624a from the ultrasound transducer 628 and energy 624b from the optical fiber 628) can be emitted from the imaging emitter / transducer 612 and reflected by the reflector 616 toward the sheath 602.

[0072] The imaging core 606 may also include a transmitter or antenna 620 and a receiver or rectenna 622. In at least some cases, the antenna 620 may be disposed adjacent to the imaging transmitter / transducer 612. In at least some cases, the rectenna 622 may be disposed adjacent to the rotary motor 618. The antenna / transmitter 620 may be configured to transmit power to the rectenna / receiver 622 to power the rotary motor 618.

[0073] Figure 7 Another example imaging core 706 is shown, which may be similar in form and function to other imaging cores disclosed herein. The imaging core 706 may include a sheath 702. An imaging emitter / transducer 712 may be disposed within the sheath 702. A conductor or transmitter 714 may be coupled to the imaging emitter / transducer 712.

[0074] In this example, imaging transmitter / transducer 712 includes an ultrasound transducer 726 and an optical fiber 728 (which may be used as a transmitter for optical coherence tomography, for example).

[0075] A reflector 716 can be disposed within the sheath 702. In this example, the reflector 716 can include a curved surface 730. It should be understood that the reflector 716 having a curved surface 730 can be used with any suitable example embodiments, such as those disclosed herein. A rotary motor 718 can be coupled to the reflector 716. Energy (e.g., energy 724a from an ultrasonic transducer 726 and energy 724b from an optical fiber 728) can be emitted from the imaging emitter / transducer 712 and reflected by the reflector 716 toward the sheath 702.

[0076] The imaging core 706 may also include a transmitter or antenna 720 and a receiver or rectenna 722. In at least some cases, the antenna 720 may be disposed adjacent to the imaging transmitter / transducer 712. In at least some cases, the rectenna 722 may be disposed adjacent to the rotary motor 718. The antenna / transmitter 720 may be configured to transmit power to the rectenna / receiver 722 to power the rotary motor 718.

[0077] Figure 8 Another example imaging core 806 is shown, which may be similar in form and function to other imaging cores disclosed herein. Imaging core 806 may include sheath 802. Imaging emitter / transducer 812 may be disposed within sheath 802. Conductor or transmitter 814 may be coupled to imaging emitter / transducer 812.

[0078] In this example, the conductor 814 can have a lumen 832 formed therein. In some cases, the lumen 832 can be a guidewire lumen configured to have a guidewire 834 extending therethrough. The guidewire lumen 832 can allow the imaging core 806 (and / or imaging device) to be tracked over the guidewire 834 in a manner that helps avoid having the guidewire 834 extend through the imaging field. Thus, obstructions caused by the guidewire 834 can be reduced / eliminated. It should be understood that, where appropriate, a guidewire lumen such as lumen 832 can be used with any suitable embodiment disclosed herein.

[0079] Reflector 816 may be disposed within sheath 802. Rotation motor 818 may be coupled to reflector 816. Energy 824 may be emitted from imaging emitter / transducer 812 and reflected by reflector 816 toward sheath 802.

[0080] The imaging core 806 may also include a transmitter or antenna 820 and a receiver or rectenna 822. In at least some cases, the antenna 820 may be disposed adjacent to the imaging transmitter / transducer 812. In at least some cases, the rectenna 822 may be disposed adjacent to the rotary motor 818. The antenna / transmitter 820 may be configured to transmit power to the rectenna / receiver 822 to power the rotary motor 818.

[0081] Fig. 9 Another example imaging core 906 is shown, which may be similar in form and function to other imaging cores disclosed herein. Imaging core 906 may include sheath 902. Imaging emitter / transducer 912 may be disposed within sheath 902. Conductor or transmitter 914 may be coupled to imaging emitter / transducer 912.

[0082] In this example, conductor 914 can have a lumen 932 formed therein. In some cases, lumen 932 can be a guidewire lumen configured to have a guidewire 934 extending therethrough.

[0083] A reflector 916 can be disposed within the sheath 902. In this example, the reflector 916 can include an annular reflective surface 930. It should be appreciated that the reflector 916 having an annular reflective surface 930 can be used with any suitable example embodiments, such as those disclosed herein. A rotation motor 918 can be coupled to the reflector 916. Energy 924 can be emitted from the imaging emitter / transducer 912 and reflected by the reflector 916 toward the sheath 902.

[0084] The imaging core 906 may also include a transmitter or antenna 920 and a receiver or rectenna 922. In at least some cases, the antenna 920 may be disposed adjacent to the imaging transmitter / transducer 912. In at least some cases, the rectenna 922 may be disposed adjacent to the rotary motor 918. The antenna / transmitter 920 may be configured to transmit power to the rectenna / receiver 922 to power the rotary motor 918.

[0085] It should be understood that the present invention is in many respects merely illustrative. Changes may be made in details, particularly in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of steps, without exceeding the scope of the present invention. To the extent appropriate, this may include using any of the features of an example embodiment used in other embodiments. Of course, the scope of the present invention is defined by the language of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An intravascular imaging device, comprising: catheter shaft; an imaging core disposed within the catheter shaft, the imaging core comprising a sheath, an imaging emitter / transducer fixed relative to the sheath, a reflector, and a wireless rotary motor coupled to the reflector; an antenna disposed adjacent to the imaging emitter / transducer; as well as A rectifying antenna is disposed adjacent to the wireless rotary motor.

2. The intravascular imaging device of claim 1, wherein the imaging emitter / transducer comprises an ultrasound transducer.

3. An intravascular imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the imaging emitter / transducer comprises an optical coherence tomography emitter.

4. An intravascular imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the imaging transmitter / transducer comprises both an ultrasound transducer and an optical coherence tomography transmitter. 5 . The intravascular imaging apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the rectifying antenna is disposed adjacent to a distal region of the wireless rotary motor. 6 . The intravascular imaging apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the rectifying antenna is disposed adjacent to a proximal region of the wireless rotary motor.

7. The intravascular imaging device of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the reflector comprises an angled surface.

8. The intravascular imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the reflector comprises a curved surface.

9. The intravascular imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the reflector comprises an annular surface.

10. The intravascular imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a guidewire lumen is formed in the imaging core.

11. The intravascular imaging device of claim 10, wherein the guidewire lumen extends through the imaging transmitter / transducer, the wireless rotary motor, or both.

12. The intravascular imaging device of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the imaging emitter / transducer is axially fixed relative to the sheath.

13. The intravascular imaging apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the imaging emitter / transducer is rotationally fixed relative to the sheath.

14. An intravascular imaging device, comprising: catheter shaft; an imaging core disposed within the catheter shaft, the imaging core comprising a sheath, an ultrasound transducer rotationally fixed relative to the sheath, a reflector, and a wireless rotary motor coupled to the reflector; wherein the wireless rotary motor is configured to rotate the reflector relative to the ultrasonic transducer; a transmitter disposed adjacent to the ultrasonic transducer; a receiver disposed adjacent to the wireless rotary motor; and The transmitter is configured to transmit power to the receiver to power the wireless rotary motor.

15. The intravascular imaging apparatus of claim 14, wherein a guidewire lumen is formed in the imaging core; and Wherein the guidewire lumen extends through the imaging emitter / transducer, the wireless rotary motor, or both.

Images