CONTROLLED ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCER AND IMAGING TECHNOLOGIES

Abstract

A described ultrasound imaging device may include an actuated transducer that can be moved into alignment with the patient's tissue. An example device comprises a distal housing containing an ultrasound transducer and an actuating mechanism. In one example, the actuating mechanism is configured to transition from an unactuated state, in which the transducer is flush with the housing, to an actuated state, in which the transducer protrudes outward to make contact with intraluminal tissue. Various actuating mechanisms are disclosed, including piezoelectric actuators, inflatable actuators, and mechanical actuators. Methods for using the device include insertion into a lumen, advancement to target tissue, actuation of the mechanism to achieve transducer alignment, and generation of ultrasound images.The actuator can be controlled based on an analysis of the ultrasound output to optimize image quality. Actuating the actuator can move the transducer or a distal end of the imaging device.