A method to fabricate a catheter tip that encapsulates a mechanically actuated ultrasound transducer assembly is provided. In a representative procedure, the steps include providing an ultrasound transducer assembly (100) adapted for use with a catheter (300), the ultrasound transducer assembly (100) comprising a proximal end (102) and a distal end (104), a drive linkage (132) to an actuator (130), and a transducer array (110), the transducer array (110) electrically connected to an interconnect (120) adapted for passage to or through a body of the catheter (300), connecting the actuator (130), adapted for use with the ultrasound transducer assembly (100), to the drive linkage (132); and inserting the ultrasound transducer assembly (100) and the actuator (132) into a polymer or a plastic type or reinforced polymer sheath (140) comprising an acoustically transparent section, a closed end (142) at its distal end and an open end (144) at its proximal end, wherein the polymer sheath (140) provides a defined rigidity.