Multi-Material Support Member for Intravascular Ultrasound
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) devices face limitations in mechanical and acoustic performance due to the manufacturing techniques available for metals, which restrict geometric configurations and do not effectively scatter or attenuate ultrasound waves.
Innovation Solution
The use of a multiple material support member or chassis in the IVUS catheter, comprising a metallic hollow inner member combined with polymer features over molded or coupled to the inner member, allowing for varied geometrical configurations and improved mechanical and acoustic performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional metal support members are used in IVUS devices, then structural support and rigidity are provided, but geometric configuration is limited and acoustic performance is poor due to inability to effectively scatter or attenuate ultrasound waves
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is constructed as a composite structure combining metal and polymer materials. The metal core provides structural strength and rigidity, while the polymer coating or integrated polymer features provide enhanced geometric flexibility, acoustic attenuation properties, and manufacturing adaptability. This composite approach allows the device to achieve both mechanical support and improved acoustic performance that cannot be obtained with conventional single-material metal support members.
2Strength
If conventional metal support members are used in IVUS devices, then structural support is provided, but acoustic performance deteriorates due to inability to effectively scatter or attenuate ultrasound waves
Solution Approach 1:
The metal-polymer composite construction leverages the complementary properties of both materials: metal provides structural integrity while polymer provides acoustic attenuation. The polymer material effectively scatters and attenuates ultrasound waves, improving image quality by reducing acoustic noise and enhancing contrast, thereby resolving the acoustic performance limitation of conventional metal support members.
3Reliability
If multiple materials are combined in the support member, then mechanical and acoustic performance are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the metal core and polymer features into an integrated composite support member structure. Rather than assembling separate metal and polymer components, the design combines them into a unified structure where the polymer is either coated onto or integrated with the metal core, reducing the number of discrete parts and simplifying assembly while maintaining the performance benefits of multiple materials.
Data Source
AI summary
An intravascular imaging probe including a multiple material support member or chassis, and associated devices, systems, and methods are provided. According to one embodiment, an intraluminal ultrasound imaging catheter includes a flexible elongate member configured to be positioned within a body lumen of a patient, a support member coupled to a distal portion of the flexible elongate member, and an ultrasound scanner assembly positioned around the support member. The support member includes a hollow inner member comprising a first material, and a first annular member positioned around a perimeter of the hollow inner member at a proximal portion of the hollow inner member. The first annular member extends radially outward from the hollow inner member and includes a second material that is different from the first material.