Medical diagnostic ultrasound catheter with first and second tip portions
US6589182B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 12, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jul 8, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 14, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B8/4483
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The preferred embodiments described herein provide a medical diagnostic ultrasound catheter with a tip portion carrying an ultrasound transducer. The tip portion comprises a first portion that is in the acoustic path of the ultrasound transducer, and a second portion that is outside the acoustic path of the ultrasound transducer. The first and second portions comprise different acoustic and mechanical properties. For example, the mechanical properties of the second portion can give the catheter tip sufficient durability to withstand normal use without bowing, while the acoustic properties of the first portion can give the catheter tip desired acoustic properties. This may be especially important for small diameter catheters (e.g., maximum cross-sectional dimensions less than or equal to about 10 French or 8 French) where the stiffness of the catheter tip is reduced.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.