Ultrasound array transducer for catheter use
US6709396B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 17, 2002 |
| Grant date | Mar 23, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 17, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/42
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A catheter-based ultrasonic transducer array is provided which includes a piezoelectric member sandwiched between matching layers and a backing member. A flexible stiffening element or elements is embedded in the backing member. The element is opaque to radio frequencies and integrated along the azimuthal axis of the array so as to enable a user to view the element in an image of the array derived from the array output and thus determine the angular position of the array. A flexible interconnection assembly provides an electrical connection between the electrodes of the piezoelectric member and external cabling. Different methods are provided for adding a surrounding protective cover to the array.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.