Systems and methods for minimally-invasive optical-acoustic imaging
US7660492B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 3, 2008 |
| Grant date | Feb 9, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 3, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B8/0833
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An imaging guidewire can include one or more optical fibers communicating light along the guidewire. At or near its distal end, one or more blazed or other fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) directs light to a photoacoustic transducer material that provides ultrasonic imaging energy. Returned ultrasound is sensed by an FBG sensor. A responsive signal is optically communicated to the proximal end of the guidewire, and processed to develop a 2D or 3D image. In one example, the guidewire outer diameter is small enough such that an intravascular catheter can be passed over the guidewire. Techniques for improving ultrasound reception include using a high compliance material, resonating the ultrasound sensing transducer, using an attenuation-reducing coating and/or thickness, and/or using optical wavelength discrimination. Techniques for improving the ultrasound generating transducer include using a blazed FBG, designing the photoacoustic material thickness to enhance optical absorption. Techniques for distinguishing plaque or vulnerable plaque may be used to enhance the displayed image.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.