Intravascular ultrasound techniques
US8454520B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 11, 2005 |
| Grant date | Jun 4, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 4, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B8/06
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Intravascular ultrasound techniques provide for intravascular imaging using contrast agents and nonlinear techniques. An ultrasound imaging device for detecting internal properties of a target body comprises an ultrasound transducer positioned at a distal end portion of a catheter, for transmitting excitation pulses and for receiving echo signals. A signal processor analyses echo signals at harmonics and/or subharmonics of the transmit frequency. The catheter may include a contrast agent delivery conduit extending along the catheter, the delivery conduit having an exit orifice proximal to the ultrasound transducer. The device may discriminate between echo signals respectively arising from interaction with tissue and from the interaction with contrast agent. The device may generate an image of the site of interest using non-linear components of the received ultrasound echo signals.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.