公开(公告)号：EP0591966B1

公开(公告)日：2002-07-31

申请号：EP93116239.0

申请日：1993-10-07

Applicant: ACOUSTIC IMAGING TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

Inventor： Slayton, Michael H., Jr.

IPC: A61B8/12

CPC classification number: A61B8/12 ,  A61B8/4405 ,  A61B8/445

公开(公告)号：EP0591966A1

公开(公告)日：1994-04-13

申请号：EP93116239.0

申请日：1993-10-07

Applicant: ACOUSTIC IMAGING TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

Inventor： Slayton, Michael H., Jr.

IPC: A61B8/12

CPC classification number: A61B8/12 ,  A61B8/4405 ,  A61B8/445

Abstract: An endoluminal ultrasound unit is fitted with a drive by a drive shaft (14) that oscillates to and fro. A flexible catheter sheath (16) is coupled to one end of the drive and oscillates with the drive shaft. The catheter sheath has an axis about which it oscillates. The diameter is such that it can be inserted in a human blood vessel. An ultrasonic transducer (18) is attached to the other end of the catheter sheath and oscillates with the latter. The transducer is provided with an array (28) of separate, axis-parallel elements and thus forms a beam rotating at right angles to the axis. The transducer elements are controlled by an electronic system located in the vicinity of the drive. The electrical connection of the transducer and electronic system is effected via lines (24, 36) extending through the catheter sheath. The electronic system comprises an electronic beam focussing (56) for improvement of the axial resolution.

Abstract translation: 腔内超声单元通过来回摆动的驱动轴（14）装配有驱动器。 柔性导管护套（16）联接到驱动器的一端并与驱动轴振荡。 导管鞘具有围绕其摆动的轴。 直径使得其可以插入人血管中。 超声波换能器（18）连接到导管护套的另一端并与后者振荡。 换能器设置有分离的轴平行元件的阵列（28），并因此形成与轴成直角旋转的光束。 传感器元件由位于驱动器附近的电子系统控制。 换能器和电子系统的电连接通过延伸穿过导管护套的线（24,36）实现。 电子系统包括用于改善轴向分辨率的电子束聚焦（56）。