Mechanical scanning ultrasound transducer with micromotor

摘要

A system for use with ultrasound procedures including an ultrasound control and/or imaging system which has a microminiature motor, a rotatable reflector and a stationary ultrasound transducer. The transducer may be placed between the motor and the reflector, so as to eliminate the need for placement of wires or other artifact-creating items in the path of ultrasound signals. In particular embodiments, such systems can be incorporated in or retrofitted to commercially standard diagnostic and therapeutic catheters or other housings. Examples can be used in variety of ultrasound procedures, e.g. to perform intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging.

主权项

1. A system for use with ultrasound procedures comprising:
a transducer connected to a support for maintaining the transducer in position, the transducer adapted to emit and/or receive ultrasound signals substantially along an axis; a microminiature motor connected to a shaft and configured to rotate the shaft about the axis; a reflector connected to the shaft, the reflector positioned with respect to the transducer to reflect the ultrasound signals in a direction non-parallel to the axis, wherein at least the reflector is in a housing, and wherein no echogenic material is both within the housing and within the path of the ultrasound signals; and wherein the shaft and support are positioned concentrically and at least a part of the support is positioned concentrically inward relative to the microminiature motor, so that the shaft is rotatable relative to the support about the axis.