Acoustic waveguide for the detection and characterization of obstructions in liquid-filled tubes

摘要

The present invention provides an acoustic waveguide for determining and continuously monitoring the degree, location and type of obstructions in liquid-filled tubes or catheters using acoustic waves. The tube's wall has an intermediate layer positioned between a tube outer wall and a tube inner wall of the tubea and the intermediate layer is made of a material having a difference in acoustic impedance of at least one order of magnitude with respect to that of the liquid present in or outside the waveguide reducing or eliminating the amount of acoustic energy that radiates through the tube.

主权项

1. An acoustic waveguide comprising:
a pipe filled with a liquid having an outer wall and a separate inner wall concentric and coaxial with said outer wall; a dividing support positioned between said outer wall and said separate inner wall; an intermediate layer positioned between said outer wall and said inner wall effectively separating said outer wall from said inner wall, wherein said intermediate layer comprises a material having a difference in acoustic impedance of at least one order of magnitude with respect to that of the liquid present in the pipe.