SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MINIMALLY-INVASIVE OPTICAL-ACOUSTIC IMAGING

摘要

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system and method for minimally-invasive optical-acoustic imaging in which a piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer is integrated with a guide wire.

SOLUTION: At or near a 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 ultrasonic waves are sensed by an FBG sensor. A responsive signal is optically communicated to the proximal end of the guide wire and processed to develop a two-dimensional or three-dimensional image. Techniques for improving ultrasonic generating transducer include using the blazed FBG and designing the thickness of the photoacoustic material to enhance optical absorption. Techniques for distinguishing plaque or vulnerable plaque may be used to enhance a displayed image.

COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT