| 摘要 |
<p>The invention provides an ultrasound transducer assembly which comprises an ultrasound transducer array including a set of ultrasound transducer elements, and a substrate layer comprising a pliable sheet material formed into a substantially cylindrical shape; the substrate layer providing a platform to which the ultrasound transducer elements are fixed. The substantially cylindrical-shaped substrate layer can be at least partially filled with a backing material, or the substrate layer can be bonded to a substantially cylindrical backing material. The ultrasonic transducer probe assembly is mountable to a distal end of a catheter, for providing images within a vascular system. Similarly, in accordance with this invention, a method of making an ultrasound transducer assembly includes the steps of manufacturing a planar sheet comprising a set of ultrasound transducer elements and a substrate, and reshaping the planar sheet into a substantially cylindrical shape. The cylindrical shape is partially filled with a backing material, or the planar sheet is bonded to a substantially cylindrical backing material. Thus, a method of making an imaging catheter can comprise the steps of forming a catheter shaft and attaching such an ultrasound transducer assembly to the catheter shaft.</p> |
