Method and apparatus for curvature detection in vessels from phase shifts of a plurality of input electrical signals

摘要

An ultrasound imaging apparatus for measuring the curvature of a vessel consisting of a distal transducer mounted on a transducer supporting device. A resilient deformable material is attached to the transducer supporting device and allows the angular orientation of the transducer to change based on the local vessel curvature. The ultrasound imaging apparatus emits ultrasound radiation from multiple pulsed electronic signals as the apparatus is moved through a vessel or sheath catheter at a known velocity. The distal transducer receives the scattered ultrasound radiation and differences in the phase shifts of the scattered ultrasound radiation are analyzed to detect or measure curvature.