ACOUSTIC IMAGING CATHETER AND METHOD OF OPERATION

摘要

An acoustical imaging catheter adapted to be used with a drive and control system wherein the system can be automatically advised to compensate for different characteristics of different acoustical imaging catheters used on the drive and control system. The catheter includes an elongated sheath (12) having a proximal end (7) and a distal end. A lumen is disposed within the sheath (12). A drive shaft (18) has an acoustic transducer disposed on the distal end thereof. The drive shaft and the transducer are disposed in the lumen of the sheath. An indicia bearing surface (2) is disposed on the sheath (12). The indicia bearing surface (2) is encoded with identification and characteristics especially related to the catheter and transducer. The indicia bearing surface is adapted to be read by a sensor associated with the control system to enable the control system to compensate for the identification and characteristics of the catheter being used.