IMPROVED CONNECTOR FOR COUPLING AN ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCER TO AN ULTRASOUND CATHETER

摘要

A connector (14) for attaching an ultrasound transducer (12) to an ultrasound catheter (10) has a support member formed on the ultrasound transducer for supporting at least a portion of a catheter coupling (16) which is disposed at the proximal end of ultrasound catheter. The support member preferably comprises a collar (50) slideably disposed upon the ultrasound transducer so as to move from a non-supporting position wherein the collar is disposed adjacent the catheter coupling to a supporting position wherein the collar is disposed around and engages the catheter coupling. Supporting at least a portion of the catheter coupling mitigates the occurrence of ultrasound transmission member breakage by reducing mechanical stress applied to the proximal end thereof.