Ultrasonic transducer array around a flexible tube

Abstract

Abstract A tubular probe carries round its circumference a transducer arrangement 3 of ultrasonic transducer segments T1-T12 capable of transmitting ultrasonic pulses and receiving echoes. The transducer segments are connected to a multiplexer/demultiplexer and to an image processor device. The probe may be in the form of a catheter for use within blood vessels or it may be used inside pipes. In other arrangements, the transducer segments may be formed by a toroid of piezoelectric material with inner and outer electrodes or by a solid annulus of such material scored along lines parallel to the tube axis. The probe may be combined with another ultrasonic transducer powerful enough to destroy plaque within an artery. <IMAGE>

Inventors

• 👤 Martin Terry Rothman
• 👤 Keith Straughan
• 👤 Richard Ian Kitney

Bibliographic Details