Patent ID: 8647281
Filing Date: 2014-02-11
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An imaging assembly for an intravascular ultrasound system, the imaging assembly comprising: a catheter having a longitudinal length, a distal end, and a proximal end, the catheter defining a lumen extending along the longitudinal length of the catheter from the proximal end to the distal end, the catheter configured and arranged for insertion into the vasculature of a patient; an imaging core with a longitudinal length that is substantially less than the longitudinal length of the catheter, the imaging core configured and arranged for being disposed in the lumen and also for extending out from the distal end of the catheter, the imaging core comprising at least one transducer conductor electrically coupled to the at least one transducer, a portion of the at least one transducer conductor oriented within the tubular shaft, the at least one transducer conductor configured and arranged to extend out from the body and into the lumen of the catheter when the imaging core is extended from the catheter; wherein the imaging core is attached to the imaging assembly only by a tether that extends proximally from the imaging core, the tether comprising said at least one transducer conductor.