Patent ID: 6228032
Filing Date: 2001-05-08
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
An ultrasonic transducer comprising:an elongated catheter comprising a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, wherein the maximum cross-sectional dimension of the distal end portion is less than 8 mm;a phased array of ultrasonic transducer elements carried by the catheter adjacent the distal end portion, said phased array firing asymmetrically with respect to a longitudinal axis of the catheter adjacent the distal end portion;a first set of steering lines carried by the catheter and coupled to the catheter near the distal end portion, said first set of steering lines effective to steer the distal end portion in a first plane; anda second set of steering lines carried by the catheter and coupled to the catheter near the distal end portion, said second set of steering lines effective to steer the distal end in a second plane, different than the first plane.