Patent ID: 8092391
Filing Date: 2012-01-10
Classification: A61B,A61M,G10K

Abstract:
1. An ultrasonic imaging catheter apparatus comprising: a flexible elongate body adapted for insertion into a body lumen, the elongate body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a longitudinal central axis; an ultrasonic transducer disposed proximate said distal end of said elongate body, said ultrasonic transducer generating and detecting ultrasonic energy; a reflective member disposed proximate said distal end of said elongate body, said reflective member being adapted to reflect (a) ultrasonic energy generated by said ultrasonic transducer to a wall of said body lumen and (b) ultrasonic energy reflected by said wall back to said transducer; and at least one actuator in mechanical communication with said reflective member, said at least one actuator being adapted to tilt said reflective member with respect to said longitudinal central axis of said flexible elongate body, wherein the at least one actuator is selected from a piezoelectric activator, a shape memory activator or an electroactive polymer actuator that expands or contracts.