Patent ID: 6110121
Filing Date: 2000-08-29
Classification: A61B,G01S

Abstract:
An imaging device for emitting ultrasonic waves and providing an image in response to detection of reflections of said acoustic waves, said imaging device comprising:an axially elongate structure adapted for insertion into a body lumen or cavity;an array of outwardly directed transmitting transducer elements mounted to said structure for electrically generating a plurality of output ultrasonic acoustic waves;an actuator operably connected to said structure for rotationally vibrating said array of transducer elements;said actuator being functional to rotationally vibrate the array to intermediate radial scan positions with respect to an initial imaging position, said rotational vibration being relative to a proximal region of said elongate structure;a cable connecting said structure to an environment external of said lumen and including at least one signal channel for transporting electrical signals;at least one receiving transducer mounted on said structure and proximate to said array of transmitting transducer elements for receiving reflections of said output ultrasonic acoustic waves from said array of transducer elements and converting said reflection ultrasonic acoustic waves to reflection electrical signals that may be transmitted along at least one of said signal channels in said cable;a processor responsive to said reflection electrical signals from said cable for providing imaging data from said reflection electrical signals; anda display responsive to said imaging data for providing a visual image of said body lumen or cavity and its surrounding structure.