Patent ID: 7524289

Claim:
An imaging device for emitting ultrasonic acoustic waves and providing a useable 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; a first actuator operably connected to said structure for rotationally vibrating said array of transducer elements circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the axially elongate structure, wherein the first actuator is affixed to said structure proximate the distal end of the structure; a second actuator operably connected to said structure for rotationally vibrating said array of transducer elements around an offset axis, the offset axis offset from the longitudinal axis of the axially elongate structure, wherein the second actuator is affixed to said structure proximate the distal end of the 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 are 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; a display responsive to said imaging data for providing a visual image of said body lumen or cavity and its surrounding structure; and an element disposed at the distal tip of the axially elongate structure, adapted for performing endovascular medical intervention; wherein the first actuator or the second actuator comprise a ligament, which expands or contracts its length.