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WO2025111572A1 - Appareils, procédés et systèmes destinés à la formation de faisceau dynamique de réseau à semi-conducteurs circonférentiel pour échographie endovasculaire et méthodes d'utilisation - Google Patents

Appareils, procédés et systèmes destinés à la formation de faisceau dynamique de réseau à semi-conducteurs circonférentiel pour échographie endovasculaire et méthodes d'utilisation Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2025111572A1
WO2025111572A1 PCT/US2024/057143 US2024057143W WO2025111572A1 WO 2025111572 A1 WO2025111572 A1 WO 2025111572A1 US 2024057143 W US2024057143 W US 2024057143W WO 2025111572 A1 WO2025111572 A1 WO 2025111572A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
ultrasonic transducer
transducer elements
controllers
activation
controller
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/US2024/057143
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English (en)
Inventor
Randall D. HAMLIN
Anthony M. GADES
Tommy BRODT
Emily Chen
Shawn SPRETKE
Danny HAYMAN
Paul SANDS
Jessica CRESPO
Marcus ZOZULENKO
Miguel Rendon
Scott Cameron MCLEOD
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Inari Medical Inc
Original Assignee
Inari Medical Inc
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Publication date
Application filed by Inari Medical Inc filed Critical Inari Medical Inc
Publication of WO2025111572A1 publication Critical patent/WO2025111572A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B8/00—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
    • A61B8/12—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves in body cavities or body tracts, e.g. by using catheters
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B8/00—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
    • A61B8/08—Clinical applications
    • A61B8/0891—Clinical applications for diagnosis of blood vessels
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B8/00—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
    • A61B8/44—Constructional features of the ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic diagnostic device
    • A61B8/4444—Constructional features of the ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic diagnostic device related to the probe
    • A61B8/445—Details of catheter construction
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B8/00—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
    • A61B8/54—Control of the diagnostic device
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S15/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of acoustic waves, e.g. sonar systems
    • G01S15/88—Sonar systems specially adapted for specific applications
    • G01S15/89—Sonar systems specially adapted for specific applications for mapping or imaging
    • G01S15/8906—Short-range imaging systems; Acoustic microscope systems using pulse-echo techniques
    • G01S15/8909—Short-range imaging systems; Acoustic microscope systems using pulse-echo techniques using a static transducer configuration
    • G01S15/8915—Short-range imaging systems; Acoustic microscope systems using pulse-echo techniques using a static transducer configuration using a transducer array
    • G01S15/892—Short-range imaging systems; Acoustic microscope systems using pulse-echo techniques using a static transducer configuration using a transducer array the array being curvilinear
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S15/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of acoustic waves, e.g. sonar systems
    • G01S15/88—Sonar systems specially adapted for specific applications
    • G01S15/89—Sonar systems specially adapted for specific applications for mapping or imaging
    • G01S15/8906—Short-range imaging systems; Acoustic microscope systems using pulse-echo techniques
    • G01S15/8909—Short-range imaging systems; Acoustic microscope systems using pulse-echo techniques using a static transducer configuration
    • G01S15/8915—Short-range imaging systems; Acoustic microscope systems using pulse-echo techniques using a static transducer configuration using a transducer array
    • G01S15/8927—Short-range imaging systems; Acoustic microscope systems using pulse-echo techniques using a static transducer configuration using a transducer array using simultaneously or sequentially two or more subarrays or subapertures
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S7/00—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00
    • G01S7/52—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00 of systems according to group G01S15/00
    • G01S7/52017—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00 of systems according to group G01S15/00 particularly adapted to short-range imaging
    • G01S7/52079—Constructional features
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B6/00—Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis; Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment
    • A61B6/12—Arrangements for detecting or locating foreign bodies
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B8/00—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
    • A61B8/44—Constructional features of the ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic diagnostic device
    • A61B8/4483—Constructional features of the ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic diagnostic device characterised by features of the ultrasound transducer
    • A61B8/4488—Constructional features of the ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic diagnostic device characterised by features of the ultrasound transducer the transducer being a phased array

Definitions

  • the present invention in general, relates to intravascular ultrasound imaging, and more particularly, relates to apparatuses, methods and systems for intravascular ultrasound circumferential solid-state array dynamic beamforming and methods of using the apparatuses and systems in human or veterinary subjects.
  • IVUS Intravascular ultrasound
  • An IVUS catheter which includes one or more ultrasonic transducers (also referred to equivalently herein as ultrasound transducers) which emit and receive ultrasonic energy, is inserted into the vessel of interest and guided to the region to be imaged.
  • ultrasonic transducers also referred to equivalently herein as ultrasound transducers
  • the ultrasonic waves are reflected, to varying degrees and at varying depths, by discontinuities in the tissue structure and density, blood cells, and other anatomical and physiological features.
  • the reflected ultrasonic waves are, in turn, received by one or more of the ultrasonic transducers and converted into electrical signals which, in turn, are provided to an IVUS imaging system.
  • the IVUS imaging system processes the received signals to produce an image, such as a cross-sectional image of the vasculature in the region where the IVUS has been placed. These images are then used to determine the vessel anatomy, the existence or extent of disease such as clot or other obstruction formation, and to measure the dimensions of the vessel area and degree of stenosis, for example and without limitation.
  • one architecture includes a mechanical, 360-degree rotational single ultrasonic transducer element or a multiple ultrasonic transducer element unit.
  • the mechanical rotation of a single large element or group of elements relies solely on a fixed geometric focus to determine the focal zone of highest resolution, and cannot be dynamically changed.
  • Another architecture includes a solid-state array made up of multiple ultrasonic transducer (e.g., piezoelectric zirconate transducer (“PZT”)) elements arranged in a circumferential manner.
  • PZT piezoelectric zirconate transducer
  • These previous solid-state circumferential array architectures transmit ultrasound energy either using only one ultrasonic transducer element at a time or using only one collective group of ultrasonic transducer element at a time.
  • the beam pattern (focus) transmitted by this single-element or single group of elements like the rotational devices, is dictated by the mechanical geometry of the elements and cannot be dynamically controlled.
  • the insonification beam pattern of a single small element is diffuse and has little focus. This results in comparatively low imaging resolution, with no capability to produce a higher resolution focal zone.
  • FIG. 1 shows the radiated beam pattern for a single ultrasonic transducer element, illustrating that the ultrasonic energy is diffuse and comparatively poorly focused.
  • an IVUS catheter apparatus, method, and system which provides dynamic and user-selectable and/or user-programmable focusing of the ultrasonic beam.
  • Such an IVUS catheter apparatus, method, and system should provide for lateral control of the transmitted ultrasonic energy and control of the intensity of the sonification pattern.
  • Such an IVUS catheter apparatus also should have a comparatively small form factor with a comparatively reduced diameter, and sufficient flexibility for access to desired locations with the vasculature, such as insertion into and around sharp bends in vessels, among other features.
  • Various representative embodiments provide an IVUS catheter apparatus (or more simply, an IVUS catheter), method and system for solid state intravascular ultrasound catheterization that enables not only use of modem ultrasound imaging techniques, but also enables high spatial and temporal resolution imaging with greater dynamic range and more flexible imaging modes.
  • Representative embodiments provide dynamic and user- selectable (and/or user-programmable) focusing of the ultrasonic beam, including lateral control of the transmitted ultrasonic energy and control of the intensity of the sonification pattern, and also including user selection of the penetration depth (also referred to as the field of view, e.g.
  • an IVUS catheter also have a comparatively small form factor with a comparatively reduced diameter, and further have sufficient flexibility for access to desired locations with the vasculature, such as insertion into and around sharp bends in vessels, among other features.
  • the representative embodiments further provide arbitrary transmit focusing, using selectable, active sub-apertures and selectable delay profiles.
  • the representative embodiments include the capability to use multiple transmit foci to create a single composite scanline with a greater focus depth of field.
  • real time receive sub-apertures provide for individual scanlines in a single transmit/receive event. This increases imaging frame rate compared to current synthetic aperture techniques and improves the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and improves the dynamic range for greater image penetration depth.
  • SNR signal-to-noise ratio
  • the representative embodiments further provide arbitrary scanline positioning, which further enables creating high density scanlines for improved lateral resolution and far- field resolution. This also serves to reduce the geometric impact of beam spreading in a very tightly-curved array.
  • the representative embodiments further provide an IVUS system that enables both traditional geometric delay beamforming as well as synthetic reconstruction.
  • the representative embodiments further provide the capability to electronically steer the ultrasonic transmit and receive sequence, to enable imaging modes such as phased array imaging or spatial compounding, for example and without limitation.
  • ultrasonic transducer and ultrasonic transducer element should be understood to mean and include an ultrasound transducer or ultrasound transducer element, and vice-versa.
  • ultrasonic transducer controller should be understood to mean and include an ultrasound transducer controller, and vice-versa.
  • an intravascular ultrasound catheter apparatus may comprise: an elongated housing having a first, distal end and a second, proximal end, the elongated housing having a first, outer lumen; a circumferential array of a plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements arranged distally around the elongated housing; and a plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers distributed and spaced apart within the elongated housing, each ultrasonic transducer controller, of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers, coupled to a corresponding subset of ultrasonic transducer elements, of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements, and each ultrasonic transducer controller, of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers, configured to activate one or more ultrasonic transducer elements of the corresponding subset of ultrasonic
  • the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers may be distributed and spaced apart circumferentially within the elongated housing and adjacent the circumferential array of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements.
  • the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers may be distributed and spaced apart circumferentially within the elongated housing and arranged spaced apart longitudinally from the circumferential array of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements.
  • an intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) catheter apparatus may comprise: an elongated housing having a first, distal end and a second, proximal end, the elongated housing having a first, outer lumen; a circumferential array of a plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements arranged distally around the elongated housing; and a plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers distributed and spaced apart circumferentially within the elongated housing and adjacent the circumferential array of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements, each ultrasonic transducer controller, of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers, coupled to a corresponding subset of ultrasonic transducer elements, of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements, and each ultrasonic transducer controller, of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers, configured to activate one or more ultrasonic transducer elements of the corresponding subset of ultrasonic transducer elements to generate a focused ultra
  • an IVUS catheter may further comprise: a tubular inner wall arranged within the first, outer lumen, the tubular inner wall having a second, inner lumen configured to slidably engage with a catheter guidewire.
  • an IVUS catheter may further comprise: a plurality of radiopaque markers arranged and coupled to an outer surface of the tubular inner wall, each radiopaque marker, of the plurality of radiopaque markers, having a predetermined size, and each radiopaque marker, of the plurality of radiopaque markers, spaced apart longitudinally from an adjacent radiopaque marker, of the plurality of radiopaque markers, by a predetermined distance.
  • the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers are further configured to activate the one or more ultrasonic transducer elements of the corresponding subset of ultrasonic transducer elements to generate the focused ultrasonic beam having a user-selectable (and/or user-programmable) focal point, focal distance or focal length and a user-selectable or user-programmable scan line center.
  • each ultrasonic transducer controller, of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers is further configured to activate the one or more ultrasonic transducer elements, of the corresponding subset of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements, within a selected sub-aperture of a plurality of sub-apertures of the ultrasonic transducer assembly.
  • each ultrasonic transducer controller, of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers is further configured to activate the one or more ultrasonic transducer elements, of the corresponding subset of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements, within a selected sub-aperture of a plurality of subapertures of the ultrasonic transducer assembly, wherein each sub-aperture, of the plurality of sub-apertures, comprises a predetermined number of serially or sequentially adjacent ultrasonic transducer elements of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements.
  • each sub-aperture, of the plurality of sub-apertures is offset from an adjacent sub-aperture, of the plurality of sub-apertures, by one ultrasonic transducer element of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements.
  • the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers are further configured to activate the one or more ultrasonic transducer elements of the selected sub-aperture, followed by activating one or more ultrasonic transducer elements of a next adjacent sub-aperture, sequentially for all sub-apertures of the plurality of sub-apertures, to successively generate a series of focused ultrasonic beams around the entire circumferential array of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements.
  • each sub-aperture, of the plurality of sub-apertures comprises a predetermined number of adjacent ultrasonic transducer elements of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements.
  • each ultrasonic transducer controller, of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers is further configured to simultaneously and symmetrically activate a plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements, of the corresponding subset of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements, within the selected subaperture of the plurality of sub-apertures of the ultrasonic transducer assembly.
  • each ultrasonic transducer controller, of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers is further configured to activate the one or more ultrasonic transducer elements, of the corresponding subset of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements, according to a selected predetermined activation pattern of a plurality of predetermined activation patterns.
  • each predetermined activation pattern, of the plurality of predetermined activation patterns comprises: a selection of ultrasonic transducer elements for activation, from the corresponding subset of ultrasonic transducer elements.
  • each ultrasonic transducer controller, of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers comprises one or more memory circuits or registers, and wherein each ultrasonic transducer controller, of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers, is further configured to store the plurality of predetermined activation patterns in the one or more memory circuits or registers.
  • each ultrasonic transducer controller, of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers is further configured to activate the one or more ultrasonic transducer elements, of the corresponding subset of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements, by switching an activation signal or voltage to the one or more ultrasonic transducer elements.
  • each ultrasonic transducer controller of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers, comprises: a plurality of switches, each switch of the plurality of switches coupled to a selected ultrasonic transducer element of the corresponding subset of ultrasonic transducer elements; and one or more registers or memory circuits configured to store the plurality of predetermined activation patterns.
  • each ultrasonic transducer controller of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers, comprises: a crosspoint switch matrix circuit coupled to the corresponding subset of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements, the crosspoint switch matrix comprising a plurality of analog switches, each analog switch of the plurality of analog switches coupled to a selected ultrasonic transducer element of the corresponding subset of ultrasonic transducer elements; and one or more registers or memory circuits configured to store the plurality of predetermined activation patterns.
  • each ultrasonic transducer controller of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers, further comprises: an activation pattern selection logic circuit configured to select the selected predetermined activation pattern from the one or more registers or memory circuits; and a switch decoder circuit configured to select one or more analog switches of the plurality of analog switches in response to the selected predetermined activation pattern.
  • each analog switch of the plurality of analog switches, comprises a transmission gate configured, when in an on state, to conduct an activation signal or voltage to the selected ultrasonic transducer element of the corresponding subset of ultrasonic transducer elements.
  • each ultrasonic transducer controller of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers, is configured to respond to a command to simultaneously or concurrently switch, to an on and conducting state, a subset of analog switches of the plurality of analog switches, the subset of analog switches corresponding to a selected predetermined activation pattern of the plurality of predetermined activation patterns.
  • a representative method of operating the intravascular ultrasound catheter apparatus comprising: using a selected ultrasonic transducer controller, of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers, receiving a selection of an activation pattern, of the plurality of predetermined activation patterns; using the selected ultrasonic transducer controller, receiving an on command; in response to the on command, using the selected ultrasonic transducer controller, simultaneously or concurrently switching, to an on and conducting state, a subset of analog switches of the plurality of analog switches, the subset of analog switches corresponding to the selected activation pattern; and using the selected ultrasonic transducer controller, receiving one or more activation signals or voltages and transmitting the received one or more activation signals or voltages through the subset of analog switches to the selection of ultrasonic transducer elements of the selected activation pattern.
  • a representative method of operating the intravascular ultrasound catheter may further comprise: using the selected ultrasonic transducer controller, receiving an off command; and in response to the off command, using the selected ultrasonic transducer controller, simultaneously or concurrently switching, to an off and nonconducting state, the subset of analog switches of the plurality of analog switches, the subset of analog switches corresponding to the selected activation pattern.
  • an IVUS catheter may further comprise: a catheter control connector arranged proximally within the elongated housing and coupled to the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers; a plurality of analog transmit and receive coaxial wires or lines coupled between the catheter control connector and the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers; a plurality of supply voltage lines or wires coupled between the catheter control connector and the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers; and a plurality of digital logic lines or wires coupled between the catheter control connector and the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers.
  • the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements comprises at least forty to eighty ultrasonic transducer elements
  • the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers comprises at least four to six ultrasonic transducer controllers
  • the plurality of analog transmit and receive coaxial wires or lines comprises four or fewer analog transmit and receive coaxial wires or lines
  • the plurality of supply voltage lines or wires comprises four or fewer supply voltage lines or wires
  • the plurality of digital logic lines or wires comprises four or fewer digital logic lines or wires.
  • each ultrasonic transducer controller, of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers is coupled in series with the corresponding subset of ultrasonic transducer elements.
  • each ultrasonic transducer controller, of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers is operable independently from each of the other ultrasonic transducer controllers of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers.
  • each ultrasonic transducer controller, of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers is coupled in series with the corresponding subset of ultrasonic transducer elements; each ultrasonic transducer controller, of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers, is coupled in parallel with all other ultrasonic transducer controllers, of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers; and each ultrasonic transducer controller, of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers, is operable independently from each of the other ultrasonic transducer controllers of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers.
  • each corresponding subset of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements comprises a plurality of serially or sequentially adjacent ultrasonic transducer elements.
  • an intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) system may comprise: an IVUS console comprising: a processor configured to generate a plurality of activation signals and a plurality of addressable commands; a host communication interface coupled to the processor, the host communication interface configured to transmit the plurality of activation signals and the plurality of addressable commands; an image display coupled to the processor; and a first memory circuit coupled to the processor; a patient interface ultrasound module coupleable to the host communication interface; and an IVUS catheter removably coupleable to the patient interface ultrasound module, the IVUS catheter comprising: an elongated housing having a first, distal end and a second, proximal end, the elongated housing having a first, outer lumen; a circumferential array of a plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements arranged distally around the elongated housing; and a plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers distributed and spaced apart circumferentially within the elongated housing and adjacent the circumferential array of the
  • the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers are further configured to switch the one or more activation signals to the one or more ultrasonic transducer elements to generate the focused ultrasonic beam having a user-selectable (and/or user-programmable) focal point, focal distance or focal length and a user-selectable or user-programmable scan line center.
  • each ultrasonic transducer controller, of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers is further configured to switch the one or more activation signals to the corresponding subset of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements, within a selected sub-aperture of a plurality of sub-apertures of the ultrasonic transducer assembly.
  • each sub-aperture, of the plurality of sub-apertures is offset from an adjacent sub-aperture, of the plurality of sub-apertures, by one ultrasonic transducer element of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements.
  • the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers are further configured to switch the one or more activation signals to one or more ultrasonic transducer elements of the selected sub-aperture, followed by switching the one or more activation signals to one or more ultrasonic transducer elements of a next sub-aperture, sequentially for all sub-apertures of the plurality of sub-apertures, to successively generate a series of focused ultrasonic beams around the entire circumferential array of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements.
  • each sub-aperture, of the plurality of sub-apertures comprises a predetermined number of adjacent ultrasonic transducer elements of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements.
  • each ultrasonic transducer controller, of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers is further configured to activate the one or more ultrasonic transducer elements, of the corresponding subset of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements, within a selected subaperture of a plurality of sub-apertures of the ultrasonic transducer assembly, wherein each subaperture, of the plurality of sub-apertures, comprises a predetermined number of serially or sequentially adjacent ultrasonic transducer elements of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements.
  • each ultrasonic transducer controller, of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers is further configured to simultaneously and symmetrically switch or conduct the one or more activation signals to the one or more ultrasonic transducer elements of the corresponding subset of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements, within the selected sub-aperture of the plurality of sub-apertures of the ultrasonic transducer assembly.
  • each ultrasonic transducer controller of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers, is further configured to switch or conduct the one or more activation signals to the one or more ultrasonic transducer elements, of the corresponding subset of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements, according to a selected predetermined activation pattern of a plurality of predetermined activation patterns.
  • each predetermined activation pattern, of the plurality of predetermined activation patterns comprises: a selection of ultrasonic transducer elements for activation, from the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements; an ordering of the selected ultrasonic transducer elements for activation; and a plurality of predetermined time delays for sequential activation of the ordered, selected ultrasonic transducer elements.
  • the processor is further configured to store the plurality of predetermined activation patterns in the first memory circuit.
  • the processor is configured to determine the plurality of predetermined activation patterns and to transmit the selection of ultrasonic transducer elements for activation, for each predetermined activation pattern of the plurality of predetermined activation patterns, via the patient interface ultrasound module, to one or more corresponding ultrasonic transducer controllers of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers.
  • each ultrasonic transducer controller, of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers comprises one or more second memory circuits or registers
  • each ultrasonic transducer controller, of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers is further configured to receive a selection of ultrasonic transducer elements for activation for each received predetermined activation pattern, of the plurality of predetermined activation patterns, and to store the selection of ultrasonic transducer elements for activation, for each received predetermined activation pattern of the plurality of predetermined activation patterns, in the one or more second memory circuits or registers.
  • each ultrasonic transducer controller of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers, comprises: a plurality of switches, each switch of the plurality of switches coupled to a selected ultrasonic transducer element of the corresponding subset of ultrasonic transducer elements; and one or more second memory circuits or registers configured to store the selection of ultrasonic transducer elements for activation, for each received predetermined activation pattern of the plurality of predetermined activation patterns.
  • each ultrasonic transducer controller of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers, comprises: a crosspoint switch matrix circuit coupled to the corresponding subset of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements, the crosspoint switch matrix comprising a plurality of analog switches, each analog switch of the plurality of analog switches coupled to a selected ultrasonic transducer element of the corresponding subset of ultrasonic transducer elements; and one or more second memory circuits or registers configured to store the selection of ultrasonic transducer elements for activation, for each received predetermined activation pattern of the plurality of predetermined activation patterns.
  • each ultrasonic transducer controller of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers, further comprises: an activation pattern selection logic circuit configured to select the selection of ultrasonic transducer elements for activation from the one or more second memory circuits or registers; and a switch decoder circuit configured to select one or more analog switches of the plurality of analog switches in response to the selection of ultrasonic transducer elements for activation.
  • each analog switch of the plurality of analog switches, comprises a transmission gate configured, when in an on state, to conduct an activation signal or voltage to the selected ultrasonic transducer element of the corresponding subset of ultrasonic transducer elements.
  • each ultrasonic transducer controller of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers, is configured to respond to an on command to simultaneously or concurrently switch, to an on and conducting state, a subset of analog switches of the plurality of analog switches, the subset of analog switches corresponding to the selection of ultrasonic transducer elements for activation of the plurality of predetermined activation patterns.
  • a representative method of operating the intravascular ultrasound system comprising: using the IVUS console, transmitting a memory pointer to a selected ultrasonic transducer controller, of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers; using the IVUS console, transmitting an on command to the selected ultrasonic transducer controller; using the selected ultrasonic transducer controller, of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers, receiving the memory pointer and the on command; using the selected ultrasonic transducer controller, in response to the memory pointer, selecting from the one or more second memory circuits or registers a selection of ultrasonic transducer elements for activation corresponding to the memory pointer; and using the selected ultrasonic transducer controller, in response to the on command, simultaneously or concurrently switching, to an on and conducting state, a subset of analog switches of the plurality of analog switches, the subset of analog switches corresponding to the selection of ultrasonic transducer elements for activation.
  • the representative method of operating the intravascular ultrasound system may further comprise: using the IVUS console, transmitting a first activation signal or voltage to the selected ultrasonic transducer controller to simultaneously and symmetrically activate a first pair of ultrasonic transducer elements, of the corresponding subset of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements, within a selected sub-aperture of a plurality of sub-apertures; and following one or more predetermined time delays, using the IVUS console, transmitting a second or next activation signal or voltage to the selected ultrasonic transducer controller to simultaneously and symmetrically activate a second or next pair of ultrasonic transducer elements, of the corresponding subset of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements, within the selected sub-aperture of a plurality of sub-apertures.
  • the representative method of operating the intravascular ultrasound system may further comprise: following transmission of a last activation signal or voltage, using the IVUS console, receiving, through the subset of analog switches in the on and conducting state, one or more ultrasound signals from the corresponding subset of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements.
  • the representative method of operating the intravascular ultrasound system may further comprise: using the IVUS console, transmitting an off command to the selected ultrasonic transducer controller; and using the selected ultrasonic transducer controller, in response to the off command, simultaneously or concurrently switching, to an off and nonconducting state, the subset of analog switches.
  • Another representative method of operating the intravascular ultrasound system comprising: in a first digital phase, using the selected ultrasonic transducer controller, switching one or more subsets of analog switches to an on and conducting state; in an analog phase when the one or more subsets of analog switches are in the on and conducting state, using the IVUS console, transmitting a plurality of activation signals to the selected ultrasonic transducer controller to sequentially activate one or more pairs of ultrasonic transducer elements, of the corresponding subset of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements, within a selected sub-aperture of a plurality of sub-apertures, and following transmission of the plurality of activation signals, using the IVUS console, receiving, through the subset of analog switches in the on and conducting state, one or more ultrasound signals from the corresponding subset of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements; and in a second digital phase following reception of the one or more ultrasound signals, using the selected ultrasonic transducer controller, switching the one or more subset
  • a representative method of using the IVUS system in a human or veterinary subject comprising: using the IVUS console, determining or selecting one or more activation patterns for one or more ultrasonic transducer elements, of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements, having one or more selected focal points and scan lines; using the IVUS console, loading the one or more activation or energizing patterns into the IVUS catheter; inserting and positioning the IVUS catheter at a first selected or desired vasculature location in the subject; using the IVUS console, activating the one or more ultrasonic transducer elements according to the selected activation pattern; using the IVUS console, receiving signals via the IVUS catheter from reflected ultrasound waves; and when no additional images are to be obtained, removing the IVUS catheter from the subject.
  • the representative method of using the IVUS system may further comprise: when additional images are to be obtained, pulling the IVUS catheter to a second or next selected or desired vasculature location in the subject; using the IVUS console, activating the one or more ultrasonic transducer elements according to the selected activation pattern; and using the IVUS console, receiving signals via the IVUS catheter from reflected ultrasound waves.
  • the IVUS console is further configured to sequentially transmit, according to one or more predetermined time delays, a plurality of activation signals to the selected ultrasonic transducer controller to sequentially activate one or more pairs of ultrasonic transducer elements, of the corresponding subset of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements, within the selected sub-aperture of the plurality of sub-apertures of the ultrasonic transducer assembly.
  • an intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) system may comprise: an IVUS console comprising: a processor configured to generate a plurality of activation signals or voltages, a plurality of addressable commands, and a plurality of predetermined activation patterns; a host communication interface coupled to the processor, the host communication interface configured to transmit the plurality of activation signals, the plurality of addressable commands, and the plurality of predetermined activation patterns; an image display coupled to the processor; and a first memory circuit coupled to the processor, the first memory circuit configured to store a plurality of predetermined activation patterns; a patient interface ultrasound module coupleable to the host communication interface; and an IVUS catheter removably coupleable to the patient interface ultrasound module, the IVUS catheter comprising: an elongated housing having a first, distal end and a second, proximal end, the elongated housing having a first, outer lumen; a tubular inner wall arranged within the first, outer lumen, the tubular inner wall having a second, inner
  • an intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) catheter, apparatus insertable into a human or veterinary subject along a catheter guidewire may comprise: an elongated housing having a first, distal end and a second, proximal end, the elongated housing having a first, outer lumen; a tubular inner wall arranged within the first, outer lumen, the tubular inner wall having a second, inner lumen configured to slidably engage with the catheter guidewire, the tubular inner wall having a plurality of radiopaque markers arranged and coupled to an outer surface of the tubular inner wall, each radiopaque marker, of the plurality of radiopaque markers, having a predetermined size, and each radiopaque marker, of the plurality of radiopaque markers, spaced apart longitudinally from an adjacent radiopaque marker, of the plurality of radiopaque markers, by a predetermined distance; a circumferential array of a plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements arranged distally around
  • an intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) catheter apparatus may comprise: an elongated housing having a first, distal end and a second, proximal end; a plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements arranged distally in a circumferential array around the elongated housing; and a plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers distributed within the elongated housing, each ultrasonic transducer controller, of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers, coupled to a corresponding subset of ultrasonic transducer elements, of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements, and each ultrasonic transducer controller, of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers, configured to activate one or more ultrasonic transducer elements of the corresponding subset of ultrasonic transducer elements to generate a focused ultrasonic beam.
  • the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers are coupled in parallel to each other and in series with the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements.
  • each ultrasonic transducer controller of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers, is further configured to activate the one or more ultrasonic transducer elements, of the corresponding subset of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements, within a selected sub-aperture of a plurality of sub-apertures of the ultrasonic transducer assembly.
  • the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers are further configured to activate the one or more ultrasonic transducer elements of the selected sub-aperture, followed by activating one or more ultrasonic transducer elements of a next adjacent sub-aperture, sequentially for all sub-apertures of the plurality of sub-apertures, to successively generate a series of ultrasonic beams around the entire circumferential array.
  • each ultrasonic transducer controller, of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers is further configured to simultaneously and symmetrically activate a plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements, of the corresponding subset of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements, within the selected sub-aperture of the plurality of sub-apertures of the ultrasonic transducer assembly.
  • each ultrasonic transducer controller, of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers is further configured to simultaneously and symmetrically activate a first pair of ultrasonic transducer elements, of the corresponding subset of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements, within the selected sub-aperture of the plurality of sub-apertures of the ultrasonic transducer assembly, followed by simultaneously and symmetrically activating, according to one or more predetermined time delays, a second or next pair of ultrasonic transducer elements, of the corresponding subset of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements, within the selected sub-aperture of the plurality of sub-apertures of the ultrasonic transducer assembly.
  • each ultrasonic transducer controller, of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers is further configured to sequentially activate a plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements, of the corresponding subset of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements, within the selected sub-aperture of the plurality of sub-apertures of the ultrasonic transducer assembly.
  • each ultrasonic transducer controller, of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers is further configured to sequentially activate, according to one or more predetermined time delays, a plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements, of the corresponding subset of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements, within the selected sub-aperture of the plurality of subapertures of the ultrasonic transducer assembly, to generate a focused ultrasonic beam having a predetermined focal point.
  • each ultrasonic transducer controller, of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers is further configured to sequentially activate, according to one or more predetermined time delays, a plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements, of the corresponding subset of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements, within the selected subaperture of the plurality of sub-apertures of the ultrasonic transducer assembly, to generate a focused ultrasonic beam having a predetermined scan line center.
  • each ultrasonic transducer controller, of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers is further configured to activate the one or more ultrasonic transducer elements, of the corresponding subset of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements, according to a selected predetermined activation pattern of a plurality of predetermined activation patterns.
  • each predetermined activation pattern, of the plurality of predetermined activation patterns comprises: a selection of ultrasonic transducer elements for activation, from the plurality of ultrasonic transducer element; an ordering of the selected ultrasonic transducer elements for activation; and a plurality of predetermined time delays for sequential activation of the ordered, selected ultrasonic transducer elements.
  • each ultrasonic transducer controller, of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers is further configured to store one or more portions of the plurality of predetermined activation patterns in one or more memory circuits or registers.
  • each ultrasonic transducer controller, of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers comprises: a plurality of switches, each switch of the plurality of switches coupled to a selected ultrasonic transducer element of the corresponding subset of ultrasonic transducer elements; and one or more registers or memory circuits configured to store one or more portions of the plurality of predetermined activation patterns.
  • each ultrasonic transducer controller of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers, comprises: a crosspoint switch matrix circuit coupled to the corresponding subset of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements, the crosspoint switch matrix comprising a plurality of analog switches; and one or more registers or memory circuits configured to store one or more portions of the plurality of predetermined activation patterns.
  • each ultrasonic transducer controller of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers, further comprises: an activation pattern selection logic circuit configured to select the selected predetermined activation pattern from the one or more registers or memory circuits; and a switch decoder circuit configured to select one or more analog switches of the plurality of analog switches in response to the selected predetermined activation pattern.
  • an intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) catheter apparatus may comprise: an elongated housing having a first, distal end and a second, proximal end; a catheter control connector arranged proximally within the elongated housing; a plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements arranged distally in a circumferential array around the elongated housing, the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements comprising a plurality of subsets of ultrasonic transducer elements; and a plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers coupled to the catheter control connector, each ultrasonic transducer controller, of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers, coupled to a corresponding subset of ultrasonic transducer elements of the plurality of subsets of ultrasonic transducer elements, and each ultrasonic transducer controller, of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers, configured to activate one or more ultrasonic transducer elements of the corresponding subset of ultrasonic transducducduc.
  • an intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) system may comprise: an IVUS console comprising: a processor configured to generate a plurality of activation signals and a plurality of addressable commands; a host communication interface coupled to the processor, the host communication interface configured to transmit the plurality of activation signals and the plurality of addressable commands; an image display coupled to the processor; and a first memory circuit coupled to the processor; a patient interface ultrasound module coupleable to the host communication interface; and an IVUS catheter coupleable to the patient interface ultrasound module, the IVUS catheter comprising: an elongated housing having a first, distal end and a second, proximal end; a plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements arranged distally in a circumferential array around the elongated housing; and a plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers distributed within the elongated housing, each ultrasonic transducer controller, of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers, coupled to a corresponding subset of adjacent ultras
  • each ultrasonic transducer controller, of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers is further configured to activate the one or more ultrasonic transducer elements, of the corresponding subset of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements, within a selected subaperture of a plurality of sub-apertures of the ultrasonic transducer assembly, wherein each subaperture, of the plurality of sub-apertures, comprises a predetermined number of adjacent ultrasonic transducer elements of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements and is offset from an adjacent sub-aperture, of the plurality of sub-apertures, by one ultrasonic transducer element of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements.
  • the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers are further configured to activate the one or more ultrasonic transducer elements of the selected sub-aperture, followed by activating one or more ultrasonic transducer elements of a next adjacent sub-aperture, sequentially for all sub-apertures of the plurality of sub-apertures, to successively generate a series of ultrasonic beams around the entire circumferential array.
  • each ultrasonic transducer controller in response to one or more addressable commands of the plurality of addressable commands, is further configured to simultaneously and symmetrically activate a plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements, of the corresponding subset of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements, within the selected sub-aperture of the plurality of sub-apertures of the ultrasonic transducer assembly.
  • each ultrasonic transducer controller in response to one or more addressable commands of the plurality of addressable commands, is further configured to simultaneously and symmetrically activate a first pair of ultrasonic transducer elements, of the corresponding subset of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements, within the selected sub-aperture of the plurality of sub-apertures of the ultrasonic transducer assembly, followed by simultaneously and symmetrically activating, according to one or more predetermined time delays, a second or next pair of ultrasonic transducer elements, of the corresponding subset of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements, within the selected subaperture of the plurality of sub-apertures of the ultrasonic transducer assembly
  • each ultrasonic transducer controller in response to one or more addressable commands of the plurality of addressable commands, is further configured to sequentially activate a plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements, of the corresponding subset of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements, within the selected subaperture of the plurality of sub-apertures of the ultrasonic transducer assembly.
  • each ultrasonic transducer controller in response to one or more addressable commands of the plurality of addressable commands, is further configured to sequentially activate, according to one or more predetermined time delays, a plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements, of the corresponding subset of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements, within the selected sub-aperture of the plurality of sub-apertures of the ultrasonic transducer assembly, to generate a focused ultrasonic beam having a predetermined focal point and a predetermined scan line center.
  • each ultrasonic transducer controller in response to one or more addressable commands of the plurality of addressable commands, is further configured to activate the one or more ultrasonic transducer elements, of the corresponding subset of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements, according to a selected predetermined activation pattern of a plurality of predetermined activation patterns.
  • the processor is configured to determine the plurality of predetermined activation patterns and to transmit one or more portions of the plurality of predetermined activation patterns, via the patient interface ultrasound module, to the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers.
  • the processor is further configured to store the plurality of predetermined activation patterns in the first memory circuit.
  • each ultrasonic transducer controller, of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers is further configured to store the one or more portions of the plurality of predetermined activation patterns in one or more second memory circuits or registers.
  • FIG. 1 is a representative ultrasound image illustrating an ultrasonic beam generated by a prior art IVUS catheter.
  • Figure (or “FIG.”) 2 is schematic diagram illustrating representative diverging element-centered scan lines generated by a prior art IVUS catheter.
  • FIG. 3 is a representative ultrasound image illustrating a focused ultrasonic beam generated by representative embodiments of an IVUS catheter in accordance with the disclosure herein.
  • FIG. 4 is an electrical block diagram illustrating a representative embodiment of an IVUS system in accordance with the disclosure herein.
  • FIG. 5 is an electrical block diagram illustrating a representative embodiment of an IVUS (host) console in accordance with the disclosure herein.
  • FIG. 6 is an electrical block diagram illustrating a representative embodiment of a patient interface ultrasound module (“PIUM”) in accordance with the disclosure herein.
  • PIUM patient interface ultrasound module
  • Figure (or “FIG.”) 7 is a first electrical block diagram illustrating a representative embodiment of an IVUS catheter in accordance with the disclosure herein.
  • Figure (or “FIG.”) 8 is a second, more detailed electrical block diagram illustrating a representative embodiment of an IVUS catheter in accordance with the disclosure herein.
  • FIG. 9 is an isometric view illustrating a representative first embodiment of an IVUS catheter in accordance with the disclosure herein.
  • Figure (or “FIG.”) 10 is an isometric cut-away view illustrating a representative catheter control connector of a representative first or second embodiment of an IVUS catheter in accordance with the disclosure herein.
  • FIG. 11 is a partial isometric view illustrating a representative inner tubular wall with a plurality of radiopaque markers of the representative first embodiment of the IVUS catheter in accordance with the disclosure herein.
  • Figure (or “FIG.”) 12 is a cross-sectional view (through the A - A’ plane of
  • FIG. 9A illustrating a representative circumferential ultrasonic transducer array of the representative first embodiment of the IVUS catheter in accordance with the disclosure herein.
  • Figure (or “FIG.”) 13 is a cross-sectional view (through the B - B’ plane of
  • FIG. 9A illustrating a representative circumferential array of a plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers of an ultrasonic transducer assembly of the representative first embodiment of the IVUS catheter in accordance with the disclosure herein.
  • Figure (or “FIG.”) 14 is a cross-sectional view (through the C - C’ plane and D
  • FIG. 9A - D’ plane of FIG. 9A) illustrating representative radiopaque markers arranged on the circumference of the inner tubular wall of the representative first embodiment of the IVUS catheter in accordance with the disclosure herein.
  • FIG. 15 is an isometric view illustrating a representative second embodiment of an IVUS catheter in accordance with the disclosure herein.
  • Figure (or “FIG.”) 16 is a cross-sectional view (through the E - E’ plane of
  • FIG. 15 illustrating a representative circumferential ultrasonic transducer array of the representative second embodiment of the IVUS catheter in accordance with the disclosure herein.
  • FIG. 17 is an isometric view illustrating a representative ultrasonic transducer assembly circuit board and circuit board layout of the representative first or second embodiments of the IVUS catheter in accordance with the disclosure herein.
  • Figure (or “FIG.”) 18 is a partial cut-away and cross-sectional view (through the B - B’ plane of FIG. 15) and electrical block diagram illustrating a representative ultrasonic transducer assembly with representative and distributed ultrasonic transducer controllers of the representative second embodiment of the IVUS catheter in accordance with the disclosure herein.
  • FIG. 19 is an electrical block diagram illustrating a representative embodiment of an ultrasonic transducer controller of the representative first and second embodiments of the IVUS catheter in accordance with the disclosure herein.
  • Figure (or “FIG.”) 20 is an electrical block diagram illustrating a representative embodiment of a crosspoint switch matrix for the representative embodiment of the ultrasonic transducer controller of the representative first and second embodiments of the IVUS catheter in accordance with the disclosure herein.
  • FIG. 21 is a flow chart illustrating a representative method embodiment for controlling the switching and energizing of the representative circumferential ultrasonic transducer array for dynamic beamforming and ultrasound signal reception from the representative circumferential ultrasonic transducer array with intravascular imaging using the representative first and second embodiments of the IVUS catheter in accordance with the disclosure herein.
  • Figure (or “FIG.”) 22 is a partial cross-sectional view (through the A - A’ plane of FIG. 9A) and is a partial cross-sectional view (through the E - E’ plane of FIG. 15) illustrating a representative circumferential ultrasonic transducer array and dynamically variable sub-aperture selection of the representative first and second embodiments of the IVUS catheter in accordance with the disclosure herein.
  • Figure (or “FIG.”) 23 is a cross-sectional view (through the A - A’ plane of
  • FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view (through the E - E’ plane of FIG. 15) illustrating a representative circumferential array of ultrasonic transducer elements and a partially exploded view illustrating focal delays with a scan line center and focal point for a selected non-element centered sub-aperture for the representative first and second embodiments of the IVUS catheter in accordance with the disclosure herein.
  • Figure (or “FIG.”) 24 is a cross-sectional view (through the A - A’ plane of
  • FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view (through the E - E’ plane of FIG. 15) illustrating a representative circumferential array of ultrasonic transducer elements and a partially exploded view illustrating focal delays with a scan line center and focal point for a selected element centered sub-aperture for the representative first and second embodiments of the IVUS catheter in accordance with the disclosure herein.
  • Figure (or “FIG.”) 25 is a cross-sectional view (through the A - A’ plane of
  • FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view (through the E - E’ plane of FIG. 15) illustrating a representative circumferential array of ultrasonic transducer elements and a partially exploded view illustrating a focus delay calculation for a dynamically selectable focal point for the representative first and second embodiments of the IVUS catheter in accordance with the disclosure herein.
  • Figure (or “FIG.”) 26 is a cross-sectional view (through the A - A’ plane of
  • FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view (through the E - E’ plane of FIG. 15) illustrating a representative circumferential array of ultrasonic transducer elements and a partially exploded view illustrating a plurality of dynamically selectable focal points for the representative first and second embodiments of the IVUS catheter in accordance with the disclosure herein.
  • Figure (or “FIG.”) 27 is a flow chart illustrating a method of dynamic beamforming with intravascular imaging using the representative first or second embodiments of the IVUS catheter in accordance with the disclosure herein.
  • FIG. 1 is an ultrasound image illustrating an ultrasonic beam 20 generated by a prior art IVUS catheter, which is diffuse and comparatively poorly focused.
  • the insonification beam pattern of a single small ultrasonic transducer element is diffuse and has little focus. This results in comparatively low imaging resolution, with no capability to produce a higher resolution focal zone.
  • FIG. 2 is schematic diagram illustrating diverging element-centered scan lines generated by a prior art IVUS catheter having multiple ultrasonic transducer (e.g., PZT) elements 250 arranged in a circumferential manner.
  • ultrasonic transducer e.g., PZT
  • existing solid state IVUS systems utilize single ultrasonic transducer element transmit at a time and have no capability for electronic focusing, and as a result, the existing solid state IVUS systems can only generate diverging “scanlines” 80 centered on the physical ultrasonic transducer elements 275, as illustrated.
  • the scanlines 80 diverge from one another (35), which constrains the scanline density and therefore the spatial resolution of the resulting image.
  • FIG. 3 is a representative ultrasound image illustrating a focused ultrasonic beam 30 generated by representative embodiments of an IVUS catheter 200, 200A in accordance with the disclosure herein.
  • the representative embodiments of an IVUS catheter 200, 200A have an array 245 of a plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements 250 arranged in a circumferential manner, i.e., spaced-apart circumferentially along or about the IVUS catheter 200, 200A, such as illustrated in FIGs.
  • the ultrasonic transducer elements 250 are spaced apart from each other along a circle (or arc) formed at a predetermined or otherwise fixed radial (75) distance from the longitudinal center or axis 85 of the IVUS catheter 200, 200A).
  • each individual ultrasonic transducer element 250 is a transducer which emits ultrasonic (or ultrasound) waves and receives reflected ultrasonic (or ultrasound) waves, they are typically referred to as “elements” 250, while the entire totality of ultrasonic transducer elements 250 is typically referred to as the overall “transducer”.
  • an ultrasound (or ultrasonic) transducer element 250 or element 250 refers to the single, individual ultrasound (or ultrasonic) transducer element (e.g., a piezoelectric zirconate transducer (PZT) element), while the collective group of ultrasonic transducer elements 250 is referred to herein as an array 245 of ultrasonic transducer elements 250 (i.e., an ultrasonic transducer array 245).
  • PZT piezoelectric zirconate transducer
  • selected subsets of the plurality of the ultrasonic transducer elements 250 are referred to as “subapertures” 275; however, these selected subsets of the plurality of the ultrasonic transducer elements 250 may be referred to equivalently as “apertures”, and any and all such variations are considered equivalent and within the scope of the disclosure.
  • any reference to an ultrasonic transducer or ultrasonic transducer element 250 should be understood to mean and include an ultrasound transducer or ultrasound transducer element 250, and vice-versa.
  • any reference to an ultrasonic transducer controller 265 should be understood to mean and include an ultrasound transducer controller 265, and vice-versa.
  • any reference to an ultrasonic beam 20, 30 or wave should be understood to mean and include an ultrasound beam 30, 30 or wave, and vice-versa.
  • an ultrasonic transducer element 250 also may be referred to equivalently and variously as an ultrasonic transducer element 250 or as an ultrasound transducer element 250, and any reference to an ultrasonic transducer controller 265 should be understood to mean and include an ultrasound transducer controller 265 and vice-versa, for example and without limitation.
  • not all of the ultrasonic transducer elements 250 of the IVUS catheter 200, 200A are energized and transmitting at the same time. Instead, a subset of the plurality of the ultrasonic transducer elements 250 are energized, in groups referred to as sub-apertures (or, equivalently, apertures) 275 (illustrated and discussed below with reference to FIGs.
  • each ultrasonic transducer element 250 of any selected sub-aperture 275 individually and separately energized in a selected sequence with a selected delay ( .e., the energizing of the ultrasonic transducer element 250 having an offset time from the energizing of other ultrasonic transducer elements 250 of the selected sub-aperture 275, or with symmetrical pairs of ultrasonic transducer elements 250 of any selected sub-aperture 275 collectively and simultaneously energized in a selected sequence with a selected delay ( .e., the energizing of the pair of ultrasonic transducer elements 250 having an offset time from the energizing of other ultrasonic transducer elements 250 of the selected sub-aperture 275).
  • This energizing sequence of the ultrasonic transducer elements 250 of the selected sub-aperture 275 with selected delays creates geometric delays in the energizing of the ultrasonic transducer elements 250 and resulting ultrasound transmission, thereby generating a corresponding ultrasonic wavefront pattern resulting in a dynamically focused ultrasonic beam 30.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates the effect of using such a sub-aperture 275 of the ultrasonic transducer elements 250 with appropriate geometric delays, in this illustration, to focus the ultrasonic beam 30 at 10 mm, for example and without limitation. As illustrated, the energy is much more controlled laterally and the intensity of sonification pattern is far greater than the single element case illustrated in FIG. 1.
  • 275 and dynamic focus delay beamforming can be used to position ultrasonic scanlines at any point along the active sub-aperture 275, dynamically and arbitrarily.
  • scanlines may be positioned on ultrasonic transducer elements 250 of the selected sub-aperture 275 elements or in between ultrasonic transducer elements 250 of the selected sub-aperture 275, as illustrated and discussed below with reference to FIGs. 23 and 24.
  • the representative embodiments of the IVUS catheter 200, 200A and IVUS system 100, 100A thereby increase the acquired scanline density, resulting in better spatial resolution. This increase is particularly helpful further away from the ultrasonic transducer elements 250, counteracting the divergence of the prior art scanlines (which diverge due to tightly curved geometry of the catheter, such as illustrated in FIG. 2).
  • FIG. 4 is an electrical block diagram illustrating a representative embodiment of an IVUS system 100, 100A in accordance with the disclosure herein.
  • FIG. 5 is an electrical block diagram illustrating a representative embodiment of an IVUS (host) console 150 (equivalently referred to herein more simply as an “IVUS console” 150) in accordance with the disclosure herein.
  • FIG. 6 is an electrical block diagram illustrating a representative embodiment of a patient interface ultrasound module (“PIUM”) 105 in accordance with the disclosure herein.
  • FIG. 7 is a first electrical block diagram illustrating a representative embodiment of an IVUS catheter 200, 200A in accordance with the disclosure herein.
  • FIG. 8 is a second, more detailed electrical block diagram illustrating a representative embodiment of an IVUS catheter 200, 200A in accordance with the disclosure herein.
  • FIG. 9, divided into FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B, is an isometric view illustrating a representative first embodiment of an IVUS catheter 200 in accordance with the disclosure herein.
  • FIG. 10 is an isometric cut-away view illustrating a representative catheter control connector 210A and connector body (or plug) 455 for the representative first and second embodiments of the IVUS catheter 200, 200A in accordance with the disclosure herein.
  • FIG. 11 is a partial isometric view illustrating a portion of a representative inner tubular wall 380 with a plurality of radiopaque markers 375 (e.g., markers) of the first embodiment of the IVUS catheter 200 in accordance with the disclosure herein.
  • FIG. 10 is an isometric cut-away view illustrating a representative catheter control connector 210A and connector body (or plug) 455 for the representative first and second embodiments of the IVUS catheter 200, 200A in accordance with the disclosure herein.
  • FIG. 11 is a partial isometric view illustrating a portion of a representative inner
  • FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view (through the A - A’ plane of FIG. 9A) illustrating a representative circumferential ultrasonic transducer array 245 of an ultrasonic transducer assembly 205 of the representative first embodiment of the IVUS catheter 200 in accordance with the disclosure herein.
  • FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view (through the B - B’ plane of FIG. 9A) illustrating a representative circumferential array of a plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers 265 of an ultrasonic transducer assembly 205 of the representative first embodiment of the IVUS catheter 200 in accordance with the disclosure herein.
  • FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view (through the C - C’ plane and D - D’ plane of FIG. 9A) illustrating representative radiopaque markers 375 arranged on the circumference of the inner tubular wall 380 of the representative first embodiment of the IVUS catheter 200 in accordance with the disclosure herein.
  • FIG. 15 is an isometric view illustrating a representative second embodiment of an IVUS catheter 200A in accordance with the disclosure herein.
  • FIG. 16 is a cross- sectional view (through the E - E’ plane of FIG. 15) illustrating a representative circumferential ultrasonic transducer array 245 of an ultrasonic transducer assembly 205 of the representative second embodiment of the IVUS catheter 200A in accordance with the disclosure herein.
  • FIG. 17 is an isometric view illustrating a representative ultrasonic transducer assembly circuit board 460 and circuit board layout of the representative first or second embodiments of the IVUS catheter 200, 200A in accordance with the disclosure herein.
  • FIG. 18 is a partial cut-away and cross-sectional view (through the B - B’ plane of FIG. 15) and electrical block diagram illustrating a representative ultrasonic transducer assembly 205A with representative and distributed ultrasonic transducer controllers 265 of the representative second embodiment of the IVUS catheter 200A in accordance with the disclosure herein.
  • FIG. 19 is an electrical block diagram illustrating a representative embodiment of an ultrasonic transducer controller 265 of the representative first and second embodiments of the IVUS catheter 200, 200A in accordance with the disclosure herein.
  • FIG. 20 is an electrical block diagram illustrating a representative embodiment of a crosspoint switch matrix 325 for the representative embodiment of the ultrasonic transducer controller 265 of the representative first and second embodiments of the IVUS catheter 200, 200A in accordance with the disclosure herein.
  • FIG. 20 is an electrical block diagram illustrating a representative embodiment of a crosspoint switch matrix 325 for the representative embodiment of the ultrasonic transducer controller 265 of the representative first and second embodiments of the IVUS catheter 200, 200A in accordance with the disclosure herein.
  • FIG. 21 is a flow chart illustrating a representative method 500 embodiment for controlling the switching and energizing of the representative circumferential ultrasonic transducer array 245 for dynamic beamforming and ultrasound signal reception from the representative circumferential ultrasonic transducer array 245 with intravascular imaging using the representative first and second embodiments of the IVUS catheter 200, 200A in accordance with the disclosure herein.
  • FIG. 22 is a partial cross-sectional view (through the A - A’ plane of FIG. 9A) and is a partial cross-sectional view (through the E - E’ plane of FIG. 15) illustrating a representative circumferential ultrasonic transducer array 245 and dynamically variable sub-aperture selection of the representative first and second embodiments of the IVUS catheter 200, 200A in accordance with the disclosure herein.
  • a representative embodiment of an IVUS system 100 comprises an IVUS catheter 200, a patient interface ultrasound module (“PIUM”) 105, and an IVUS console 150 (e.g., a host console or a host device).
  • the IVUS catheter 200 is electrically coupleable or connected to the PIUM 105 via conductive pins, lines, wires or bus 180 (such as via conductive pins 180A of a catheter control connector 210A), and in turn, the PIUM 105 is electrically coupleable or connected to the IVUS console 150 via lines, wires or bus 182.
  • a representative embodiment of an IVUS system 100A comprises an IVUS catheter 200A, which is electrically coupleable or connected to a patient interface ultrasound module (“PIUM”) 105 via conductive pins, lines, wires or bus 180 (such as via conductive pins 180A of a catheter control connector 210A), which in turn is electrically coupleable or connected to an IVUS console 150 (e.g., a host console or a host device) via lines, wires or bus 182.
  • PIUM patient interface ultrasound module
  • IVUS (host) console 150 comprises a user interface 140, a host communication interface 135, a processor 145, and an image output display 155.
  • the IVUS console 150 also typically includes a memory circuit 185, such as to store received data for ultrasound image formation and to store various activation patterns (for loading into the IVUS catheter 200, 200A, as described in greater detail below), which are coupled for selected communication via lines, wires or bus 184, for example and without limitation.
  • the processor 145 generates the data or signaling for the ultrasonic transmit beamforming (using a transmit (Tx) beamforming processing module 143, for example and without limitation), transmitted through the host communication interface 135 to the PIUM 105 and ultimately to the IVUS catheter 200, 200A.
  • Tx transmit
  • the processor 145 may also perform image processing (using an image output processing module 141, for example and without limitation), generating the data or signaling for the ultrasound image to be displayed on the image output display 155, such as for viewing in real time by medical personnel, using received ultrasonic data transmitted from the IVUS catheter 200, 200A through the PIUM 105 and host communication interface 135. Medical personnel also interact with the IVUS console 150 via the user interface 140, which may be implemented as a keyboard, touchscreen, and/or mouse/trackball (not separately illustrated), for example and without limitation, such as for input and selection of data (such as an energizing sequence) for the transmit beamforming and image selection for output on the image output display 155, also for example and without limitation. [0113] Referring to FIG.
  • a representative embodiment of a patient interface ultrasound module (“PIUM”) 105 comprises, for example and without limitation: a PIUM communication interface 130 (for communication with the IVUS console 150 via the host communication interface 135), a controller 125, a signal (image) processor 120, a power supply 115, and a PIUM connector 110 (for communication (via pins, cable, wires or bus 180, 180A) with the IVUS catheter 200, 200A, typically via a mating or corresponding catheter control connector 210, 210A illustrated in FIGs. 7 and 10), which are coupled for selected communication via lines, wires or bus 186.
  • the PIUM 105 also typically includes a memory circuit 190, such as to store received data for ultrasound image formation and possibly also to store various activation patterns (for loading into the IVUS catheter 200, 200A, as described in greater detail below), for example and without limitation.
  • a memory circuit 190 such as to store received data for ultrasound image formation and possibly also to store various activation patterns (for loading into the IVUS catheter 200, 200A, as described in greater detail below), for example and without limitation.
  • the controller 125 may typically include an ultrasound transmit pulser circuit 160 to generate activation signals or otherwise provide, transmit or relay other data (such as command signals and/or activation patterns) to the IVUS catheter 200, 200A (including relaying or otherwise providing the data, commands and activation signaling generated and provided by the IVUS console 150), and an “analog front end” comprising an ultrasound signal receiver 165 to receive and amplify signals generated by the IVUS catheter 200, 200A from received ultrasound reflections, a filter such as a bandpass filter 168 to provide bandpass filtering to the received signal, and an analog -to-digital converter (“ADC”) 170, to convert the received analog ultrasound signal to digital ultrasound signal data for signal processing by the signal (image) processor 120 and/or the processor 145, which also may be coupled for selected communication via lines, wires or bus 188, in addition to or in lieu of using lines, wires or bus 186.
  • the bandpass filter 168 may be an analog filter (when arranged to provide bandpass filtering of the received analog signal, as illustrated)
  • the power supply 115 provides appropriate DC power, ground, and any desired or selected bias voltage to the IVUS catheter 200, 200A, also via the PIUM connector 110 and catheter control connector 210, coupled or couplable via cable, wires or bus 180).
  • 200, 200A comprises a catheter housing 240, 240A, an ultrasonic transducer assembly 205 (comprising an array 245 of a plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements 250 (generally arranged or coupled near a distal end 207 of the IVUS catheter 200, 200A) and a plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers 265 (also arranged within the catheter housing 240, 240A), and a catheter control connector 210, 210A (generally arranged or coupled at or near a proximal end 209 of the IVUS catheter 200, 200A), for example and without limitation.
  • the catheter housing 240, 240A (shown in cross-section in FIGs.
  • the catheter control connector 210, 210A is coupled to or integrally formed with the catheter housing 240, 240A, and provides for electrical coupling to the PIUM connector 110 of the PIUM 105 via cable, wires or bus 180, such as via conductive pins 180A. Additional components may also be included in an IVUS catheter 200, 200A, such as features or structures for slidably coupling with a catheter guidewire 360, not separately illustrated in FIGs. 15 and 16, for example and without limitation.
  • the IVUS catheter 200 and the IVUS catheter 200A have several structural differences.
  • the IVUS catheter 200 includes a tubular inner wall (or extrusion) 380, with the tubular inner wall 380 being spaced apart radially from the catheter housing 240, toward and generally extending along the central or center longitudinal axis 85.
  • a first, outer lumen 385 is formed between the catheter housing 240 and the tubular inner wall 380.
  • the tubular inner wall (or extrusion) 380 has a second, inner lumen 390. As illustrated in FIGs.
  • a guidewire 360 is insertable into the second, inner lumen 390, and the IVUS catheter 200 is thereby slidable along the guidewire 360, such as for following a guidewire inserted into a vein or artery of a subject.
  • the various signaling, power, and ground wires or cables 220A are arranged within the first, outer lumen 385 of the IVUS catheter 200, for providing signaling, power, and ground to the ultrasonic transducer controllers 265 to selectively energize and receive ultrasound signals from the plurality of the ultrasonic transducer elements 250.
  • the signaling, power, and ground wires or cables 220A are arranged and extend longitudinally within a single, central lumen 462 (which also extends longitudinally along the length of the IVUS catheter 200A).
  • the various signaling, power, and ground wires or cables 220A terminate in the catheter control connector 210, 210A, for coupling to the PIUM 105.
  • the IVUS catheter 200 includes a handle or grip 365 arranged toward the proximal end 209 of the IVUS catheter 200, for aiding user manipulation of the IVUS catheter 200.
  • the guide wire 360 also passes through a hollow guidewire track 395 of the handle or grip 365, while the various signaling, power, and ground wires or cables 220A are separately arranged within the cable 370 extending from the handle or grip 365 for coupling to the PIUM 105 (via conductive pins 180A).
  • the IVUS catheter 200 and the IVUS catheter 200A function identically to each other and otherwise include the same components having the same structures and functions, and unless the context so requires or the context clearly indicates to the contrary, any reference to an IVUS catheter 200 will be understood to mean and include the IVUS catheter 200A, and vice-versa.
  • the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements 250 generally are arranged adjacent to the ultrasonic transducer controllers 265, and the ultrasonic transducer controllers 265 are coupled to the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements 250 (as described in greater detail below) and to the signaling, power, and ground wires or cables 220A using a flexible circuit board 460.
  • the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements 250 are coupled to electrically conductive pads 225A, which are electrically coupled (in groups or subsets) to corresponding ultrasonic transducer controllers 265.
  • the signaling, power, and ground wires or cables 220A are coupled to corresponding electrically conductive pads 470, which are electrically coupled (through impedance matching components 212 (such as resistors 214 and capacitors 216)) to the ultrasonic transducer controllers 265.
  • the electrically conductive pads 470 may be folded back (in the direction indicated by arrow 472), and the flexible circuit board 460 may be rolled into a tubular or cylindrical form (in the circular direction indicated by arrow 474), for inclusion within or coupling to the housing 240, 240A of the IVUS catheter 200, 200A, with the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements 250 remaining sufficiently exposed on the exterior of the housing 240, 240A for comparatively or relatively unimpeded ultrasound transmission and reception.
  • the ultrasonic transducer controllers 265 instead may be distributed spaced apart longitudinally within the housing 240A of the IVUS catheter 200A, as illustrated in FIG. 18, for example and without limitation.
  • radiopaque markers such as radiopaque markers 375, 375A illustrated as having a circular band shape or configuration, for example and without limitation, may be included on or within the IVUS catheter 200, 200A. Evenly spaced radiopaque markers, such as radiopaque markers 375, 375A having a circular band shape or configuration, arranged toward the distal end of an IVUS catheter 200, 200A provide a measurement scale for physicians to measure the local anatomy. These markings allow physicians or other medical personnel to characterize the area for treatment and make informed decisions during their procedure (for example, deciding what size (e.g., length) stent to place in a vessel). As illustrated in FIG.
  • radiopaque markers 375 have been applied to the outer surface 379 of the tubular inner wall 380.
  • Each of the radiopaque markers 375 extends circumferentially around the tubular inner wall 380 and extends longitudinally along the tubular inner wall 380 by a predetermined and consistent width 378.
  • Each radiopaque marker 375 is also spaced apart from an adjacent radiopaque marker 375 by a predetermined distance 376.
  • optional radiopaque markers 375 A may be provided on the exterior surface of the housing 240A, as illustrated in FIG. 15.
  • each of the radiopaque markers 375, 375A has a circular band shape or configuration, has a thickness or 0.0762 mm (3/1000 of an inch) (in the radial dimension), has a width of 2 mm (in the longitudinal dimension), and is spaced apart from any adjacent radiopaque marker 375, 375A by 10 mm (also in the longitudinal dimension).
  • radiopaque markers 375, 375A can indicate to the user the relative location of the IVUS catheter 200, 200A, aid in actuation of the IVUS catheter 200, 200A, or identify certain parts of the IVUS catheter 200, 200A.
  • Individual radiopaque markers 375, 375A can also be printed (e.g., through pad printing) to help visualize certain parts under fluoroscopy. Varying the pattern of the markers (such as bands), or printing other markings such as numbers, can also contribute to a device’s design. Additional embodiments may also include printing or application on different locations and using different mediums.
  • radiopaque markers 375, 375A can be printed on an inner layer of a IVUS catheter 200, since they will show up under fluoroscopy, non-radiopaque markings can be printed on the outer surface to be visible without imaging technology. Pad printing can also be implemented on non-tubing related materials, such as flat plastic components, to add designs or markings.
  • the plurality of radiopaque markers 375, 375A may be applied to the tubular inner wall 380 or to the exterior surface of the housing 240, 240A, such as through pad printing of a radiopaque ink.
  • a pad picks up radiopaque ink from a cliche and presses onto the tubular inner wall 380 or the catheter housing 240A tubing to transfer the artwork.
  • the pad then moves laterally, allowing the tubing to roll so ink transfers evenly around the tubing, forming the circular band shape or configuration.
  • Multiple passes may be performed on one tube to increase the thickness of the prints to provide optimal visibility under fluoroscopy, for example and without limitation.
  • the part is cured to ensure full adhesion of the ink.
  • the output results in consistent, radiopaque markers 375, 375A that are robust enough to withstand further manufacturing processes and also show up brightly under fluoroscopy.
  • radiopaque markers 375, 375 A are illustrated as having a circular band shape or configuration (and may also be referred to as radiopaque markers bands 375, 375 A, the radiopaque markers 375, 375A may have a wide variety of shapes, patterns, configurations, and spacings, in addition to the illustrated spaced-apart circular bands, such as radial or longitudinal stripes, zig-zags, checkerboards, ovals, ellipses, waves, etc., and any and all such variations are considered equivalent and within the scope of the disclosure.
  • the radiopaque markers 375, 375A may be fabricated, applied or otherwise added to the tubular inner wall 380 or to the exterior surface of the housing 240, 240A in a wide variety of ways, such as using decals or other appliques, painting, coating, dipping, spraying, etc., and any and all such variations are considered equivalent and within the scope of the disclosure.
  • a representative embodiment of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 205 comprises a plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements 250 arranged (typically spaced apart from each other or abutting each other) as a circumferential array 245 and coupled to a plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers 265, as discussed in greater detail below.
  • the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements 250 are arranged as a circumferential array 245, with each ultrasonic transducer element 250 arranged at a predetermined or fixed radial distance 75 (rather than arranged longitudinally), around or about the catheter housing 240, 240A, as illustrated in FIGs. 9, 12, 15 and 16.
  • the ultrasonic transducer assembly 205 may also include other supporting structure and electrical couplings, as may be needed, such as to space apart the ultrasonic transducer elements 250 in the circumferential array 245 and/or further support and secure them to the catheter housing 240, 240A, for example and without limitation.
  • the ultrasound (or ultrasonic) transducer elements 250 also may be are referred to equivalently herein as ultrasound (or ultrasonic) transducers 250.
  • the ultrasound (or ultrasonic) transducer elements 250 may be any type or kind of ultrasound (or ultrasonic) transducer elements, including piezoelectric zirconate transducer elements (PZTs), capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer elements (CMUTs), and/or piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducer elements, for example and without limitation, and any and all such variations are considered equivalent and within the scope of the disclosure.
  • PZTs piezoelectric zirconate transducer elements
  • CMUTs capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer elements
  • piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducer elements for example and without limitation, and any and all such variations are considered equivalent and within the scope of the disclosure.
  • each ultrasonic transducer controller 265 of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers 265 is implemented as an integrated circuit (“IC”) and is coupled (typically via impedance matching components 212) through corresponding communication lines, wires or bus 220 to the catheter control connector 210, 210A to receive electrical signaling (such as activation or energizing signaling), commands, data (including activation patterns having selections of ultrasonic transducer elements 250), power, and ground from the PIUM 105, for energizing the ultrasonic transducer elements 250 of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 205, for transmitting the ultrasonic signals received from the ultrasonic transducer elements 250 of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 205 to the PIUM 105, and for switching or providing power to and signaling from the circumferential array 245 of ultrasonic transducer elements 250.
  • IC integrated circuit
  • the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers 265 are arranged and coupled in parallel with each other, between the catheter control connector 210 and the ultrasonic transducer elements 250.
  • impedance matching components 212 such as resistors 214 and capacitors 216) may also be included as an option, with the impedance matching components 212 typically electrically coupled between the ultrasonic transducer controllers 265 and the catheter control connector 210, 210A, such as illustrated in FIGs. 7 and 17.
  • the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements 250 are grouped into subsets 285, physically, electrically, and conceptually.
  • the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements 250 which are arranged in the circumferential array 245 are further grouped physically and electrically into a plurality of subsets 285 of ultrasonic transducer elements 250, illustrated in FIGs. 8, 12, 16, and 18 as ultrasonic transducer element subset 285i, ultrasonic transducer element subset 2852, ultrasonic transducer element subset 285s. and so on, through ultrasonic transducer element subset 285N.
  • each ultrasonic transducer controller 265, of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers 265, is coupled through corresponding transmit and receive lines, wires or bus 225 to a selected or corresponding subset 285 of the ultrasonic transducer elements 250 of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 205, to selectively and individually address each ultrasonic transducer element 250, or selectively address each pair of ultrasonic transducer elements 250, of the ultrasonic transducer elements 250 of the selected or corresponding subset 285, for example and without limitation, to generate ultrasound transmission and reception of reflected ultrasound signals for image acquisition.
  • ultrasonic transducer controller 265 illustrated as ultrasonic transducer controller 2651, ultrasonic transducer controller 265 2 , and so on, through ultrasonic transducer controller 265 N .
  • control and switching of the ultrasonic transducer elements 250 are both electrically and physically (spatially) distributed, using a plurality of individual, separate ultrasonic transducer controllers 265 arranged within the catheter housing 240, 240A, rather than using a single, large integrated circuit having a corresponding large form factor or IC footprint for control and switching.
  • ultrasonic transducer controller 2651 provides the control and switching of each of the ultrasonic transducer elements 250 of ultrasonic transducer element subset 285 i
  • ultrasonic transducer controller 2652 provides the control and switching of each of the ultrasonic transducer elements 250 of ultrasonic transducer element subset 2852, and so on, through ultrasonic transducer controller 265N providing the control and switching of each of the ultrasonic transducer elements 250 of ultrasonic transducer element subset 285 N , such that the plurality of distributed ultrasonic transducer controllers 265 thereby provide the control and switching of all of the ultrasonic transducer elements 250 of the entire circumferential array 245 of ultrasonic transducer elements 250 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 8 and in FIG. 18).
  • each of the ultrasonic transducer controllers 265 may be configured to have a comparatively long and narrow form factor, and may be distributed and arranged spaced apart radially from each other within the catheter housing 240, 240A (as illustrated in FIG. 13 (and as illustrated in FIG.
  • the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements 250 are also grouped into a second, conceptual type of subset or set, with these subsets of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements 250 referred to herein as “sub-apertures” 275.
  • sub-apertures these subsets of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements 250 referred to herein as “sub-apertures” 275.
  • an individual ultrasonic transducer element 250 or a pair of ultrasonic transducer elements 250 within the selected subset of the plurality of the ultrasonic transducer elements 250 are energized, within the groups or subsets of ultrasonic transducer elements 250 referred to as sub-apertures 275, as illustrated in FIGs.
  • each ultrasonic transducer element 250 of any selected sub-aperture 275 individually and separately energized in a selected sequence with a selected delay (z.e., an offset time from the energizing of other ultrasonic transducer elements 250 of the selected sub-aperture 275); or (2) with symmetrical pairs of ultrasonic transducer elements 250 of any selected sub-aperture 275 collectively and simultaneously energized in a selected sequence with a selected delay (i.e., an offset time from the energizing of other ultrasonic transducer elements 250 of the selected sub-aperture 275), for example and without limitation.
  • a selected delay z.e., an offset time from the energizing of other ultrasonic transducer elements 250 of the selected sub-aperture 275
  • a selected delay i.e., an offset time from the energizing of other ultrasonic transducer elements 250 of the selected sub-aperture 275
  • This energizing sequence of the ultrasonic transducer elements 250 of the selected sub-aperture 275 with selected energizing delays creates what may be referred to as corresponding geometric delays in the energizing of the ultrasonic transducer elements 250 of the circumferential array 245 and resulting ultrasound transmission, thereby generating a corresponding ultrasonic wavefront pattern having a selected geometry, such as resulting in a dynamically focused ultrasonic beam 30, as illustrated in FIG. 3.
  • the sub-apertures 275 are selected dynamically, for energizing the particular ultrasonic transducer elements 250 within that selected sub-aperture 275.
  • sub-apertures 275 may be selected sequentially or in any other order, such as sequentially selecting adjacent ultrasonic transducer elements 250 around the circumferential array 245 to be within any selected sub-aperture 275.
  • a selected first sub-aperture 2751 may include ultrasonic transducer element 250i through ultrasonic transducer element 250s
  • a selected second sub-aperture 2752 may include ultrasonic transducer element 2502 through ultrasonic transducer element 250 ,.
  • a selected third sub-aperture 275 may include ultrasonic transducer element 2502 through ultrasonic transducer element 25Oio, and so on, as illustrated in FIGs. 12 and 16, and may also be varied by fewer than one ultrasonic transducer element 250 at a time, e.g., in half-element increments, for example and without limitation.
  • a focused ultrasound beam may be generated at any location and any focal point around the IVUS catheter 200, 200A. For example and without limitation, by selecting sub-apertures 275 sequentially around the circumferential array 245, corresponding focused ultrasound beams are generated sequentially around the IVUS catheter 200, 200A, covering 360 degrees.
  • FIG. 22 is a graphical depiction of sub-aperture 275 beamforming showing an example of an 8-element sub-aperture 2751 with a next sub-aperture 2752 advancing a full ultrasonic transducer element 250 (single line density). In practice the sub-aperture 275 can advance in more fine increments for higher line density imaging. [0129] Within any selected sub-aperture 275, the ultrasonic transducer elements 250 may be energized for transmission (and for receiving reflected ultrasound energy) in any selected activation order or pattern.
  • the activation patterns are predetermined or preset activation patterns.
  • a selected activation (or energizing) pattern may include activating (or energizing) ultrasonic transducer element 250i simultaneously with activating (or energizing) ultrasonic transducer element 250 8 , followed by (with a first predetermined delay) activating (or energizing) ultrasonic transducer element 250 2 simultaneously with activating (or energizing) ultrasonic transducer element 250 7 , followed by (with a second predetermined delay) activating (or energizing) ultrasonic transducer element 250 3 simultaneously with activating (or energizing) ultrasonic transducer element 250g, followed by (with a third predetermined delay) activating (or energizing) ultrasonic transducer element 250 4 simultaneously with activating (or energizing) ultrasonic transducer element 250 5
  • a selected activation (or energizing) pattern may include activating (or energizing) ultrasonic transducer element 250 2 simultaneously with activating (or energizing) ultrasonic transducer element 250 ,.
  • any given activation pattern will provide a resulting ultrasound beam geometry and scan lines, which may be varied or selected according to any clinical, interventional, imaging, or image processing need, for example and without limitation.
  • a wide variety of activation patterns are within the scope of the disclosure, including acquiring scan lines in a more distributed way around the circumferential array 245 of ultrasonic transducer elements 250, e.g., sequentially selecting ultrasonic transducer element 250i, ultrasonic transducer element 25016, ultrasonic transducer element 2503 32 , ultrasonic transducer element 250 43 , ultrasonic transducer element 250 2 , ultrasonic transducer element 250I 7 , ultrasonic transducer element 250 33 , ultrasonic transducer element 250 4 6, and so on, such as to reduce a “stitching artifact”, also for example and without limitation.
  • each predetermined activation pattern, of a plurality of predetermined activation patterns comprises: (1) a selection of ultrasonic transducer elements 250 for activation, from the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements 250;
  • a first portion of the predetermined activation patterns namely, the selection of ultrasonic transducer elements 250 for activation, from the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements 250) ((1) above), are stored in the activation pattern registers (memory) 305 of each of the ultrasonic transducer controllers 265, with the remaining second and third portions ((2) and
  • ultrasonic transducer elements 250 for activation are stored in the memory circuit 185 of the IVUS (host) console 150 and/or the memory circuit 190 of the PIUM 105, equivalently. It should be noted that these selections of ultrasonic transducer elements 250 for activation may be different for each ultrasonic transducer controller 265, and also may differ depending upon the sub-aperture 275 selection and any overlap of the sub-aperture 275 selection across the ultrasonic transducer elements 250 controlled and activated by different ultrasonic transducer controllers 265.
  • each predetermined activation pattern ((1) the selection of ultrasonic transducer elements 250 for activation, from the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements 250, and (2) and (3), the ordering and time delays for sequential activation) are stored in the activation pattern registers (memory) 305 of each of the ultrasonic transducer controllers 265, with the selection, ordering, and time delays for energizing of the ultrasonic transducer elements 250 largely controlled directly by the ultrasonic transducer controllers 265.
  • the entirety of each predetermined activation pattern ((1) the selection of ultrasonic transducer elements 250 for activation, from the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements 250, and (2) and (3), the ordering and time delays for sequential activation) are stored in the activation pattern registers (memory) 305 of each of the ultrasonic transducer controllers 265, with the selection, ordering, and time delays for energizing of the ultrasonic transducer elements 250 largely controlled directly by the ultrasonic transducer controllers 265.
  • a first way to control the activation (or energizing) of the ultrasonic transducer elements 250 would be to have direct wiring to each ultrasonic transducer element 250 with wires running along the length of the IVUS catheter 200, 200A, terminating in an appropriate catheter control connector 210, 210A.
  • the connector is then connected to the PIUM 105 and IVUS console 150.
  • the IVUS console 150 controls the transmit and receive event sequence to advance the sub-aperture 275 around the circumference of the IVUS catheter 200, 200A.
  • the IVUS console 150 may also calculate the transmit and receive beam delays. This allows for multiple -focus imaging as well as arbitrary scanline placement. An image is then created with the individual scanlines.
  • a second and considerably more efficient way to control the activation (or energizing) of the ultrasonic transducer elements 250 is described in greater detail below with reference to FIGs. 12, 16, and 19 - 26.
  • the ultrasonic transducer elements 250 which are to be energized may be from different ultrasonic transducer element subsets 285 and further may be coupled to different ultrasonic transducer controllers 265.
  • the ultrasonic transducer element 250 2 may be part of ultrasonic transducer element subset 2851 coupled to ultrasonic transducer controller 2651 while ultrasonic transducer element 250.. may be part of ultrasonic transducer element subset 285 2 and coupled to ultrasonic transducer controller 265 2 , for example and without limitation.
  • ultrasonic transducer elements 250 being energized may be from one or two different (but typically adjacent) ultrasonic transducer element subsets 285, depending upon the selected activation pattern.
  • an ultrasonic transducer controller 265 comprises a controller communication interface circuit 300, one or more activation pattern registers (or memory) 305, an activation pattern selection logic circuit 310, a switch decoder circuit 315, one or more voltage translator circuit(s) 320, and a crosspoint switch matrix circuit 325.
  • the ultrasonic transducer controller 265 may also include a power-on-reset circuit and a clock or clocking circuit, for example and without limitation, along with other optional components discussed below, depending upon the selected embodiment.
  • the crosspoint switch matrix circuit 325 comprises an array of analog switches 355, typically implemented as high voltage transmission gates (having a PMOS device in parallel with an NMOS device, not separately illustrated), with each analog switch 355 coupled to a first input/output pad 335 (illustrated as first input/output pads 3351 through 3354) and a second input/output pad 330, with each second input/output pad 330 coupled (via a line 225 and corresponding conductive pad 225 A) to a single ultrasonic transducer element 250.
  • analog switches 355 typically implemented as high voltage transmission gates (having a PMOS device in parallel with an NMOS device, not separately illustrated)
  • each analog switch 355 coupled to a first input/output pad 335 (illustrated as first input/output pads 3351 through 3354) and a second input/output pad 330, with each second input/output pad 330 coupled (via a line 225 and corresponding conductive pad 225 A) to a single ultrasonic transducer element 250
  • the first input/output pads 335 receive (from the PIUM 105 or the IVUS console 150 via the PIUM 105), via wires, lines or bus 340 (as part of lines, wires or bus 220 or 222), an input voltage (e.g., typically either -9V or +9V, for example and without limitation) for energizing selected ultrasonic transducer elements 250, and output or otherwise provide a received signal (received from an ultrasonic transducer element 250 from a reflected ultrasound wave) to the PIUM 105 and/or the IVUS console 150 via the PIUM 105 for received ultrasound signal processing.
  • an input voltage e.g., typically either -9V or +9V, for example and without limitation
  • Each of the second input/output pads 330 transmit, via lines, wires or bus 225, the selected, switched input voltage (e.g., typically either -9V or +9V, for example and without limitation) to energize a single ultrasonic transducer element 250, and provide a received signal (received from an ultrasonic transducer element 250 from a reflected ultrasound wave) through a selected analog switch 355 to a first input/output pad 335 for output to the PIUM 105 and/or the IVUS console 150 via the PIUM 105 for received ultrasound signal processing.
  • the selected, switched input voltage e.g., typically either -9V or +9V, for example and without limitation
  • an ultrasonic transducer controller 265 may also include an activation signal generator and additional control logic gates (not separately illustrated). This would be utilized for embodiments in which the ultrasonic transducer controllers 265 store the entire activation patterns ((1), (2), and (3) discussed above), and each of the ultrasonic transducer controllers 265 will generate an activation signal, which it will switch or transmit to the selected ultrasonic transducer elements 250 for activation with the appropriate ordering and time delays.
  • the controller communication interface 300 receives signaling data (via lines, wires or bus 345 (as part of lines, wires or bus 220, 222)), such as pointers and commands, from the PIUM 105 and/or from the IVUS console 150 via the PIUM 105.
  • the controller communication interface 300 is configured, adapted or otherwise structured to implement a Serial Peripheral Interface (“SPI”) protocol, for example and without limitation.
  • SPI Serial Peripheral Interface
  • the controller communication interface 300 receives portions of a plurality of predetermined or preset activation (or energizing) patterns (as mentioned above), which are stored in the activation pattern registers (or memory) 305, and which may be called or read sequentially or in any other selected order using an SPI command, also for example and without limitation.
  • the predetermined or preset activation (or energizing) patterns stored in the activation pattern registers (or memory) 305 provide for the selection of the individual ultrasonic transducer elements 250 or pairs of individual ultrasonic transducer elements 250 for activation (or energizing) for transmission of ultrasound signals and for reception of return ultrasound signals, for example and without limitation.
  • an activation (or energizing) pattern is selected from the activation pattern registers (or memory) 305, using activation pattern selection logic circuit 310, which may be implemented using various logic gates, state machines, and/or multiplexers, for example and without limitation, and is provided to the switch decoder circuit 315.
  • Which ultrasonic transducer controller 265 is selected, and which activation (or energizing) pattern is selected from the activation pattern registers (or memory) 305 of the selected ultrasonic transducer controller 265, is generally determined by: (1) an address of the ultrasonic transducer controller 265, and (2) a register or memory pointer, both transmitted from or otherwise provided by the PIUM 105 and/or from the IVUS console 150 via the PIUM 105.
  • the switch decoder circuit 315 which may be implemented using various logic gates and state machines, also for example and without limitation, is configured or adapted to determine, from the selected activation (or energizing) pattern, which analog switches 355 are to be turned on (and conducting), to implement the selected activation (or energizing) pattern.
  • the switch 355 selection from the switch decoder circuit 315 is then provided to the voltage translator circuit 320, which converts the (typically lower voltage signal from the switch decoder circuit 315) to a higher voltage level to operate and turn on the selected analog switches 355 of the crosspoint switch matrix circuit 325 (e.g., implemented as transmission gates which may require comparatively higher voltage levels to operate), and thereby activate (or energize) the corresponding ultrasonic transducer elements 250.
  • the voltage translator circuit 320 which converts the (typically lower voltage signal from the switch decoder circuit 315) to a higher voltage level to operate and turn on the selected analog switches 355 of the crosspoint switch matrix circuit 325 (e.g., implemented as transmission gates which may require comparatively higher voltage levels to operate), and thereby activate (or energize) the corresponding ultrasonic transducer elements 250.
  • each ultrasonic transducer controller 265 is individually addressable, such as by using a plurality of addressing lines (via lines, wires or bus 345 (as part of lines, wires or bus 220, 222)) with address selection or signaling provided from the PIUM 105 and/or from the IVUS console 150 via the PIUM 105.
  • each ultrasonic transducer controller 265 includes three address pins (not separately illustrated), each of which is tied to either a predetermined voltage level (VDD, e.g., 1.8 V) or ground (VSS), providing up to eight unique addresses.
  • VDD voltage level
  • VSS ground
  • any subaperture 275 may be selected, and any activation (or energizing) pattern may be selected for that selected sub-aperture 275 for the ultrasonic transducer elements 250 coupled to the selected ultrasonic transducer controller 265.
  • the communication lines, wires or bus 220 may be shielded, such as implemented as one or more coaxial cables.
  • the communication lines, wires or bus 220 may be shielded, such as implemented as one or more coaxial cables.
  • a total of between twelve to twenty communication lines or wires 220 are utilized, such as four or fewer (or four or more) communication lines or wires 220 being utilized for supply voltages (e.g., digital power, digital ground, high voltages (e.g., +9 V and -9 V), a drain line connected to cable shielding), four or fewer (or four or more) shielded communication lines or wires 220 utilized for analog transmit and receive inputs, and four or fewer (or four or more) communication lines or wires 220 utilized for digital logic for SPI communication, such as for commands and pointers.
  • supply voltages e.g., digital power, digital ground, high voltages (e.g., +9 V and -9 V)
  • a drain line connected to cable shielding e.g.
  • the activation (or energizing) of the ultrasonic transducer elements 250 is controlled utilizing the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers 265 arranged (generally spaced apart and toward the distal end 207) within the IVUS catheter 200, 200A.
  • the plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers 265 with the crosspoint switch matrix circuits 325 allow for the dynamic assignment of active sub-apertures 275 and can be pre-programed or controlled in real time by a connected IVUS console 150 and/or the PIUM 105.
  • the stored and selected activation (or energizing) patterns controls the transmit and receive event sequence to advance the sub-aperture 275 around the circumference of the array 245 of ultrasonic transducer elements 250 of the IVUS catheter 200, 200A.
  • the stored and selected activation (or energizing) patterns also includes the transmit beam delays, which also allows for multiple -focus imaging as well as arbitrary scanline placement, and an image is also then created with the individual scanlines.
  • These ultrasonic transducer controllers 265 with the crosspoint switch matrix circuits 325 allow the same sub-aperture 275 flexibility described above, but with a significant reduction in the number of control wires running the length of IVUS catheter 200, 200A.
  • the ultrasound signals from the ultrasonic transducer elements 250 are beamformed using geometric focus delay calculations and individual scanlines are produced from each transmit/receive sequence.
  • the received scanlines are pre-processed in the PIUM 105 and then sent to IVUS console 150 for complete signal and image processing. This includes bandpass filtering, demodulation, log compression and scan conversion, for example and without limitation.
  • a plurality of ultrasonic transducer controllers 265 with the crosspoint switch matrices 325 are utilized to allow flexible control of a large number of ultrasonic transducer elements 250 but requiring a comparatively minimum number of wires running the length of the IVUS catheter 200, 200A.
  • each individual ultrasonic transducer controller 265 is connected to a subset (or set) 285 of the total number of ultrasonic transducer elements 250, and each ultrasonic transducer controller 265 can be controlled via a digital communication protocol (e.g., SPI).
  • a digital communication protocol e.g., SPI
  • This inventive, distributed design allows the number of wires used to be significantly decreased from wire pairs equal to the number of ultrasound elements (wired approach), and instead requiring only the digital communications lines, the power supply lines and ultrasound signal lines equal to the largest active sub-aperture 275 used, such as described above.
  • the number of ultrasound signal lines can be half of the largest sub-aperture 275 and signals to and from the ultrasonic transducer elements 250 can be directed from a single line to the symmetric pairs of ultrasonic transducer elements 250.
  • the method 500 begins, start step 505, with the portions of the activation patterns comprising the selections of ultrasonic transducer elements 250 for activation, from the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements 250, for a plurality of corresponding, selected sub-apertures 275, having been pre-loaded and stored in the activation pattern registers (or memory) 305 of the various ultrasonic transducer controllers 265.
  • the relevant, complete activation patterns may be stored in the activation pattern registers (or memory) 305 of the various ultrasonic transducer controllers 265.
  • the IVUS console 150 (and/or PIUM 105) generates the activation or energizing signals and further controls the activation timing and energizing time delays for the selected activation pattern of corresponding ultrasonic transducer elements 250 for a selected sub-aperture 275.
  • the IVUS console 150 selects a first (or next) activation pattern (e.g., from memory circuit 185 of the IVUS console 150 or from the memory circuit 190 of the PIUM 105), step 510, and transmits corresponding digital information or other data to the selected one or more ultrasonic transducer controllers 265, step 515, typically transmitting the address(es) of the selected one or more ultrasonic transducer controllers 265 and a pointer (or memory pointer) to the address or location in the activation pattern registers (or memory) 305 storing the relevant portion of the selected activation pattern, e.g., the selections of ultrasonic transducer elements 250 for activation for the first or next selected sub-aperture 275.
  • the selected, addressed ultrasonic transducer controller(s) 265 (using the controller communication interface 300, the activation pattern selection logic circuit 310, the switch decoder circuit 315, and the voltage translator circuit 320) then turns on all of the analog switches 355 (of the crosspoint switch matrix 325) which correspond to the selections of ultrasonic transducer elements 250 for activation for the first or next selected sub-aperture 275 of the selected activation pattern, step 520, i.e., places all of the analog switches 355 corresponding to the selected ultrasonic transducer elements 250 of the first or next selected sub-aperture 275 in an on or conducting state, such that each selected analog switch 355 will pass energizing pulses (received on a selected first input/output pad 335) to the corresponding ultrasonic transducer elements 250 (via a connected second input/output pad 330) and will subsequently pass any ultrasonic signals received from the corresponding ultrasonic transducer elements 250 back to the
  • the IVUS console 150 (via the PIUM 105) and/or the PIUM 105 then transmits a first energizing pulse or pulses (via lines or wires 220, 222 and pads 335) to the first selected ultrasonic transducer elements 250, typically to a selected first pair of ultrasonic transducer elements 250 (or to a first individual ultrasonic transducer element 250) of the first or next selected sub-aperture 275, step 525.
  • the IVUS console 150 (via the PIUM 105) and/or the PIUM 105 transmits a first energizing pulse or pulses (via lines or wires 220, 222) to a selected first input/output pad 335, such as to first input/output pad 3351, which has been connected via selected analog switches 355 (which have already been placed in an on and conducting state, corresponding to the activation pattern) to selected second input/output pads 330 which are correspondingly coupled to the first selected ultrasonic transducer elements 250, typically a selected first pair of ultrasonic transducer elements 250 (or to an individual ultrasonic transducer element 250) of the first or next selected sub-aperture 275, such as coupled to ultrasonic transducer element 250 0 and ultrasonic transducer element 250?. for example and without limitation.
  • the IVUS console 150 (via the PIUM 105), and/or the PIUM 105 then transmits a second or next energizing pulse or pulses (via lines or wires 220, 222 and pads 335) to the second or next selected ultrasonic transducer elements 250, typically to the second or next selected pair of ultrasonic transducer elements 250 (or to an individual ultrasonic transducer element 250) of the first or next selected sub-aperture 275, step 530.
  • the IVUS console 150 (via the PIUM 105) and/or the PIUM 105 transmits a second or next energizing pulse or pulses (via lines or wires 220, 222) to a selected first input/output pad 335, such as to first input/output pad 3352, which has been connected via selected analog switches 355 (which have already been placed in an on and conducting state, corresponding to the activation pattern) to selected second input/output pads 330 which are correspondingly coupled to the second or next selected ultrasonic transducer elements 250, such as to the second or next selected pair of ultrasonic transducer elements 250 (or to an individual ultrasonic transducer element 250) of the first or next selected sub-aperture 275, such as coupled to ultrasonic transducer element 250i and ultrasonic transducer element 250e, for example and without limitation.
  • the method iterates, returning to step 530, such that following a second or next predetermined time delay, the IVUS console 150 (via the PIUM 105) and/or the PIUM 105 then transmits next energizing pulses (via lines or wires 220, 222 and pads 335) to the next selected ultrasonic transducer elements 250, such as to the selected next pair of ultrasonic transducer elements 250 (or to an individual ultrasonic transducer element 250) of the first or next selected sub-aperture 275.
  • next energizing pulses via lines or wires 220, 222 and pads 335.
  • step 530 following a second or next predetermined time delay, the IVUS console 150 (via the PIUM 105) and/or the PIUM 105 transmits a next energizing pulse or pulses (via lines or wires 220, 222) to a selected first input/output pad 335, such as to first input/output pad 335s.
  • step 530 following a third or next predetermined time delay, the IVUS console 150 (via the PIUM 105) and/or the PIUM 105 transmits a next energizing pulse or pulses (via lines or wires 220, 222) to a selected first input/output pad 335, such as to first input/output pad 3354, which has been connected via selected analog switches 355 (which have already been placed in an on and conducting state, corresponding to the activation pattern) to selected second input/output pads 330 which are correspondingly coupled to the next selected ultrasonic transducer elements 250, such as to the next selected pair of ultrasonic transducer elements 250 (or to an individual ultrasonic transducer element 250) of the first or next selected sub-aperture 275, such as coupled to ultrasonic transducer element 250; and ultrasonic transducer element 2504, for example and without limitation.
  • Such an energizing sequence and ordering with corresponding time delays would generate a focused ultrasonic beam 30, having a
  • the corresponding ultrasonic transducer controller(s) 265 continue to maintain all of the switches of the selected sub-aperture 275 in an on state while any ultrasonic (ultrasound) signals are being received by the corresponding ultrasonic transducer elements 250 of the selected sub-aperture 275 and are being transmitted back to the IVUS console 150 (via the PIUM 105) and/or the PIUM 105, step 540.
  • the PIUM 105) and/or the PIUM 105 will then generate and transmit one or more corresponding commands to the selected ultrasonic transducer controller(s) 265, for turning off either all of or one or more of the analog switches 355 corresponding to the selected ultrasonic transducer elements 250 of the first or next selected sub-aperture 275, step 545.
  • the command generated by the IVUS console 150 (via the PIUM 105) and/or the PIUM will turn off all of the analog switches 355 corresponding to the selected ultrasonic transducer elements 250 of the first or next selected sub-aperture 275.
  • the command generated by the IVUS console 150 (via the PIUM 105) and/or the PIUM will turn off only some of the analog switches 355 corresponding to the selected ultrasonic transducer elements 250 of the first or next selected sub-aperture 275 and will maintain in an on state those analog switches 355 corresponding to the selected ultrasonic transducer elements 250 of the next selected sub-aperture 275, for example and without limitation.
  • step 545 some or all of the analog switches 355 corresponding to the selected ultrasonic transducer elements 250 of the first or next selected sub-aperture 275 are then turned off (into an off, nonconducting state) by the ultrasonic transducer controller(s) 265 (using the controller communication interface 300, the activation pattern selection logic circuit 310, the switch decoder circuit 315, and the voltage translator circuit 320), step 550.
  • step 555 the method iterates, returning to step 510 to select the next activation pattern for energizing of the ultrasonic transducer elements 250.
  • step 555 the method may end, return step 560.
  • the method of energizing the corresponding ultrasonic transducer elements 250 and receiving reflected ultrasound signals from the corresponding ultrasonic transducer elements 250 may be considered to have separate digital and analog phases.
  • the digital phases consist of the selection and switching on or off of the analog switches 355 (steps 510, 515, 520, 545, and 550) which are coupled to the selected ultrasonic transducer elements 250 via corresponding second input/output pads 330.
  • the separate analog phase consists of the transmission of the energizing pulses to the corresponding ultrasonic transducer elements 250 of the selected sub-aperture 275, with the selected time delays, via selected first input/output pads 335 and the selected, on and conducting analog switches 355, and the reception of the reflected ultrasonic (or ultrasound) signals by the corresponding ultrasonic transducer elements 250 and transmission of the received ultrasonic signals back to the IVUS console 150 (via the PIUM 105) and/or to the PIUM 105 (steps 525, 530, 535, and 540).
  • the ultrasonic transducer controller(s) 265 is quiescent during the analog phase, and therefore does not generate any digital noise which might potentially interfere with either the transmitted energizing pulses or the received ultrasound signals, providing a significantly greater signal-to- noise ratio than prior art devices.
  • the entirety of each of the predetermined activation patterns ((1) a selection of ultrasonic transducer elements 250 for activation, from the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements 250; (2) an ordering of the selected ultrasonic transducer elements 250 for activation; and (3) a plurality of predetermined time delays for sequential activation of the ordered, selected ultrasonic transducer elements 250, such as the first, second, and third time delays described above) are stored in the activation pattern registers (memory) 305 of each of the ultrasonic transducer controllers 265, with the selection, ordering, and time delays for energizing of the ultrasonic transducer elements 250 largely controlled directly by the ultrasonic transducer controllers 265, typically in synchronization with the IVUS console 150 (via the PIUM 105) and/or the PIUM.
  • the IVUS console 150 via the PIUM 105) and/or the PIUM may generate one or more commands to begin the ultrasound transmission along with a series of energizing pulses, which are then routed through the switching of the analog switches 355 of the crosspoint switch matrix 325 to the selected ultrasonic transducer elements 250 of any given or selected sub-aperture 275 and according to the appropriate ordering and appropriate time delays by and under the control of the corresponding ultrasonic transducer controller 265.
  • an ultrasonic transducer controller 265 may also include an activation signal generator and additional control logic gates. In addition to the ultrasonic transducer controllers 265 storing the entire activation patterns ((1), (2), and (3) discussed above), each of the ultrasonic transducer controllers 265 also will generate an activation signal, which it will switch (using analog switches 355) or transmit to the selected ultrasonic transducer elements 250 for activation with the appropriate ordering and time delays.
  • control of the energizing of the ultrasonic transducer elements 250 may be divided in other ways between the ultrasonic transducer controllers 265, on the one hand, and the IVUS console 150 (via the PIUM 105) and/or the PIUM 105, on the other hand. Any and all such variations are considered equivalent and within the scope of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view (through the A - A’ plane of FIG. 9A) and is a cross-sectional view (through the E - E’ plane of FIG. 15) illustrating a representative circumferential array 245 of ultrasonic transducer elements 250 and a partially exploded view illustrating focal delays with a scan line center 405 and focal point 410 for a selected nonelement 250 centered sub-aperture 275A for a representative embodiment of an IVUS catheter 200, 200A in accordance with the disclosure herein.
  • FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view (through the A - A’ plane of FIG. 9A) and is a cross-sectional view (through the E - E’ plane of FIG.
  • the representative embodiments include the ability to dynamically control individual ultrasonic transducer elements 250 of the circumferential array 245 to create a focused ultrasound wave.
  • the focal points 410, 420 can be dynamically altered to maximize image resolution across a larger depth of field and at arbitrary scanline spacing.
  • a sub-aperture 275 set of ultrasonic transducer elements 250 are pulsed with pre -calculated geometric focal delays, which allows control of the point of maximum focus, with example sub-apertures 275 illustrated in FIGs. 23 and 24.
  • the sub-aperture 275 is centered between ultrasonic transducer elements 250 in a sub-aperture 275 having an even number of elements.
  • the subaperture 275 is centered on an ultrasonic transducer element 250 in a sub-aperture 275 having an odd number of elements.
  • FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view (through the A - A’ plane of FIG. 9A) and is a cross-sectional view (through the E - E’ plane of FIG. 15) illustrating a representative circumferential array 245 of ultrasonic transducer elements 250 and a partially exploded view illustrating a focus delay calculation for a dynamically selectable focal point for a representative embodiment of an IVUS catheter 200, 200A in accordance with the disclosure herein.
  • any selected ultrasonic transducer element 250 of the circumferential array 245 may be considered to have a position (r, 0), where “r” is the radial distance from the longitudinal axis 85 of the IVUS catheter 200, 200A and “0” is the angle from the scan line center 405 (or 415), as illustrated.
  • “r” will be the same for each ultrasonic transducer element 250 and the angle 0 will vary within each sub-aperture 275 for any given scan line center 405, 415.
  • there will be a predetermined or dynamically adjustable focal distance 445 also determined or measured from the longitudinal axis 85 of the IVUS catheter 200, 200A.
  • right triangles 425, 435 may be defined, with right triangle 425 having sides dl, d2, and with a hypotenuse of length “r”, and right triangle 435 having sides d2, d3, and with a hypotenuse of length “p”, also referred to as the element focal delay distance, as illustrated.
  • the focus delay calculation is as follows:
  • the focal point 410 is given by coordinates (0, Focal Distance 445).
  • Delay( i) - Speedo Sound - ’ w TM t lc m ax(Distance) p referring to the distance “p” from the outermost ultrasound element 250 of the active sub-aperture 275 to the focal point 410.
  • the transmit delays being zero on the outer-most elements 250 (i.e., those elements furthest from the scan line center 405, 415) and maximum in the center of the active sub-aperture 275 (i.e., a maximum delay for those elements closest to the scan line center 405, 415), such as described in the various examples discussed above.
  • Figure (or “FIG.”) 26 is a cross-sectional view (through the A - A’ plane of
  • FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view (through the E - E’ plane of FIG. 15) illustrating a representative circumferential array 245 of ultrasonic transducer elements 250 and a partially exploded view illustrating a plurality of dynamically selectable focal points 430, 440 for a representative embodiment of an IVUS catheter 200, 200A in accordance with the disclosure herein.
  • a particular scanline has optimal resolution in the region around the transmit focal point 430, 440. Because the system 100, 100A with the IVUS catheter 200, 200A, respectively, can focus the transmit event at an arbitrary distance, the “depth of field” is improved using multiple transmit/receive events.
  • FIG. 27 is a flow chart illustrating a method of dynamic beamforming with intravascular imaging using an IVUS catheter 200, 200A in accordance with the disclosure herein, and provides a useful summary.
  • Typical use cases for this imaging system 100, 100A and capability of the IVUS catheter 200, 200A are to record multiple, successive frames as the IVUS catheter 200, 200A is “pulled back” through the vascular anatomy.
  • These “pullbacks” generally start at some distal anatomical landmark, such as the hepatic veins in the inferior vena cava and progress proximally down through and past the area of interest. During pullback, all of the frames are recorded for later quantification and review.
  • the method 600 begins, start step 605, with using the
  • IVUS console 150 to determine or select one or more activation or energizing patterns for ultrasonic transducer elements 250 having selected focal point(s) and scan line(s) for use in a human or veterinary subject, such as selecting the one or more activation patterns from the memory circuit 185, and loading the one or more activation or energizing pattem(s) into an IVUS catheter 200, 200A, step 610.
  • a sub-aperture 275 of circumferential array 245 of ultrasonic transducer elements 250 is selected, step 615.
  • the sub-aperture selection is part of the activation or energizing pattern determined or selected in step 610.
  • step 620 Medical personnel then insert and position the IVUS catheter 200, 200A at a first selected or desired vasculature location in a subject, step 620.
  • the ultrasonic transducer elements 250 are then activated (energized) according to the selected activation or energizing pattern, step 625, and signals from reflected ultrasound waves are received by the IVUS catheter 200, 200A and transmitted for signal processing to the IVUS console 150 (typically via the PIUM 105), step 630.
  • step 635 the IVUS catheter 200, 200A is pulled to a second or next selected or desired vasculature location, step 640, and the method iterates, returning to step 625.
  • the IVUS catheter 200, 200A is removed from the subject, step 645, and the method may end, return step 650.
  • Individual IVUS catheter 200, 200A images and IVUS catheter 200, 200A pullbacks are used in multiple ways. They are used to look at vessel size and shape as well as vascular wall thickness and composition. Images are also used to look for pathology such as the presence of thrombus or some sort of physical compression from external sources. Images within one vessel are used to confirm position within the anatomy by looking at the surrounding, associated vessels. An example would be to see an associated artery adjacent to the vein to confirm that the IVUS catheter 200, 200A is in the correct vein and not a collateral vein, for example and without limitation.
  • various representative embodiments provide apparatuses, methods and systems specifically designed for the IVUS catheter 200, 200A, such as apparatuses, methods and systems for solid state intravascular ultrasound catheterization that enables not only use of modem ultrasound imaging techniques, but also enables high spatial and temporal resolution imaging with greater dynamic range and more flexible imaging modes.
  • Representative embodiments provide dynamic and user-selectable (and/or user-programmable) focusing of the ultrasonic beam, including lateral control of the transmitted ultrasonic energy and control of the intensity of the sonification pattern.
  • the representative embodiments of an IVUS catheter 200, 200A also have a comparatively small form factor with a comparatively reduced diameter, and further have sufficient flexibility for access to desired locations with the vasculature, such as insertion into and around sharp bends in vessels, among other features.
  • the representative embodiments further provide arbitrary transmit focusing, using selectable, active sub-apertures and selectable delay profiles.
  • the representative embodiments include the capability to use multiple transmit foci to create a single composite scanline with a greater focus depth of field.
  • real time receive sub-apertures provide for individual scanlines in a single transmit/receive event, increasing the imaging frame rate, providing improved signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) and improved dynamic ranges for greater image penetration depth.
  • SNR signal-to-noise ratios
  • the representative embodiments further provide arbitrary scanline positioning, which further enables creating high density scanlines for improved lateral resolution and far- field resolution. This also serves to reduce the geometric impact of beam spreading in a very tightly-curved array.
  • the representative embodiments further provide an IVUS system 100, 100A that enables both geometric delay beamforming as well as synthetic reconstruction.
  • the representative embodiments further provide the capability to electronically steer the ultrasonic transmit/receive sequence, to enable imaging modes such as phased array imaging or spatial compounding, for example and without limitation.
  • 200, 200A may have any size (height, width, depth), shape, or form factor suitable for use with intravenous insertion in a human or veterinary subject, and all such variations are considered equivalent and within the scope of the disclosure.
  • the representative embodiments illustrate different combinations of features and elements, with any and all mixing and matching of any of the various features and elements and any and all combinations of any of the various features and elements are within the scope hereof.
  • the IVUS catheter 200, 200A and other components may be fabricated in a wide variety of ways, including integrally formed (e.g., injection molded, 3D printed) or assembled from separate components (e.g., using any suitable fasteners or adhesives, not separately illustrated), and all such variations are considered equivalent and within the scope of the disclosure.
  • the IVUS catheter 200, 200A and other components may be implemented using any suitable material, and may be opaque or transparent, with suitable materials including any rigid (or semi-flexible) polymer or plastic, such as polyvinylchloride (PVC), polystyrene, polyacrylate, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE or Teflon), nylon, polycarbonates, polyesters, carbon fiber, glass, silicone, silicone rubber, a metal, an alloy, etc., for example and without limitation, and all such variations are considered equivalent and within the scope of the disclosure.
  • PVC polyvinylchloride
  • PTFE or Teflon polytetrafluoroethylene
  • the IVUS catheter 200, 200A also may have one or more coatings (not separately illustrated), such as an antibiotic or antimicrobial coating, a hydrophilic coating, for example and without limitation.
  • suitable polymers include, but are not limited to, fluorinated polymers or copolymers such as poly(vinylidene fluoride), poly( vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropene), poly(tetrafluoroethylene), and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene); poly (sulfone); poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone); poly( aminocarbonates); poly(iminocarbonates); poly(anhydride-co-imides), poly(hydroxyvalerate); poly(U-lactic acid); poly(U-lactide); poly(caprolactones); poly(lactide-co-glycolide ); poly (hydroxybutyrates ); poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-valerate); poly(dioxanones); poly(orthoesters); poly(anhydrides); poly(glycolic acid); poly (glycolide); poly(D,L-lactic acid); poly(D,L-lactide);
  • the polymers may also include, but are not limited to, poly(propylene) co- poly(ether-esters) such as, for example, poly(dioxanone) and polyethylene oxide)/poly(lactic acid); poly(anhydrides), poly(alkylene oxalates); poly(phosphazenes); poly(urethanes); silicones; silicone rubber; poly(esters); poly (olefins); copolymers of poly(isobutylene); copolymers of ethylene-alphaolefin; vinyl halide polymers and copolymers such as poly(vinyl chloride); poly(vinyl ethers) such as, for example, poly(vinyl methyl ether); poly(vinylidene halides) such as, for example, poly(vinylidene chloride); poly (acrylonitrile); poly(vinyl ketones); poly(vinyl aromatics) such as poly (styrene); poly(vinyl esters) such as
  • the polymers may further include, but are not limited to, poly(amides) such as
  • a processor 145, a signal processor 120, and a controller 125 may be implemented using any type of digital or analog electronic or other circuitry which is arranged, configured, designed, programmed or otherwise adapted to perform any portion of the signal processing, image generation, and beamforming (including delay calculations) described herein.
  • a processor 145, a signal processor 120, and/or a controller 125 may include use of a single integrated circuit ("IC"), or may include use of a plurality of integrated circuits or other electronic components connected, arranged or grouped together, such as processors, controllers, microprocessors, digital signal processors ("DSPs"), parallel processors, multiple core processors, custom ICs, application specific integrated circuits ("ASICs”), field programmable gate arrays ("FPGAs”), adaptive computing ICs, discrete electronic components, and any associated memory (such as RAM, DRAM and ROM), and other ICs and components, whether analog or digital.
  • IC integrated circuit
  • DSPs digital signal processors
  • ASICs application specific integrated circuits
  • FPGAs field programmable gate arrays
  • adaptive computing ICs discrete electronic components, and any associated memory (such as RAM, DRAM and ROM), and other ICs and components, whether analog or digital.
  • processor should be understood to equivalently mean and include a single IC, or arrangement of custom ICs, ASICs, processors, microprocessors, controllers, FPGAs, adaptive computing ICs, or some other grouping of integrated circuits or discrete electronic components which perform the functions discussed above and further discussed below, and may further include any associated memory, such as microprocessor memory or additional RAM, DRAM, SDRAM, SRAM, MRAM, ROM, FLASH, EPROM or E 2 PROM.
  • microprocessor memory or additional RAM, DRAM, SDRAM, SRAM, MRAM, ROM, FLASH, EPROM or E 2 PROM.
  • a processor 145, a signal processor 120, and/or a controller 125, with any associated memory may be arranged, adapted or configured (via programming, FPGA interconnection, or hard-wiring) to perform any portion of the signal processing, image generation, and beamforming of the present disclosure, as described herein.
  • the methodology may be programmed and stored, in a processor 145, a signal processor 120, and/or a controller 125 with its associated memory (and/or memory 185, 190, respectively) and other equivalent components, as a set of program instructions or other code (or equivalent configuration or other program) for subsequent execution when the processor 145, signal processor 120, and/or controller 125 is operative (i.e., powered on and functioning).
  • processor 145 may implemented in whole or part as FPGAs, custom ICs and/or ASICs
  • the FPGAs, custom ICs or ASICs also may be designed, configured and/or hard-wired to implement any portion of the personalization of search results and search result rankings of the present disclosure.
  • the processor 145, signal processor 120, and/or controller 125 may be implemented as an arrangement of analog and/or digital circuits, controllers, microprocessors, DSPs and/or ASICs, collectively referred to as a “processor”, or “controller” which are respectively hardwired, arranged, programmed, designed, adapted or configured to implement signal processing, image generation, and beamforming of the present disclosure, including possibly in conjunction with a memory 185, 190.
  • a memory 185, 190 and/or activation pattern registers 305 may be embodied as any type of data storage device, such as RAM, FLASH, DRAM, SDRAM, SRAM, MRAM, FeRAM, ROM, EPROM or E 2 PROM, and is utilized for data storage, and also may be utilized to store any data, activation patterns, program instructions or configurations which may be utilized by a processor 145, a signal processor 120, a controller 125, and/or activation pattern selection logic 310.
  • the memory 185, 190 and/or activation pattern registers 305 may be embodied in any number of forms, including within any nontransitory, machine- readable data storage medium, memory device or other storage or communication device for storage or communication of information, currently known or which becomes available in the future, including, but not limited to, a memory integrated circuit (“IC”), or memory portion of an integrated circuit (such as the resident memory within a processor 145, signal processor 120, and/or controller 125), whether volatile or non-volatile, whether removable or non-removable, including without limitation RAM, FLASH, DRAM, SDRAM, SRAM, MRAM, FeRAM, ROM, EPROM or E 2 PROM, or any other form of memory or data storage device, as the case may be (depending upon various form factors, for example), such as a magnetic hard drive, an optical drive, a magnetic disk or tape drive, a hard disk drive, other machine-readable storage or memory media such as a floppy disk, a CDROM, a CD-RW, digital versatile IC
  • the memory 185, 190 and/or activation pattern registers 305 may store data in any way or configuration, including as various look up tables, parameters, coefficients, databases, other information and data, programs or instructions (of the software of the present invention), and other types of tables such as database tables or any other form of data repository.
  • the communication and user interface (I/O) circuits 130, 135, 140, 300 may be implemented as known or may become known in the art, and may include impedance matching capability, voltage rectification circuitry, voltage translation for a low voltage processor to interface with a higher voltage control bus for example, various switching mechanisms (e.g., transistors) to turn various lines or connectors on or off in response to signaling from a processor 145, signal processor 120, and/or controller 125, other control logic circuitry, and/or physical coupling mechanisms.
  • impedance matching capability for a low voltage processor to interface with a higher voltage control bus for example, various switching mechanisms (e.g., transistors) to turn various lines or connectors on or off in response to signaling from a processor 145, signal processor 120, and/or controller 125, other control logic circuitry, and/or physical coupling mechanisms.
  • the communication and user interface (I/O) circuits 130, 135, 140, 300 are also configured to receive and/or transmit signals, such as through hardwiring or RF signaling, for example, to receive and transmit information in real-time, also for example.
  • the communication and user interface (I/O) circuits 130, 135, 140, 300 are utilized for appropriate connection to a relevant channel, network or bus; for example, the communication and user interface (I/O) circuits 130, 135, 140, 300 may provide impedance matching, drivers and other functions for a wireline interface, may provide demodulation and analog to digital conversion for a wireless interface, and may provide a physical interface for the memory 185, 190 and/or activation pattern registers 305 with other devices.
  • the communication and user interface (I/O) circuits 130, 135, 140, 300 are used to receive and transmit data, depending upon the selected embodiment, including activation patterns, control messages, and other pertinent information.
  • the processor 145, signal processor 120, controller 125, and/or activation pattern selection logic 310 is or are hard-wired, configured or programmed, using software and data structures of the invention, for example, to perform any portion of the signal processing, image generation, and beamforming, of the present disclosure.
  • portions of the system and method of the present disclosure may be embodied as software which provides such programming or other instructions, such as a set of instructions and/or metadata embodied within a nontransitory computer-readable medium, discussed above.
  • metadata may also be utilized to define the various data structures of a look up table or a database.
  • Such software may be in the form of source or object code, by way of example and without limitation.
  • Source code further may be compiled into some form of instructions or object code (including assembly language instructions or configuration information).
  • the software, source code or metadata of the present invention may be embodied as any type of code, such as C, C++, C#, Javascript, Adobe Flash, Silverlight, SystemC, LISA, XML, Java, Brew, SQL and its variations (e.g., SQL 99 or proprietary versions of SQL), DB2, Oracle, or any other type of programming language which performs the functionality discussed herein, including various hardware definition or hardware modeling languages (e.g., Verilog, VHDL, RTL) and resulting database files (e.g., GDSII).
  • “software”, “program”, “computer program”, or a “module”, “program module”, “software module”, as used equivalently herein, means and refers to any programming language, of any kind, with any syntax or signatures, which provides or can be interpreted to provide the associated functionality or methodology specified (when instantiated or loaded into a processor or computer and executed, including the processor 145, signal processor 120, controller 125, and/or activation pattern selection logic 310, for example).
  • any of such program or software modules may be combined or divided in any way. For example, a larger module combining first and second functions is considered equivalent to a first module which performs the first function and a separate second module which performs the second function.
  • Figures can also be implemented in a more separate or integrated manner, or even removed or rendered inoperable in certain cases, as may be useful in accordance with a particular application. Integrally formed combinations of components are also within the scope of the invention, particularly for embodiments in which a separation or combination of discrete components is unclear or indiscernible.
  • use of the term “coupled” herein, including in its various forms such as “coupling” or “couplable”, means and includes any direct or indirect electrical or structural coupling, connection or attachment, or adaptation or capability for such a direct or indirect electrical or structural coupling, connection or attachment, including integrally formed components and components which are coupled via or through another component.
  • each intervening number there between with the same degree of precision is explicitly contemplated.
  • the numbers 7 and 8 are contemplated in addition to 6 and 9, and for the range 6.0-7.0, the number 6.0, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, and 7.0 are explicitly contemplated.
  • every intervening sub-range within range is contemplated, in any combination, and is within the scope of the disclosure.
  • the sub-ranges 5 - 6, 5 - 7, 5 - 8, 5 - 9, 6 - 7, 6 - 8, 6 - 9, 6 - 10, 7 - 8, 7 - 9, 7 - 10, 8 - 9, 8 - 10, and 9 - 10 are contemplated and within the scope of the disclosed range.
  • any signal arrows in the drawings/ Figures should be considered only exemplary, and not limiting, unless otherwise specifically noted. Combinations of components of steps will also be considered within the scope of the present invention, particularly where the ability to separate or combine is unclear or foreseeable.
  • the disjunctive term “or”, as used herein and throughout the claims that follow, is generally intended to mean “and/or”, having both conjunctive and disjunctive meanings (and is not confined to an “exclusive or” meaning), unless otherwise indicated.
  • “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
  • the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

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Abstract

L'invention concerne un système d'échographie endovasculaire (IVUS) comportant un cathéter IVUS, une console IVUS et un module d'interface patient. Une console IVUS représentative est configurée pour générer des commandes et des signaux d'activation selon des modèles d'activation prédéterminés. Un cathéter IVUS représentatif se compose d'un boîtier allongé ; d'une pluralité d'éléments transducteurs ultrasonores agencés de manière distale dans un réseau circonférentiel ; et d'une pluralité de dispositifs de commande de transducteur ultrasonore, chaque dispositif de commande de transducteur ultrasonore étant couplé à un sous-ensemble correspondant d'éléments transducteurs ultrasonores, et chaque dispositif de commande de transducteur ultrasonore étant configuré pour activer, en réponse à une ou plusieurs commandes, un ou plusieurs éléments de transducteur ultrasonore à l'intérieur d'une sous-ouverture sélectionnée du réseau circonférentiel de façon à générer un faisceau ultrasonore focalisé, ayant typiquement un point focal sélectionné et une ligne de balayage sélectionnée. Dans un mode de réalisation représentatif, chaque dispositif de commande de transducteur ultrasonore est en outre configuré pour stocker une ou plusieurs portions des modèles d'activation prédéterminés.
PCT/US2024/057143 2023-11-24 2024-11-22 Appareils, procédés et systèmes destinés à la formation de faisceau dynamique de réseau à semi-conducteurs circonférentiel pour échographie endovasculaire et méthodes d'utilisation Pending WO2025111572A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US202363602532P 2023-11-24 2023-11-24
US63/602,532 2023-11-24
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