Ultrasound transducer assembly

Abstract

An ultrasound catheter is disclosed for providing substantially real-time images of small cavities. The ultrasound catheter is characterized by separate and distinct materials for backing the transducers and for carrying the electronics components. The separate materials comprise an electronics carrier meeting the requirements for holding the integrated circuitry of the ultrasound device and a backing material displaying superior characteristics relating to reducing ringing and minimizing the effect of other sources of signal degradation in the transducer assembly. Also, in accordance with the present invention, a technique is described for connecting the conductor lines of the separate transducer assembly and electronics body.

1 . An ultrasound catheter probe for insertion into a vasculature and emitting ultrasonic acoustic waves and providing transduced electrical signals arising from ultrasonic echoes of the ultrasonic acoustic waves, said ultrasound catheter probe comprising: 
 a multi-sectioned body having distinct sections for independently supporting a transducer array and integrated electronic circuitry, the multi-sectioned body comprising: 
 a first section, comprising a first material, serving as a transducer backing and having a relatively high acoustic energy absorption in comparison to a second section, comprising a second material, for supporting integrated electronic circuitry;  
   a transducer assembly, supported by the first section of the multi-sectioned body, including the transducer array for transmitting the ultrasonic acoustic waves into the vasculature and generating electrical signals in accordance with the ultrasonic echoes of the ultrasonic acoustic waves; and    integrated electronic circuitry, supported by the second section of the multi-sectioned body, for receiving the electrical signals generated by the transducer assembly and, in response to the electrical signals, transmitting information to an environment external of the vasculature.    
   
   
       2 - 19 . (canceled)