Intravascular devices, systems, and methods having drive cables with a lubricious coating and/or radiopaque markers

Abstract

Rotational intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging devices and systems are provided. The IVUS imaging devices include catheters having a rotating drive cable with a transducer disposed at a distal end thereof for imaging a bodily vessel of interest. In some embodiments, a lubricious coating is applied on the drive cable to promote uniform rotation of the drive cable and the transducer. In some embodiments, the drive cable is coated with a polymer layer to promote uniform rotation of the drive cable and the transducer. In some embodiments, radiopaque markers are affixed on the drive cable for accurate placement of the transducer within of the vessel and for accurate measurement of internal dimensions and lesion lengths within the body of the patient.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A rotational intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) device, comprising:
 a drive cable configured to rotate about an axis of rotation associated with the IVUS device; and   a transducer coupled to a distal end of the flexible drive cable such that the transducer rotates with the drive cable;   wherein the drive cable is coated with a lubricious coating configured to enable uniform rotation of the drive cable and the transducer by reducing frictional forces experienced by the drive cable.   
     
     
         2 . The rotational IVUS device of  claim 1 , wherein the lubricious coating is a hydrophobic coating. 
     
     
         3 . The rotational IVUS device of  claim 1 , wherein the lubricious coating is a hydrophilic coating. 
     
     
         4 . The rotational IVUS device of  claim 1 , further comprising a sheath surrounding the drive cable, wherein the lubricious coating is configured to reduce rotational friction between the drive cable and the sheath. 
     
     
         5 . The rotational IVUS device of  claim 4 , wherein the sheath is configured to be filled with a fluid, wherein the lubricious coating is configured to reduce rotational friction between the drive cable and the fluid. 
     
     
         6 . The rotational IVUS device of  claim 1 , wherein the lubricious coating is in direct contact with the drive cable. 
     
     
         7 . The rotational IVUS device of  claim 1 , wherein lubricious coating is water-based. 
     
     
         8 . The rotational IVUS device of  claim 1 , wherein lubricious coating is solvent-based. 
     
     
         9 . The rotational IVUS device of  claim 1 , further comprising a polymer layer fixedly secured to and surrounding the drive cable without enclosing the transducer. 
     
     
         10 . The rotational IVUS device of  claim 9 , wherein the polymer layer includes at least one of a high density polyimide layer, a low density polyimide layer, or polyimide ethylene layer. 
     
     
         11 . The rotational IVUS device of  claim 9 , wherein the polymer layer is in direct contact with the drive cable. 
     
     
         12 . The rotational IVUS device of  claim 11 , wherein the polymer layer is coated with the lubricious coating.