Multi-mode capacitive micromachined ultrasound transducer and associated devices, systems, and methods for multiple different intravascular sensing capabilities

Abstract

Multi-mode capacitive micromachined ultrasound transducer (CMUT) and associated devices systems, and methods are provided. In an embodiment, an intravascular device includes a flexible elongate member having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a first sensor assembly disposed at the distal portion of the flexible elongate member. The first sensor assembly comprises a first array of capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers (CMUTs). The first sensor assembly comprises at least two of a pressure sensor, a flow sensor, or an imaging sensor. In some embodiments, the intravascular device further includes a second sensor assembly comprising a second array of CMUTs.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus, comprising:
 an intravascular catheter or guidewire configured to be positioned within a vessel of a patient; and   a capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT) disposed at a distal portion of the intravascular catheter or guidewire,   wherein the CMUT is configured to obtain diagnostic data only such that the CMUT is not used for treatment,   wherein, at a first time, the diagnostic data obtained by the CMUT is intravascular pressure data that is not an image,   wherein, at a different, second time, the diagnostic data obtained by the same individual CMUT is intravascular flow data that is not an image.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the CMUT is disposed in a side-looking orientation. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the CMUT is disposed in a forward-looking orientation. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 ,
 further comprising a first array of CMUTs,   wherein the CMUT is one of the CMUTs in the array.   
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 ,
 wherein, at the first time, the diagnostic data obtained by all of the CMUTs in the first array is the intravascular pressure data, and   wherein, at the second time, the diagnostic data obtained by all of the CMUTs in the first array is the intravascular flow data.   
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the first array of CMUTs is disposed in an annular configuration around the intravascular catheter or guidewire. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , further comprising a second array of CMUTs. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 ,
 wherein the first array of CMUTs is disposed in one of a side-looking orientation or a forward-looking orientation, and   wherein the second array of CMUTs is disposed in the other of the side-looking orientation or the forward-looking orientation.   
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 ,
 further comprising a computing device configured for communication with the intravascular catheter or guidewire,   wherein the computing device is configured to control the CMUT such that:
 at the first time, the diagnostic data obtained by the CMUT is the intravascular pressure data; and 
 at the second time, the diagnostic data obtained by the same individual CMUT is the intravascular flow data. 
   
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the second time occurs after the first time. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 9 ,
 wherein the computing device is configured to control the CMUT such that:
 at a third time, the diagnostic data obtained by the same individual CMUT is the intravascular pressure data; and 
 at a fourth time, the diagnostic data obtained by the same individual CMUT is the intravascular flow data, 
   wherein the first time, the second time, the third time, and the fourth time are different from one another.   
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 11 ,
 wherein the third time occurs before the fourth time and after the first time and the second time, and   wherein the fourth time occurs after the first time, the second time, and the third time.   
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the computing device is configured to:
 receive the intravascular pressure data and the intravascular flow data;   process the intravascular pressure data and the intravascular flow data; and   provide, to a display in communication with the computing device, a graphical representation of the processed intravascular pressure data and a graphical representation of the processed intravascular flow data.