US5465726A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Ultrasound imaging and catheters for use therein
Assignee: Intravascular Research Ltd
•
Filing: 1993-01-28
•
Granted: 1995-11-14
•
Expires: 2013-01-28
Abstract
Abstract A catheter having an ultrasonic transducer array at its distal end is constructed to overcome the "ringdown" problem by having a conically shaped reflecting interface space from an ultrasonic transducer array in such a way that the "dead space" is contained wholly within the catheter.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert J. Dickinson
- 👤 Richard I. Kitney
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 17:35
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B8/00; A61B8/12; A61B8/44; A61B8/4444; A61B8/445; G; G10; G10K; G10K11/00; G10K11/18; G10K11/20
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 20
Claim 1
Independent Claim
164 words
A catheter including an ultrasonic transducer element positioned in relation to the catheter to emit an ultrasonic signal substantially parallel to or co-axial with the axis of the catheter and a mirror arranged within the catheter to deflect the ultrasonic signal in a substantially radial direction in relation to the axis of the catheter, the path length of the ultrasonic signal within the catheter being such that it overcomes the "ringdown" problem, characterised by the following features: a) the transducer includes a disc that lies in a substantially diametral plane of the catheter; b) the mirror comprises a substantially conically shaped reflecting interface located within the catheter at a specified distance from the transducer; and c) the specified distance and the dimensions of the transducer and the conical interface are so selected that the initial path of the emitted ultrasonic signal and the final path of the returning ultrasonic echo signal are contained within the catheter itself so as to overcome the "ringdown" problem.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
164 words
A catheter including an ultrasonic transducer element positioned in relation to the catheter to emit an ultrasonic signal substantially parallel to or co-axial with the axis of the catheter and a mirror arranged within the catheter to deflect the ultrasonic signal in a substantially radial direction in relation to the axis of the catheter, the path length of the ultrasonic signal within the catheter being such that it overcomes the "ringdown" problem, characterised by the following features: a) the transducer includes a disc that lies in a substantially diametral plane of the catheter; b) the mirror comprises a substantially conically shaped reflecting interface located within the catheter at a specified distance from the transducer; and c) the specified distance and the dimensions of the transducer and the conical interface are so selected that the initial path of the emitted ultrasonic signal and the final path of the returning ultrasonic echo signal are contained within the catheter itself so as to overcome the "ringdown" problem.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
A catheter as claimed in claim 1, in which the disc is substantially circular and divided into a plurality of segments to act as a plurality of transducer elements which in use are adapted to both transmit and receive signals.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
A catheter as claimed in claim 2, in which the conically shaped reflecting interface is formed by a metal member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
A catheter as claimed in claim 2, in which the conically shaped reflecting interface is formed by air.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
A catheter as claimed in claim 2, in which the conically shaped reflecting interface is formed from plastic sheet.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
A catheter as claimed in claim 2, in which the space between the disc and the conically shaped reflecting interface is filled with an acoustic transmitting fluid.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
66 words
A catheter as claimed in claim 1, in which the circular transducer disc, in use, acts only as a transmitting element for ultrasonic signals and there are arranged between the disc and the conically shaped reflecting surface a plurality of axially extending transducer elements which are adapted, in use, to act as receivers for the echo signals resulting from the ultrasonic signals transmitted by the disc.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
A catheter as claimed in claim 7, in which the conically shaped reflecting interface is formed by a metal member.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
A catheter as claimed in claim 7, in which the conically shaped reflecting interface is formed by air.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
A catheter as claimed in claim 7, in which the conically shaped reflecting interface is formed from plastic sheet.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
27 words
A catheter as claimed in claim 7, in which the space between the disc and the conically shaped reflecting interface is filled with an acoustic transmitting fluid.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
20 words
A catheter as claimed in claim 1 in which the conically shaped reflecting interface is formed by a metal member.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
27 words
A catheter as claimed in claim 12, in which the space between the disc and the conically shaped reflecting interface is filled with an acoustic transmitting fluid.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
18 words
A catheter as claimed in claim 2, in which the conically shaped reflecting interface is formed by air.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
27 words
A catheter as claimed in claim 14, in which the space between the disc and the conically shaped reflecting interface is filled with an acoustic transmitting fluid.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
19 words
A catheter as claimed in claim 1 in which the conically shaped reflecting interface is formed from plastic sheet.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
27 words
A catheter as claimed in claim 16, in which the space between the disc and the conically shaped reflecting interface is filled with an acoustic transmitting fluid.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
27 words
A catheter as claimed in claim 1 in which the space between the disc and the conically shaped reflecting interface is filled with an acoustic transmitting fluid.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
14 words
A catheter as claimed in claim 18, in which the transmitting fluid comprises water.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1998-11-13 | 1999-05-15 | 1999-11-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-11-13 | 2003-05-15 | 2003-11-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-11-13 | 2007-05-15 | 2007-11-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |