Abstract: An ultrasound imaging and backscatter system comprises an ICE ultrasonic catheter having an ultrasonic pMUT transducer array disposed within a distal end of the ultrasonic catheter, and comprises a plurality of transducer array elements arranged on a substrate. A catheter shaft is connected at one end to a handle assembly and at other end to the ultrasonic transducer array. The catheter shaft houses an electronic flex cable which is in communication with a signal trace, and directs each of the plurality of transducer array elements to transmit and receive ultrasound beams, receive at least one signal from the plurality of transducer array elements, and construct at least one image characterizing one or more tissue component of a scanned object. The ultrasound imaging system is used for measuring tissue thickness, tissue scarring and lesion assessment for left and right atrium and ventricle tissue wall characterization and other intracardiac tissue abnormalities.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging system is disclosed. The ultrasonic imaging system comprises an ultrasonic catheter having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end, and a distal end. The ultrasonic imaging system includes an ultrasonic transducer array disposed within the distal end of the ultrasonic catheter. The ultrasonic transducer array comprises a plurality of transducer array elements arranged on a substrate. Further, a catheter shaft is connected at one end to a handle assembly and at other end to the ultrasonic transducer array. The catheter shaft houses an electronic flex cable which is in communication with at least one signal trace, and is configured to direct each of the plurality of transducer array elements to transmit and receive ultrasound beams, receive at least one signal from the plurality of transducer array elements, and construct at least one image of at least a portion of the heart based on the at least one signal.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging system is disclosed. The ultrasonic imaging system comprises an Intracardiac echocardiographic (ICE) catheter and a transducer ring. A steerable sheath integrated with a built-in forward looking transducer and the transducer ring positioned at a distal end of the steerable sheath. The transducer ring comprises a MEMS based pMUT array arranged over a substrate. A catheter shaft houses a lumen to allow a passage of a puncture needle and an electronic flex cable in communication with at least one signal trace, configured to: direct the MEMS based pMUT array, via the at least one signal trace, to transmit and receive, ultrasound beams; receive at least one signal from the MEMS based pMUT array based on transmitting and receiving at least one ultrasound beam; and construct at least one image of at least a portion of the heart based on the at least one signal.

Abstract: An ICE imaging system is disclosed, which comprises an Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) catheter having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end, and a distal end. The ICE catheter corresponds to a micro-electromechanical (MEMS) or other transducer based phased array ultrasound catheter with an out diameter of 6 French or smaller for delivery through an internal jugular, subclavian, axillary, innominate venous system into heart chambers for the purpose of lead placement for a pacemaker or other implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) device. Further, a catheter shaft houses an electronic flex cable which is in communication with at least one signal trace, and is configured to direct a plurality of transducer array elements to transmit and receive ultrasound beams, receive at least one signal from the plurality of transducer array elements, and construct at least one image of at least a portion of the heart based on the at least one signal.

Abstract: An integrated cardiac mapping and Piezoelectric Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducer (pMUT) ultrasonic imaging system, is disclosed. The system comprising a pMUT imaging and mapping catheter having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end, and a distal end. A micro-electromechanical (MEMS) based pMUT or other transducer disposed within the distal end of the pMUT imaging and mapping catheter. A pMUT mapping array disposed within the distal end of the pMUT imaging and mapping catheter, wherein the mapping array comprises an expandable basket, grid, hoop, or other configuration with an electronic sensor array arranged on electronic flex circuits.

Abstract: An integrated ultrasonic imaging and ablation system is disclosed. The system comprising an ablation catheter having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end, and a distal end. A micro-electromechanical (MEMS) based Piezoelectric Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducer (pMUT) or other ultrasound transducer disposed within the distal end of the ablation catheter. A catheter shaft is connected at one end to a handle assembly and at other end to the MEMS based pMUT array. A first carrier assembly is coupled to the catheter shaft and having a first array of electrodes coupled to a plurality of first carrier arms. A second carrier assembly is coupled to the catheter shaft and having a second array of electrodes coupled to a plurality of second carrier arms.

Abstract: A pMUT guided ultrasound bronchoscope is disclosed. The pMUT guided ultrasound bronchoscope comprises an insertion tube having a proximal section and a distal section. A handle is connected to the proximal section, and a distal tip connected to the distal section of the insertion tube. The handle comprises a working channel entry port for inserting fluids and biopsy tools into a working channel extending through the insertion tube and exiting near the distal tip. A suction button is configured to control a valve disposed adjacent to the suction port for controlling suction when connected to a suction device.

Abstract: An ultrasonic catheter is disclosed. The ultrasonic catheter comprises a micro-electromechanical (MEMS) based Piezoelectric Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducer (pMUT) array disposed within a distal end of a body. The ultrasonic catheter further comprises a plurality of electronic flex circuits, connected at one end to a handle connector and at other end to a first layer of AIC. The handle connector passes ultrasound signals to the distal end via the plurality of electronic flex circuits. Further, a distal pMUT interposer is disposed between the first layer and a second layer of AIC, with InvisiVia connections. The InvisiVia connection is configured to bring the electronic flex circuit from one side of the distal pMUT interposer to the other. Further, the MEMS based pMUT array sends a pressure wave and receives a returning pressure wave echo via the InvisiVia connections of the distal pMUT interposer.

Abstract: An integrated ultrasonic imaging and ablation system is disclosed. The system comprising an ablation catheter having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end, and a distal end. A micro-electromechanical (MEMS) based Piezoelectric Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducer (pMUT) or other ultrasound transducer disposed within the distal end of the ablation catheter. A catheter shaft is connected at one end to a handle assembly and at other end to the MEMS based pMUT array. A first carrier assembly is coupled to the catheter shaft and having a first array of electrodes coupled to a plurality of first carrier arms. A second carrier assembly is coupled to the catheter shaft and having a second array of electrodes coupled to a plurality of second carrier arms.

Abstract: An ultrasonic catheter is disclosed. The ultrasonic catheter comprises a body having a longitudinal axis and a distal end. A Piezoelectric Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducer (pMUT) array is disposed within the distal end of the body. Further, the pMUT array comprises a plurality of pMUT array elements arranged on a substrate. Further, an insulating material is disposed at the distal end over an imaging window, to provide electrical isolation and transmission of ultrasound signals. The insulating material corresponds to a polyether block amide (PEBA) or Pebax, or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging system is disclosed. The ultrasonic imaging system comprises an ultrasonic catheter having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end, and a distal end. The ultrasonic imaging system includes an ultrasonic transducer array disposed within the distal end of the ultrasonic catheter. The ultrasonic transducer array comprises a plurality of transducer array elements arranged on a substrate. Further, a catheter shaft is connected at one end to a handle assembly and at other end to the ultrasonic transducer array. The catheter shaft houses an electronic flex cable which is in communication with at least one signal trace, and is configured to direct each of the plurality of transducer array elements to transmit and receive ultrasound beams, receive at least one signal from the plurality of transducer array elements, and construct at least one image of at least a portion of the heart based on the at least one signal.

Abstract: An ultrasonic catheter is disclosed. The ultrasonic catheter comprises a body having a longitudinal axis and a distal end. A Piezoelectric Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducer (pMUT) array is disposed within the distal end of the body. Further, the pMUT array comprises a plurality of pMUT array elements arranged on a substrate. Further, an insulating material is disposed at the distal end over an imaging window, to provide electrical isolation and transmission of ultrasound signals. The insulating material corresponds to a polyether block amide (PEBA) or Pebax, or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).