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 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.