Abstract: A transducer useful for medical imaging ultrasonic transducers comprises a front impedance matching layer, a piezoelectric array, and a rear layer. The front impedance matching layer may include a return connection region electrically coupled to a distal end of the piezoelectric array and a front metal layer with a return signal portion for routing the return signal from the distal end of the transducer to a flex circuit of the rear layer at a proximal end of the transducer. In an embodiment, the rear layer may include a return connection region that is electrically coupled to the piezoelectric array at a distal end of the transducer and also electrically coupled to the signal return lines of a flex circuit at the distal end of the transducer.

Abstract: A transducer useful for medical imaging ultrasonic transducers comprises a front impedance matching layer, a piezoelectric array, and a rear layer. The front impedance matching layer may include a return connection region electrically coupled to a distal end of the piezoelectric array and a front metal layer with a return signal portion for routing the return signal from the distal end of the transducer to a flex circuit of the rear layer at a proximal end of the transducer. In an embodiment, the rear layer may include a return connection region that is electrically coupled to the piezoelectric array at a distal end of the transducer and also electrically coupled to the signal return lines of a flex circuit at the distal end of the transducer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for positioning a valve or other device in a patient's body (e.g., in the patient's heart) using an ultrasound system in combination with position sensors. One position sensor is mounted in the ultrasound probe so that a geometric relationship between the position sensor and the ultrasound transducer is known, and another position sensor is mounted in the device installation apparatus so that a geometric relationship between the position sensor and the device is known. The device's position with respect to the imaging plane is determined based on the detected positions of the position sensors and the known geometric relationships. Images of the imaging plane are displayed, and an indication of the device's position with respect to the imaging plane is outputted.

Abstract: A device (e.g., a valve) can be visualized in a patient's body (e.g., in the patient's heart) using an ultrasound system with added position sensors. One position sensor is mounted in the ultrasound probe, and another position sensor is mounted in the device installation apparatus. The device's position with respect to the imaging plane is determined based on the detected positions of the position sensors and known geometric relationships. A representation of the device and the imaging plane, as viewed from a first perspective, is displayed. The perspective is varied to a second perspective, and a representation of the device and the imaging plane, as viewed from the second perspective, is displayed. Displaying the device and the imaging plane from different perspectives helps the user visualize where the device is with respect to the relevant anatomy.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer that includes a backing layer, an insulating layer disposed on top of the backing layer, and a plurality of conductive traces disposed on top of the insulating layer are disclosed. Each of the conductive traces has an upper face. A plurality of transducer elements, each having (a) a core of piezoelectric material and (b) a conductive coating disposed beneath the core, are bonded directly to the upper face of a respective one of the plurality of conductive traces. Methods for fabricating ultrasound transducers are also disclosed.