Abstract: Intravascular systems, devices, and methods having a captively-held filling are provided. An intravascular imaging device can include a flexible elongate member including a lumen having a proximal portion and a distal portion; a drive cable disposed within the lumen such that an ultrasound transducer coupled to the drive cable is positioned within the distal portion of the lumen; and a filling captively held within at least the distal portion of the lumen and surrounding the ultrasound transducer, the filling facilitating transmission and receipt of ultrasound signals. A method of manufacturing an intravascular imaging device can include acquiring a flexible elongate member including a lumen; inserting a drive cable into the lumen, a rotational ultrasound transducer being coupled to the drive cable; inserting a filling that facilitates transmission and receipt of ultrasonic signals into the lumen such that the filling surrounds rotational ultrasound transducer; and sealing the filling within the lumen.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods provide a solid-state intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging system that includes an array of ultrasound transducers mounted on a structural uni-body made of a polymeric substance doped with acoustic dampening material. The use of the polymeric substance doped with acoustic dampening material to fabricate the uni-body assists in improving the signal-to-noise ratio associated with the IVUS imaging signals.

Abstract: Intravascular systems, devices, and methods having a captively-held filling are provided. An intravascular imaging device can include a flexible elongate member including a lumen having a proximal portion and a distal portion; a drive cable disposed within the lumen such that an ultrasound transducer coupled to the drive cable is positioned within the distal portion of the lumen; and a filling captively held within at least the distal portion of the lumen and surrounding the ultrasound transducer, the filling facilitating transmission and receipt of ultrasound signals. A method of manufacturing an intravascular imaging device can include acquiring a flexible elongate member including a lumen; inserting a drive cable into the lumen, a rotational ultrasound transducer being coupled to the drive cable; inserting a filling that facilitates transmission and receipt of ultrasonic signals into the lumen such that the filling surrounds rotational ultrasound transducer; and sealing the filling within the lumen.

Abstract: Intravascular systems, devices, and methods having a captively-held filling are provided. An intravascular imaging device can include a flexible elongate member including a lumen having a proximal portion and a distal portion; a drive cable disposed within the lumen such that an ultrasound transducer coupled to the drive cable is positioned within the distal portion of the lumen; and a filling captively held within at least the distal portion of the lumen and surrounding the ultrasound transducer, the filling facilitating transmission and receipt of ultrasound signals. A method of manufacturing an intravascular imaging device can include acquiring a flexible elongate member including a lumen; inserting a drive cable into the lumen, a rotational ultrasound transducer being coupled to the drive cable; inserting a filling that facilitates transmission and receipt of ultrasonic signals into the lumen such that the filling surrounds rotational ultrasound transducer; and sealing the filling within the lumen.

Abstract: Intravascular systems, devices, and methods having a captively-held filling are provided. An intravascular imaging device can include a flexible elongate member including a lumen having a proximal portion and a distal portion; a drive cable disposed within the lumen such that an ultrasound transducer coupled to the drive cable is positioned within the distal portion of the lumen; and a filling captively held within at least the distal portion of the lumen and surrounding the ultrasound transducer, the filling facilitating transmission and receipt of ultrasound signals. A method of manufacturing an intravascular imaging device can include acquiring a flexible elongate member including a lumen; inserting a drive cable into the lumen, a rotational ultrasound transducer being coupled to the drive cable; inserting a filling that facilitates transmission and receipt of ultrasonic signals into the lumen such that the filling surrounds rotational ultrasound transducer; and sealing the filling within the lumen.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods provide a solid-state intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging system that includes an array of ultrasound transducers mounted on a structural uni-body made of a polymeric substance doped with acoustic dampening material. The use of the polymeric substance doped with acoustic dampening material to fabricate the uni-body assists in improving the signal-to-noise ratio associated with the IVUS imaging signals.

Abstract: The invention is an imaging catheter chamber having a plurality of openings to allow easy passage of fluids, e.g., saline from the interior of the chamber to the exterior of the catheter. The invention is useful for both IVUS and OCT imaging.