Abstract: The present invention generally relates to medical devices, and more particularly to an improved medical imaging device. In one embodiment, an imaging device includes a drive shaft having proximal and distal ends received within the lumen; an imaging transducer coupled to the distal end of the drive shaft and positioned at the distal portion of the elongate member; and a flow detector coupled to the imaging transducer. The flow detector may include a forward facing ultrasound transducer configured to emit energy in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the imaging device and detect a Doppler shift in the received echoes. In the case where the imaging device is located in a vessel having blood flow, such information may be used to calculate the velocity of the blood flow. The imaging device may be configured to be located in a catheter or guidewire.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to medical devices, and more particularly to an improved intravascular device. In one embodiment, an intravascular device includes a catheter having proximal and distal portions, and a phased array of imaging elements, having edge elements each having angles of emission, located in the distal portion of the catheter, wherein the phased array is concaved having a radius of curvature such that when the phased array is steered in a maximal azimuthal direction, the angles of emission of the edge elements are substantially similar.