Rotatable transducer array for volumetric ultrasound

Abstract

A rotating transducer assembly and method for use in volumetric ultrasound imaging and catheter-guided procedures are provided. The rotating transducer assembly comprises a transducer array mounted on a drive shaft and the transducer array is rotatable with the drive shaft, a motion controller coupled to the transducer array and the drive shaft for rotating the transducer, and at least one interconnect assembly coupled to the transducer for transmitting signals between the transducer and an imaging device, wherein the interconnection assembly is configured to reduce its respective torque load on the transducer and motion controller due to a rotating motion of the transducer.

1 . A rotating transducer array assembly for use in volumetric ultrasound imaging procedures, the assembly comprising: 
 a transducer array;    a motion controller coupled to the transducer array for rotating the transducer array;    at least one interconnect assembly coupled to the transducer array for transmitting signals between the transducer and an imaging device, wherein the interconnection assembly is configured to reduce its respective torque load on the transducer and motion controller due to a rotating motion of the transducer.    
   
   
       2 . The rotating transducer array assembly of  claim 1  wherein the transducer array is mounted on a drive shaft and the transducer array is rotatable with the drive shaft.  
   
   
       3 . The rotating transducer array assembly of  claim 1  further comprising a catheter housing for enclosing the rotating transducer assembly.  
   
   
       4 . The rotating transducer array assembly of  claim 3  wherein the catheter housing further comprises an acoustic window to allow for coupling of acoustic energy from the transducer array to a region of interest.  
   
   
       5 . The rotating transducer array assembly of  claim 3  wherein the motion controller comprises: 
 a micromotor coupled to the drive shaft for rotating the transducer; and,    a motor controller for controlling the micromotor.    
   
   
       6 . The rotating transducer array assembly of  claim 5  wherein the motor controller is contained internal to the catheter housing.  
   
   
       7 . The rotating transducer array assembly of  claim 5  wherein the motor controller is external to the catheter housing.  
   
   
       8 . The rotating transducer array assembly of  claim 1  wherein the interconnect comprises a plurality of conductors for transmitting image data acquired by the transducer to an imaging device.  
   
   
       9 . The rotating transducer array assembly of  claim 1  wherein the interconnect assembly is adapted to reduce rotational stiffness of at least a rotating portion of the interconnect assembly.  
   
   
       10 . The rotating transducer array assembly of  claim 9  wherein the interconnect assembly comprises flexible cable that is de-ribbonized in the rotating portion.  
   
   
       11 . The rotating transducer array assembly of  claim 10  wherein the flexible cable is de-ribbonized by at least one of the following methods: removal of any common substrate, ground plane, or other connection between adjacent conducers of the flexible cable or reducing dielectric or shield layers around individual conductors or coaxes of the flexible cable.  
   
   
       12 . The rotating transducer array assembly of  claim 9  wherein the interconnect cable comprises slits in non-conducting portions of the flexible cable.  
   
   
       13 . The rotating transducer array assembly of  claim 1  wherein the transducer array comprises a one-dimensional (1D) transducer array.  
   
   
       14 . The rotating transducer array assembly of  claim 1  wherein the motion controller comprises one or more actuators attached to the transducer array and used to effect rotation of the transducer array.  
   
   
       15 . The rotating transducer array assembly of  claim 1  wherein the motion controller comprises one or more actuators and springs attached to the transducer array and used to effect rotation of the transducer array  
   
   
       16 . The rotating transducer array assembly of  claim 1  wherein the motion controller comprises at least one bladder in contact with the transducer array wherein the bladders are controlled to effect rotation of the transducer array about a pivot point.  
   
   
       17 . The rotating transducer array assembly of  claim 16  wherein the bladders are filled with at least one of a gas and liquid and the bladders are controlled by inflation and deflation of the bladders.  
   
   
       18 . The rotating transducer array assembly of  claim 14  wherein the motion controller further comprises a cable and pulley assembly coupled to the transducer for effecting rotation of the transducer array.  
   
   
       19 . The rotating transducer array assembly of  claim 14  wherein the motion controller further comprises a gear interface coupled to the transducer for effecting rotation of the transducer array.  
   
   
       20 . A method for performing volumetric ultrasound imaging, the method comprising: 
 obtaining imaging data for at least one region of interest using an imaging catheter, wherein the imaging catheter comprises: 
 a transducer array;  
 a motion controller coupled to the transducer array for rotating the transducer;  
 at least one interconnect assembly coupled to the transducer for transmitting signals between the transducer and an imaging device, wherein the interconnection assembly is configured to reduce its respective torque load on the transducer and motion controller due to a rotating motion of the transducer; and  
   displaying the imaging data for use in at least one of imaging and treatment of a selected region of interest.    
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 20  wherein the transducer array is mounted on a drive shaft and the transducer array is rotatable with the drive shaft.  
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 20  wherein the transducer array is used to scan an ultrasound beam in an azimuth direction and the motion controller is used to rotate the transducer array in an elevation dimension in order to obtain three-dimensional (3D) volumetric imaging data of the region of interest.  
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 20  wherein the imaging catheter further comprises a fluid-filled acoustic window to allow for coupling of acoustic energy from the transducer array to the region of interest.  
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 20  wherein the interconnect assembly is adapted to reduce rotational stiffness of at least a rotating portion of the interconnect assembly.  
   
   
       25 . The method of  claim 20  wherein the motion controller comprises at least one of motors, actuators and mechanical devices coupled to the transducer array for effecting at least one of oscillation and rotation of the transducer array for obtaining volumetric imaging data of the region of interest.  
   
   
       26 . The method of  claim 20  further comprising the step of delivering treatment to the selected regions of interest.