Investigation of a forward-looking IVUS imaging transducer

Several IVUS systems are currently in the prototype stages with clinical trials underway in a number of centers. The majority of these systems employ one of the mechanically scanned transducer configurations. The multielement circular array transducer is also employed in IVUS applications. However, the major shortcoming of the present generation of ultrasonic intravascular imaging catheters is their inability to look ahead, making it necessary to cross the lesion in order to image it. An attempt is made to describe the development of a forward-looking imaging transducer which provides the look-ahead capability and obtains a cross-sectional image in front of its tip