Importance

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Abstract

An Ultrasonic Catheter Guidance System which overcomes the inadequacies, dangers, and difficulties encountered by previously available medical guiding apparatus is disclosed. The present invention utilizes a novel technique for coupling ultrasonic energy into an optical fiber that can be used within a blood vessel of patient's body. The present invention includes a transducer [44] which is precisely located on a thin slab of piezoelectric material [10] that generates ultrasonic acoustic surface waves [62] that propagate on the surface [13] or within the bulk of the slab [10]. The transducer [44] may be selected from a set of the many novel alternative configurations that are disclosed in the specification and illustrated by the drawings. The operating power and frequency of the present invention can be predetermined by altering the configuration of the transducers [44]. One or more optical fibers [32] are affixed to the thin slab [10] to ensure the maximum transfer of acoustic energy into the optical fibers [32] . Any number of transducers [44] may be assembled to form an array of transducers [70, 80] that can provide customized input of sound waves to one or more fibers [32]. The present invention also includes a novel acoustic window [93] formed at the remote end of the optical fiber [32]. These acoustic windows [93] facilitate precise directional control and efficient transmission of energy from the end of the fiber which will be situated within the patient. The Ultrasonic Catheter Guidance System described and claimed in this patent application provides a powerful tool which will enable surgeons and medical technicians to place a catheter inside the body with great accuracy. This invention will enable physicians to recognize infirmities, to treat illnesses, and to perform risk-free surgery with previously unavailable precision and effectiveness. The Ultrasonic Catheter Guidance System constitutes an important step forward for the medical profession.

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First Claim