Importance

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Abstract

A multi-function intraluminal ultrasound catheter assembly includes an axially disposed lumen having at least a first portion with a flat inner wall forming a 'D-shaped' cross-section. An acoustic imaging window having a circular cross-section is connected to a distal end of the catheter assembly, wherein the cross-sectional dimension of the D-shaped portion of the lumen that extends from the flat inner wall is less that the available inner diameter of the imaging window. A flexible drive-shaft extends through the lumen and is connected to a transducer housing disposed in the acoustic imaging window area, the transducer housing having a substantially 'D-shaped' outer perimeter, wherein the drive-shaft and connected transducer housing may thereby be retracted from the catheter assembly by first rotating the transducer housing until its D-shaped outer perimeter is substantially oriented with the D-shaped cross-section of the lumen. In a preferred embodiment, the transducer housing also includes a longitudinally disposed transducer mounting section configured such that the active surface of a transducer mounted therein is generally aligned across the maximal inner diameter of the acoustic imaging window.

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First Claim