The miniaturization of an existing 6-French intraluminal ultrasound angioscope is planned. The resulting device would be a 3- to 4-French, guidewire-controlled, flexible ultrasound device capable of producing real-time cross-sectional images of small, deep vessels such as coronary arteries. The key aspect of the program, the miniaturization of the drive chain of the ultrasound transducer, will be addressed in Phase I. A proof-of-principle prototype will be developed with dimensions of 4 French along its length with a short 5-French tip. Paper designs of the next phase of development will be produced. Subsequent Phase II work will lead to final prototype development and animal trials.
Anticipated Results:This program would result in the development of a convenient means of obtaining high-resolution ultrasound images of coronary arteries. This could significantly impact the diagnosis and treatment of coronary artery disease and would, therefore, have major commercial applications.National Heart, Lung, And Blood Institute (NHLBI)
