Advanced Technology Laboratories, Inc.

Koninklijke Philips Corporation N.V.

Donald G Killam

Joseph L Ungari

Timothy Fred Nordgren

Deborah K Imling

Ronald E McKeighen

An apparatus and method for forming electrical connections in an acoustic transducer wherein a non-conductive bonding material is interposed between a conductive surface on the transducer and a conductive lead. In one embodiment, the conductive surface is comprised of gold, and the conductive lead is comprised of copper that is plated with at least one metallic layer. The metallic layer may be further comprised of an intermediate metal layer that is overlaid by a layer of gold. The intermediate layer may be further comprised of titanium, or an alloy of nickel and chromium. A non-conductive bonding material is deposited on either the lead or the conductive surface, which are joined to form a bonding interface. Electrical conduction is attained through a plurality of contact points that arise from the surface roughness inherent in the materials that project through the bonding interface. Alternatively, the contact points are impressed in the surfaces.

Apparatus and method of forming electrical connections to an acoustic transducer

An intraoperative ultrasonic transducer probe is described comprising a handle section and a transducer section which resemble a tiny leg and foot. The two sections are obtusely angled relative to each other so that the physician may continue to clearly view the surgical site while holding and manipulating the probe. The extension of the transducer section away from its point of attachment to the handle section results in the toe of the foot being insertable under unincised tissue, enabling the surgeon to ultrasonically examine organs and tissue peripheral to the surgical site and to follow a vessel even beyond the incision. The transducer section is completely encapsulated in a rubberlike material which electrically insulates the transducer from the patient, enables the probe to be easily sterilized, and further provides an inherent standoff between the transducer and the contact surface of the probe. Thus, the transducer can be focused immediately at the skin line of the organ or vessel which is in contact with the probe. The probe can be easily assembled by providing termination assemblies for attaching coaxial cable conductors to the printed circuit board assembly of the probe.

Intraoperative ultrasound probe

An acoustic transducer assembly is provided in which the signal and reference potential contacts of the elements of the transducer are electrically connected to external circuitry by means of tape automated bonding conductors. At least a first array of TAB conductors is provided for the signal leads to the transducer elements and a second array is provided for the reference potential leads. In a preferred embodiment a uniform reference potential is maintained across the reference potential contacts of the transducer by utilizing TAB conductors connected to each end of the reference potential contacts and leading to a source of reference potential.

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Woodinville, WA, United States of America

Donald G Killam