The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 14, 1998
Filed:
Jun. 27, 1996
Hiroyuki Yagami, Nakai-machi, JP;
Hiroshi Katsumata, Nakai-machi, JP;
Hideshi Obitsu, Fujinomiya, JP;
Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha, Tokyo, JP;
Abstract
An ultrasonic imaging catheter includes an outer sheath that is adapted to be inserted into a body cavity, and a drive shaft that is positioned in the outer sheath for transmitting mechanical driving force. The catheter is also provided with first and second elastic members. The first elastic member is disposed at the tip portion of the outer sheath while the second elastic member that is secured to the housing containing a transducer has a free end that is inserted into the first elastic member. The portion of the catheter between the housing and the first elastic member at the free end of the catheter is thus reinforced to improve flexibility and kinking of the catheter. The housing can be made of insulating ceramic material so that the insulation and resistance of the housing is high. Thus, a short between the electrodes of the oscillator does not occur even when the oscillator is in direct contact with the housing.