High resolution intravascular imaging via ultrasonic catheters: proof of concept

The potential image quality and resolution of medical ultrasonic imaging catheters (UIC) for use in minimally invasive determinations of vascular disease was examined with the aid of a prototype, small-aperture, high-resolution imaging system. The value of high-resolution ultrasonic imaging derives from the potential ability to quantitate intimal roughening, `see´ beyond the intimal lining of the vessel, and compute tissue attenuation to help identify tissue histology. High-resolution images of an in vitro human arterial samples were obtained using the prototype UIC. Excellent correlations between the ultrasonic images, high-resolution, magnetic resonance images, and pathology specimens are demonstrated. It is concluded that high-quality images for small, clinically useful UICs are definitely feasible using current technology