High-resolution co-registered intravascular imaging with integrated high frequency ultrasound and OCT probe

An integrated ultrasound (US) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) probe and system for intravascular imaging has been built. The hybrid dual-function probe is based on a 50 MHz focused ring ultrasound transducer, which has a centric hole for mounting OCT probe. Both focused acoustic and light beams are steered by a 45° mirror for imaging a cross section of vessel. The coaxial probe design enables co-registered imaging of US and OCT simultaneously. Moreover, lateral resolution of US is greatly improved due to focused acoustic beam. Mirror effects on the two-way propagation of acoustic wave were investigated and in vitro imaging of a normal rabbit aorta has been carried out. The combined US-OCT system demonstrated high resolution in visualizing superficial arterial structures while retaining deep penetration of ultrasonic imaging.