Development of a high-definition intravascular ultrasound imaging system and catheter

We have developed a high-frequency intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) system and catheter that is capable of imaging through a blood field at 40 MHz and 60 MHz. Representative transducers exhibit >;50 MHz center frequency, >;50 % fractional bandwidth, and a -20 dB pulse duration of <;80 ns. A series of bench, ex vivo, non-clinical, and clinical studies demonstrate that benefits of the IVUS imaging system and catheter include improved spatial and contrast resolution. The 60 MHz IVUS images appear to enable improved detection of lipid-rich plaque and thrombus, which can potentially impact treatment decisions.