Acoustic waveguide for the detection and characterization of obstructions in liquid-filled tubes

摘要

The present invention provides an acoustic waveguide for determining and continuously monitoring the degree, location and type of obstructions in liquid-filled tubes or catheters using acoustic waves. The tube's wall has an intermediate layer positioned between a tube outer wall and a tube inner wall of the tubea and the intermediate layer is made of a material having a difference in acoustic impedance of at least one order of magnitude with respect to that of the liquid present in or outside the waveguide reducing or eliminating the amount of acoustic energy that radiates through the tube.