X-PLANE AND 3D IMAGING FOR ASYMMETRIC APERTURES

摘要

An intraluminal imaging device is provided. In one embodiment, the imaging device includes a flexible elongate member having a distal portion and a proximal portion. The flexible elongate member can be positioned within a vessel. The imaging device an imaging assembly that can be mounted within the distal portion. The imaging assembly includes a side-looking array of imaging elements and a micro-beamformer IC that is coupled to the side-looking array of imaging elements. The micro-beamformer IC can control the array of imaging elements, can determine a first angle and a second angle, and can perform beam forming for the array of imaging elements. The micro-beamformer IC can receive the first imaging signals associated with a first plane (410) at the first angle (+45°), and the second imaging signals associated with a second plane (420) at the second angle(−45°). In some embodiments, the first and second angles are selected to satisfy predetermined criteria.