Real-time 3D transesophageal echocardiography
Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is established as an essential diagnostic tool for patients that are obese or that exhibit signs of pulmonary disease. However, current techniques in transesophageal scanning of the heart are limited by the maneuverability of the esophageal probe as well as by incomplete visualization in close proximity to the transducer. A real-time 3D TEE probe has been fabricated in our laboratory in order to improve on the shortcomings of current TEE devices and increase the amount of information available during a transesophageal procedure. The 8mm diameter endoscope probe utilizes a 2-dimensional, 5MHz array at its tip with a 6.3mm diameter aperture, including 504 active channels. The array has a periodic vernier geometry with an element pitch of 0.18mm, and it was built on a multilayer flexible interconnect circuit (MLF). In order to accommodate 504 channels within the endoscope, 1m long Gore MicroFlat™ cable was utilized for wiring the MLF to the corresponding system connectors. Using the completed 3D TEE probe with the Volumetrics Medical Imaging 3D scanner, real-time volumetric images of in vivo canine cardiac anatomy have been acquired, displaying atrial views, mitral valve function, and catheter guidance. © 2004 IEEE.
