Title:  High Element Count Forward-Viewing Intravascular Ultrasound for Coronary Blood Flow Velocity Imaging

Committee: 

Dr. Lindsey, Advisor     

Dr. Degertekin, Chair

Dr. Emelianov

Dr. Arvanitis

Abstract: The objective of the proposed research is to develop a 240 element forward-viewing intravascular ultrasound (FV-IVUS) transducer for use in cardiac catheterization. CAD is one of the leading causes of death globally. CAD is characterized by plaque accumulation, resulting in the formation of coronary stenosis. In order to avoid major adverse cardiovascular events, the stenosis must be evaluated to determine their risks. Currently, more than 1 million patients per year undergo diagnostic catheterization in the cardiac catheterization lab. During cardiac catheterization, the risk of plaque rupture or major adverse cardiovascular events can be assessed utilizing multiple modalities (angiography, IVUS, wire-based measurements). To simultaneously image the stenosis structure, plaque composition, and surrounding hemodynamics, a Ø1.5 mm, 240 element forward-viewing intravascular ultrasound (FV-IVUS) transducer capable of both high temporal and spatial resolution (45μm x 200μm, axial x lateral) is being proposed. This system will be developed and tested through the completion of the following three tasks: 1 Develop a 1.5 mm diameter, 240-element FV-IVUS array. 2 Develop a 1.5 mm diameter, 240-element FV-IVUS array with a non-rectilinear aperture using a silicon interposer. 3 Evaluate the accuracy of simultaneous FV-IVUS-based measurements in a pig model of coronary artery disease.