Initial experience with a steerable, phased vector array ultrasound catheter in the GI tract

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Medical Imaging
• Endoscopic Ultrasound

Background:

• Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) requires substantial capital investment, limiting its widespread use.
• A catheter-based system with phased array scanning and Doppler could enhance EUS accessibility.
• Previous applications of this technology were limited to intracardiac use, not the GI tract.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of a novel phased array scanning ultrasound (US) catheter for gastrointestinal (GI) tract imaging.
• To evaluate the imaging characteristics and diagnostic capabilities of this new US catheter technology in the GI tract.

Main Methods:

• A 10F, 100 cm torquable catheter with a phased vector array transducer (5.5-10 MHz) was used in anesthetized swine.
• The catheter was inserted into the upper GI tract via a flexible sigmoidoscope, with acoustic coupling achieved using water.
• Needle visualization and Doppler imaging experiments were conducted.

Main Results:

• The catheter facilitated easy acoustic coupling and provided high-resolution imaging of esophageal and stomach walls.
• Excellent tissue resolution and Doppler imaging were achieved up to 10 cm.
• A 22-gauge needle was visualized beyond 4 cm depth, and vascular flow was detected using Doppler.

Conclusions:

• The 10F array US catheter provides high-resolution 2D and Doppler imaging of the GI tract.
• This technology shows promise for new applications in GI diagnostics.
• The system's capabilities may improve the accessibility and utility of endoscopic ultrasound.