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Wideband Optical Detector of Ultrasound for Medical Imaging Applications
Published on: May 11, 2014
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Analog interface amplifiers for sub-mm broadband polymer intravascular ultrasonic imaging
Ruiyan Wang1, Isaias Treviño1, Aaron J Fleischman2
1Dept. of Electrical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
Summary
This study developed a new analog front-end ASIC for smaller intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) catheters, improving resolution for better artery imaging. The advanced design enables clearer visualization of plaque and stent structures in peripheral arteries.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is crucial for diagnosing arterial diseases, requiring high resolution.
- Smaller IVUS catheters with broader bandwidth are needed for improved imaging in peripheral arteries.
- High transducer impedance in sub-millimeter IVUS catheters necessitates specialized interface electronics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To advance the development of sub-millimeter IVUS catheters with enhanced resolution.
- To design and characterize a custom analog front-end (AFE) application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) for broadband IVUS.
- To overcome challenges associated with high transducer impedance and voltage requirements in miniaturized IVUS probes.
Main Methods:
- Developed a custom AFE ASIC featuring an active limiter with regenerative clamping for high voltage protection.
- Utilized low-threshold voltage (low-VT) field-effect transistors (FETs) for the clamping structure.
- Characterized the AFE in series and shunt configurations to evaluate signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and bandwidth.
Main Results:
- Achieved a typical signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 33.3 dB over a 105 MHz imaging bandwidth.
- Demonstrated a noise floor of 2.1 nV/√Hz, limited by the wide fractional bandwidth.
- Measured pulse recovery between 325 - 450 ns, enabling imaging as close as 0.5 mm.
- Obtained high-resolution images from a 0.8-mm, 40 MHz transducer, visualizing stent struts (0.35 mm wall thickness).
Conclusions:
- The developed AFE ASIC enables broadband IVUS in a sub-millimeter form factor, surpassing previous interface amplifier designs.
- The system provides sufficient resolution for detecting critical arterial pathologies like stent struts.
- This advancement supports the creation of next-generation IVUS catheters for improved radiological interventions.
