Integrated mechanism based multiplane/3D ultrasonic imaging probes

Implementation of 3D capabilities on ultrasonic imaging systems tantalizingly proves the high interest for this diagnosing modality. However, to become a clinical tool, 3D ultrasound has to spend further technological efforts in acquisition performance and probe size to deliver on the fly, quality volumetric images as well as current functionalities. Nowadays, numerous 3D designs have been reported such as: hand-moving imaging probes equipped with position sensors, rotating/sweeping probe including array transducer or more complex 2D array transducer. The first type of device reveals to be inaccurate in position, the second is often heavy and exhibits excessive volume while, although of compact size, the third type is unreliable and excessive in manufacturing cost that limits commercial widespread use. In this paper, the simultaneous use of slim-line high density phased array transducer and multilayer actuator based ultrasonic motor devices enables imaging probes to exhibit both multiplane capability and high frame rate 3D rendering. The high level of integration allows the probe volume to be comparable to conventional 1D apparatus. Phased-array fabrication and interconnect problems have been addressed during this study as well as subsystem integration concerns.