A Magnetically Actuated Scanning Microplatform for Intravascular Ultrasound Imaging

A magnetically actuated microplatform for use in invivo instrumentation applications is described. A specific embodiment for an intravascular ultrasound imaging system is the focus of this research. Magnetic microactuators with the ability to carry ultrasound transducer elements while in a liquid have been demonstrated. These actuators have also shown the ability to rotate the required angular range (+/-45) within the specified magnetic field limits (less than 150 Gauss). A specific transducer element design is necessary for this application, and a transducer element fabrication process was developed. Studies conducted on tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide have demonstrated that this etchant is compatible with the microactuator and ultrasound transducer element, allowing the transducers to be mounted on the microactuators prior to the release etch.