Method and system for transcranial photoacoustic imaging for guiding skull base surgeries
US10531828B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 2, 2015 |
| Grant date | Jan 14, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 8, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S901/41
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention is directed to a method and system for photoacoustic imaging for guiding medical procedures. A transducer is placed near the site of the procedure. The optical fiber, coupled to an electromagnetic source, such as a laser, is attached to a medical device. During the procedure, the device and optical fiber are inserted into the procedure site where the optical fiber illuminates the procedure site, which has a thickness of approximately 2 mm. Photoacoustic images are acquired to visualize the procedure site as the procedure is proceeding in order to provide real-time guidance. This system is applicable to multiple surgical and interventional procedures, such as transsphenoidal surgery.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.