Imaging apparatus for brachytherapy or biopsy
US10646279B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 4, 2014 |
| Grant date | May 12, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 9, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N2005/1058
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The invention relates to an imaging apparatus (24) for imaging an introduction element (17) like a needle or a catheter for performing a brachytherapy or a biopsy. A tracking unit (3, 4) tracks the location of the introduction element within a living being (2), an imaging unit (6) like an ultrasound imaging unit generates an image showing an inner part of the living being, which includes the tracked location of the introduction element, based on the tracked location, and a display (7) displays the image. During the brachytherapy or biopsy the display can always show the introduction element, without requiring a manual control. For instance, it is not necessary that a physician manually controls the position and image plane of the imaging unit. This allows for an accurate and fast insertion of the introduction element into the living being such that a target region is reliably reached.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.