Laser light source for instrument tip visualization
US11096657B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 2, 2017 |
| Grant date | Aug 24, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 8, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG16H30/40
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A laser light source transmits laser light to a tip of an interventional instrument such as a needle via an optical fiber. The laser light is absorbed at the distal tip of the instrument and generates a photoacoustic signal. The laser light source is configured to receive a trigger signal from an ultrasound machine when a laser pulse is to be produced. The light source signals the ultrasound machine when an optical connector is connected to the laser light source to automatically begin a needle tip (NTV) visualization mode. If the optical connector is removed from the laser light source, the laser light source stops producing laser light pulses.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.