System and method for moving a probe to follow movements of tissue

US4378813A · kind A · utility

Inventors

• Alan M. Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Lovelace · San Marino, US
• Cyril Feldstein · Sierra Madre, US
• Thomas Wood Andrews · Cincinnati, US
• Donald W. Crawford · Long Beach, US
• Mark A. Cole · Santa Ana, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 15, 1981
• Grant date: Apr 5, 1983
• Expiry date: May 15, 2001

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2562/0257
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An apparatus is described for moving a probe (12) that engages moving living tissue such as a heart or an artery that is penetrated by the probe, which moves the probe in synchronism with the tissue to maintain the probe at a constant location with respect to the tissue. The apparatus includes a servo positioner (18) which moves a servo member (20) to maintain a constant distance from a sensed object (30) while applying very little force to the sensed object, and a follower (26) having a stirrup (28) at one end resting on a surface of the living tissue and another end carrying a sensed object (30) adjacent to the servo member. A probe holder (34) has one end mounted on the servo member (20) and another end which holds the probe (12). The probe is held adjacent to the stirrup (28) of the follower assembly, so that movements of the tissue and therefore of the follower assembly (26) result in corresponding movement of the probe (12) to follow the surface of the tissue.