Patent · US Expired

Ultrasound tissue probe localization system

US4407294A · kind A · utility

247Cited by
3References
10Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateJan 7, 1982
Grant dateOct 4, 1983
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 7, 2002

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61B2017/3413
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A novel pulse-echo ultrasound imaging system is disclosed comprising at least three transducers. A first external scanning transducer images a selected scan area of body tissue by pulsing that area with ultrasonic waves. Two additional detector-transducers are disposed at distinct locations on a probe, such as a biopsy needle, which is inserted into the body in the vicinity of the scan area. By determining the sequence of wave front arrivals at the detectors-transducers, the relative location of the probe with respect to the scan area is readily determined and indicated. Either the scanning transducer or the probe may then be maneuvered in response to such indication to ensure that the probe tip is properly positioned relative to the scan area.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.