Ultrasound imaging probe with zero dead space
US4899757A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 22, 1988 |
| Grant date | Feb 13, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 22, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B8/4461
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An ultrasonic imaging probe includes a probe guide assembly, an ultrasonic transducer fixed to the distal end of the probe guide assembly, and electrical cabling housed within the probe guide assembly and operatively connected to the transducer for sending electrical pulse/signals to/from the transducer. The transducer is of a type which emits/receives ultrasonic waves along a path parallel to the elongate axis of the probe. The ultrasonic waves are directed radially of the probe by means of a reflector element which is distally spaced from the transducer along the probe's axis by a dimension sufficient to remove "dead space"(i.e., an area where ultrasonic imaging is not possible) radially of the catheter. An inductor coil (which tunes the transducer to the electrical cabling) is coaxially housed within the probe guide assembly closely adjacent the transducer and is electrically connected in series thereto. By removing the dead space radially of the catheter tube and by mounting an inductor coil closely adjacent the transducer within the probe guide assembly, a miniaturized ultrasonic imaging probe is provided which is especially useful for intravascular imaging/diagnostic procedur…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.