Laparoscopic probes and probe sheaths useful in ultrasonic imaging applications
US5335663A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 11, 1992 |
| Grant date | Aug 9, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 11, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B8/4488
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The invention relates to a medical ultrasonic imaging probe, such as may be used in laparoscopic surgery. A probe is provided having both forward viewing and side viewing ultrasonic capabilities. An apparatus is provided for manipulating and orienting video ultrasound images on a video monitor according to the position of the probe. A probe is also provided having both an ultrasonic device and a surgical tool, such as an electrocautery hook for excising and/or cauterizing tissue, that can be closely monitored by the ultrasonic device. Also provided is an ultrasonic probe having lumens for placing ultrasonically transmissive medium adjacent to ultrasonic transducers. A removable, rigid sheath is provided to fit over a laparoscopic probe. Removable sheath that includes a lumen for transmission of surgical tools and the like, an inner chamber containing ultrasonically transmissive medium and sealed with a breakable membrane, a balloon that can be inflated with ultrasonically transmissive medium, and lumens for injecting ultrasonically transmissive medium in the vicinity of a probe's ultrasonic device of a probe inserted into the sheath are disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.