Apparatus and method for acoustically guiding, positioning, and monitoring a tube within a body
US5445144A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 16, 1993 |
| Grant date | Aug 29, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 16, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2205/502
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus and method is disclosed for acoustically guiding a distal end of a tube within a body. The apparatus and method generates an incident sound pulse in the tube which propagates into the body, detects sound pulses resulting from the incident sound pulse and from reflected sound pulses from within the body, and processes the detected sound pulses to guide insertion of the distal end of the tube within the body. The apparatus and method provides an indication of the position of the distal end of the tube within the body conduit, estimates dimensions of the body conduit adjacent the distal end of the tube, and determines if the tube is obstructed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.