Patent · US Expired

Method for conducting an ultrasound procedure using an ultrasound transmissive pad

US5655539A · kind A · utility

73Cited by
3References
15Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 26, 1996
Grant dateAug 12, 1997
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 26, 2016

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG10K11/18
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A method for conducting an ultrasound procedure on an object having a target surface. The method includes the step of providing an ultrasound probe having an acoustical wave emitting end portion. A pad for transmitting acoustical waves between the ultrasound probe and a target surface of an object also is provided. The pad includes a first layer having a first porous portion which defines first layer pores therethrough. The first layer pores have a first layer pore dimension. The pad further includes a second layer having a first porous portion which defines second layer pores therethrough. The second layer pores have a second layer pore dimension. The second layer is attached to the first layer so as to define a space therebetween. The first porous portion of the first layer overlies the first porous portion of the layer. An ultrasound couplant is disposed in the space defined between the first layer and the second layer. The ultrasound couplant has a molecule size which is less than or substantially equal to the first layer pore dimension, and which is less than or substantially equal to the second layer pore dimension. The method further includes the steps of placing the first p…

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