Sheathed probes for tissue type recognition
US5830146A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 17, 1997 |
| Grant date | Nov 3, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 17, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B5/4331
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The invention incorporates electrodes in the tip of the sheath cover for a diagnostic probe that makes both electric and optical measurements of tissue contacted by the sheath. The electrodes are positioned relative to the optical window in such a way as to ensure that sealing is not compromised by the presence of the electrodes. The electrodes are close by to ensure that both the optical and electrical measurements are made on the same area of tissue. The invention uses the hoop tension in the sheath to apply the needed spring force to the electrode contact. In addition the invention provides a piece of turbid material such as a polymer of controlled composition as a built-in calibrator attached to the outside of the tip of the sheath.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.