Diagnosis and treatment of tissue with instruments
US6063031A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 14, 1997 |
| Grant date | May 16, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 14, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2562/046
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A device is provided for diagnosis and treatment of tissue with instruments, specifically locating a tissue structure and positioning an instrument relative to that tissue structure. The device which includes a plurality of sensors for generating signals in response to pressure imposed on the sensors as the sensors are pressed against the tissue. The device which includes a member which is configured to be pressed against tissue and the sensors are disposed on the member, for detection of an underlying tissue structure in the tissue. The device also includes a locating device, arranged at a selected position with respect to the sensors, for indicating a location of the underlying tissue structure. An image based on the sensors may be displayed. The method of using the device includes positioning the locating device, which may be an instrument guide, over an underlying tissue structure based on the image. The method further includes using the locating device to direct an instrument for treating or diagnosing a tissue structure towards that tissue structure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.