Intra-operative diagnostic ultrasound multiple-array transducer probe and optional surgical tool
US6423002B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 24, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jul 23, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 24, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S128/916
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system, method and probe for diagnostic ultrasound imaging with at least two, and preferably three transducer arrays. The first transducer array provides a primary image. The second transducer array comprises an array of transducer elements positioned near one end of the first transducer array for providing an image in a different plane. An optional third transducer array comprises an array of transducer elements positioned near the other end of the first transducer array for providing an additional image in a different plane. One application of the invention is to collect tissue for medical procedures, wherein at least one surgical tool is attached to the probe near the imaging arrays and moves together with at least one imaging array. As the primary imaging array is drawn across tissue for collection, the operator observes a cross-section of the tissue prior to actually cutting the tissue. Another application of the invention allows an operator to selectively display pseudo 3-D images or 3-D images, using the same probe. Another application of the invention allows an operator to determine the 3-D position of a foreign object in body tissue.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.