Transesophageal ultrasound probe with motor in the tip for scan-plane rotation

US6471653B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC · US

Inventors

• Dag Jordfald · Horten, NO
• Jon Ronander · Sogndal, NO
• Jonathan E. Snyder · Whitefish Bay, US
• Jiayu Chen · Palo Alto, US
• Joseph E. Piel, Jr. · Scotia, US
• Karl Jonsberg · Lyngdal, NO

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 2, 2000
• Grant date: Oct 29, 2002
• Expiry date: Nov 2, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G10K11/355
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A transesophageal ultrasound probe allowing for scan-plane rotation comprises an endoscope with a probe head connected to the distal end of the endoscope. A transducer is secured to the probe head. A transfer mechanism is connected to the transducer. A motor at the distal end of the endoscope is connected to the transfer mechanism. Finally, an electrical wire is connected to the motor. The transesophageal ultrasound probe uses a motor in the tip of the transesophageal ultrasound probe for scan-plane rotation.