Transesophageal ultrasound probe with imaging element position sensor in scanhead

US6478743B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC · US

Inventors

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

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 16, 2001
• Grant date: Nov 12, 2002
• Expiry date: Apr 23, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B8/4461
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

G.E. DOCKET NUMBER 15-DS-00536A system and method for measuring a position of an imaging element located within a scanhead of an imaging probe, such as transesophageal ultrasound probe, is provided. The imaging probe may be used in a medical imaging system and/or a three-dimensional imaging system. The probe includes an articulating portion having a scanhead. The scanhead includes an imaging element, such as a transducer, and a position sensor positioned within the scanhead. Preferably, the position sensor is connected to the imaging element via an axle. Therefore, the rotation of the position sensor is synchronized to the rotation of the imaging element. The location of the position sensor within the imaging element provides accurate measurement of the position of the imaging element. The position sensor preferably includes a code disk having apertures and a system of light emitters and detectors. As the code disk rotates in synchronization with the imaging element, the pattern of detection of light through the apertures measures the position of the imaging element. Various alternative position sensors, such as potentiometers, may be utilized within the scanhead of the probe. The …