Transesophageal ultrasound probe with expandable scanhead

US6494843B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC · US

Inventors

• Stephen Edwardsen · Sandefjord, NO
• Jon Ronander · Sogndal, NO

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 19, 2000
• Grant date: Dec 17, 2002
• Expiry date: Dec 19, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B8/445
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An internal imaging probe including an expandable scanhead for improving the positioning of an imaging element mounted on the scanhead. The imaging probe is introduced into the esophagus of a patient via the patient's mouth. Once, the imaging probe is introduced, the imaging probe is positioned to a point where an internal structure of the patient is within the direction of view of an imaging element, such as a transducer, located on the scanhead. Once positioned, the scanhead is expanded either by inflation, or via a moving extensor located within the scanhead. The scanhead is then expanded until the imaging element, such as a transducer, achieves close and uniform contact with the esophageal wall of the patient thereby providing accurate imaging of the internal structure. Further, expanding the scanhead while the scanhead is within the esophagus of the patient minimizes the risks of damage to the esophageal wall that are associated with prior art probes. Once the imaging process is complete, the imaging probe is returned to its unexpanded size and removed from the esophagus of the patient. The imaging probe may be included within a medical imaging system that includes the probe, …