Patent · US Expired

Intraoperative microsurgical ultrasonic device and methods related thereto

US6676607B2 · kind B2 · utility

100Cited by
12References
30Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJan 3, 2001
Grant dateJan 13, 2004
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 7, 2021

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61F9/007
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

Featured is a device that provides a mechanism for imaging structure and/or tissue of a surgical site during and after performing a microsurgical procedure such as ophthalmic surgical procedures. Also featured are methods and systems related thereto. In the imaging method of the present invention using such a device includes positioning a high frequency ultrasonic signal transmitting and receiving apparatus imaging mechanism in close proximity to the area to be scanned/imaged (e.g., surgical site), so that the high frequency ultrasonic signal penetrates the tissue/structure of the surgical site being scanned. The reflected ultrasonic signals, are processed so as to yield high quality/high resolution images of the scanned tissue/structure. Further, the high resolution images are evaluated by the surgeon during the procedure to determine if the surgical approach should be adjusted. If such a determination is made, then the planned surgical approach is adjusted to accommodate for any conditions not accounted for in the initial planning.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.