System for aiming ultrasonic bladder instruments
US6884217B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 27, 2003 |
| Grant date | Apr 26, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 13, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B8/483
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The system includes a function for generating a plurality of ultrasound scan planes, each separated by a selected angle, to produce a scan cone having an ultrasound scan cone boundary for scanning the bladder, or other organ. The amount, if any, of the scanned bladder which extends beyond the ultrasound scan cone boundary is then determined, as well as the percentage of the bladder within an inner cone boundary relative to that within the ultrasound cone boundary. A signal is provided, specifically illumination of one of four orthogonal arrows in a display, indicating the direction that the transducer should be moved in order to more accurately center the bladder within the ultrasound scan cone boundary. Re-aiming of the transducer is considered necessary when the ratio of the percentages is less than 70%, while if the percentage ratio is greater than 70%, aiming is optional.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.