Compressive surfaces for ultrasonic scanning and associated method
US7731662B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 25, 2006 |
| Grant date | Jun 8, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 29, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B8/483
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus and related methods for ultrasonically scanning a tissue sample are described, the apparatus comprising an ultrasound transducer and a taut fabric sheet compressing the tissue sample, the ultrasound transducer contacting the taut fabric sheet and ultrasonically scanning the tissue sample therethrough. Preferably, the taut fabric sheet is substantially porous with respect to an acoustic couplant. In another embodiment, an ultrasound transducer and a vented membrane are provided, the vented membrane having a first surface contacting the tissue surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the ultrasound transducer contacting the second surface and being translated across the second surface for ultrasonically scanning the tissue volume. An acoustic couplant is applied to one of the tissue surface, the first surface, and the second surface, the vented membrane being provided with a void pattern such that it is substantially porous with respect to the acoustic coupling agent.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.