Tissue-characterization probe with effective sensor-to-tissue contact
US8116845B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 9, 2006 |
| Grant date | Feb 14, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 17, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B8/13
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention relates to a device for tissue-characterization, designed for effective sensor-to-tissue contact. The device includes an element, having a rigid surface of a linear cross-section, on which at least one sensor is arranged, and a mechanism for applying a force to a soft tissue, the line of force being at an acute angle with the rigid surface, for stretching or stretching and pushing the soft tissue against the rigid surface, thus achieving effective contact between the tissue and the at least one sensor. In consequence, the accuracy of the sensing is improved. In accordance with another embodiment, a plurality of sensors is employed, arranged along a curved element, for providing three-dimensional information regarding the tissue, for example, by small-scale computerized tomography.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.