Patent · US Active

Transesophageal ultrasound using a narrow probe

US8641627B2 · kind B2 · utility

3Cited by
73References
26Claims
0Family size

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Key dates

Filing dateNov 24, 2004
Grant dateFeb 4, 2014
Priority date—
Expiry dateAug 15, 2029

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG01S15/8915
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

Transesophageal echocardiography is implemented using a miniature transversely oriented transducer that is preferably small enough to fit in a 7.5 mm diameter probe, and most preferably small enough to fit in a 5 mm diameter probe. Signal processing techniques improve the depth of penetration to the point where the complete trans-gastric short axis view of the left ventricle can be obtained, despite the fact that the transducer is so small. The reduced diameter of the probe (as compared to prior art probes) reduces risks to patients, reduces or eliminates the need for anesthesia, and permits long term direct-visualization monitoring of patients' cardiac function.

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