Versatile breast ultrasound scanning
US9131919B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 20, 2012 |
| Grant date | Sep 15, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 20, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B8/467
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Versatile ultrasound scanning of a breast is described using an apparatus (1202) including a hand-manipulable compression/scanning assembly (1208). The compression/scanning assembly (1208) comprises an ultrasound transducer (1304) and a compressive member comprising an at least partially conformable membrane (1218) in a substantially taut state, the membrane (1218) having a first surface compressing the breast in a generally chestward direction and a second surface opposite the first surface. The compression/scanning assembly (1208) further comprises a transducer translation mechanism coupled to the ultrasound transducer (1304) and configured to sweep the ultrasound transducer across the second surface of the membrane to scan the breast while compressed in the generally chestward direction. Systemized and/or standardized ultrasonic scanning of a breast based on hand-manipulable scanners (1208, 1508) having substantially planar scanning surfaces is also described.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.