Device and method for determining the presence of middle ear fluid
US9918622B2 · kind B2 · utility
5Cited by
2References
9Claims
0Family size
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Key dates
| Filing date | May 16, 2017 |
| Grant date | Mar 20, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 16, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B5/6817
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A device for determining the presence of abnormal fluid in a middle ear of a subject includes an elongated probe, a first light source housed within the elongated probe, and a second light source housed within the elongated probe. The elongated probe includes a distal end for inspection of an ear. The First light source is configured to convey an optical beam through a tympanic membrane associated with the middle ear of the subject, without puncturing the tympanic membrane. The second light source is configured to convey light through the distal end of the elongated probe and illuminate the tympanic membrane.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.