Apparatus and method for dissipating heat produced by TEE probes
First Claim
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1. An endoscopic imaging apparatus comprising:
- an endoscope including a distal end;
at least one ultrasound transducer contained within said distal end; and
a covering fabricated from an electrically insulating material having a Thermal Conductance greater than 1 W/M-°
K overlaying at least a portion of said distal end.
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Abstract
An apparatus and method are provided for passively dissipating thermal energy produced by Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE) probe scanning tips. The apparatus is fabricated from a high thermal conductive material such as Alumina-based ceramics, etc., for placing at the TEE probe tip. The apparatus is placed at a distal end of the TEE probe for dissipating heat produced during a Transesophageal Echocardiography procedure.
30 Citations
21 Claims
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1. An endoscopic imaging apparatus comprising:
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an endoscope including a distal end;
at least one ultrasound transducer contained within said distal end; and
a covering fabricated from an electrically insulating material having a Thermal Conductance greater than 1 W/M-°
K overlaying at least a portion of said distal end. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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- 9. An apparatus for dissipating thermal energy produced by an endoscopic imaging apparatus, wherein the apparatus is configured and dimensioned to mate with a distal end of said imaging apparatus for dissipating thermal energy produced at said distal end, said apparatus fabricated from an electrically insulating material having a Thermal Conductance greater than 1 W/M-°
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15. A method for scanning a patient'"'"'s heart using a TEE probe comprising of the steps of:
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providing an endoscope having a distal end having a portion thereof fabricated from an electrically insulating material having a Thermal Conductance greater than 1 W/M-°
K; and
guiding the endoscope including a distal end. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A device for passively dissipating thermal energy produced by at least one transducer located at a distal end of an endoscopic imaging apparatus, wherein said device is configured and dimensioned to encase the at least one transducer, said device having at least the following properties:
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electrically insulating;
a Thermal Conductance greater than 1 W/M-°
K; and
substantially non-reactivity in the presence of bodily fluids.
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Specification