VISUAL IMAGING SYSTEM FOR ULTRASONIC PROBE

• US 20110172530A1
• Filed: 03/24/2011
• Published: 07/14/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 12/28/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Guided Therapy Systems Llc
• Original Assignee: Ardent Sound, Inc.
• Inventors: Slayton, Michael H., Barthe, Peter G.
• Granted Patent: US 8,409,097 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/439
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/00 Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves imaging of objects using sonar G01S15/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/42 Details of probe positioning or probe attachment to the patient
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/4245 involving determining the position of the probe, e.g. with respect to an external reference frame or to the patient
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/4263 using sensors not mounted on the probe, e.g. mounted on an external reference frame
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/4427 Device being portable or laptop-like
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/463 characterised by displaying multiple images or images and diagnostic data on one display composite display in devices for short-range imaging with acoustic waves G01S7/52074

Abstract

A non-invasive visual imaging system is provided, wherein the imaging system procures an image of a transducer position during diagnostic or therapeutic treatment. In addition, the system suitably provides for the transducer to capture patient information, such as acoustic, temperature, or ultrasonic images. For example, an ultrasonic image captured by the transducer can be correlated, fused or otherwise combined with the corresponding positional transducer image, such that the corresponding images represent not only the location of the transducer with respect to the patient, but also the ultrasonic image of the region of interest being scanned. Further, a system is provided wherein the information relating to the transducer position on a single patient may be used to capture similar imaging planes on the same patient, or with subsequent patients. Moreover, the imaging information can be effectively utilized as a training tool for medical practitioners.

Claims

1. A non-invasive treatment and imaging system comprising:

a hand-held probe assembly comprising a transducer operable to obtain patient information and to provide treatment to a patient;

an imaging device attached to said hand-held probe assembly to track any movement of said transducer, said imaging device operable to capture positional information of said transducer with respect to a surface on said patient; and

an adjustable arm member attaching said imaging device to said probe assembly, said adjustable arm member configured to position said imaging device at a fixed distance from said transducer during said capturing positional information.