Visual imaging system for ultrasonic probe

• US 8,409,097 B2
• Filed: 03/24/2011
• Issued: 04/02/2013
• 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
• Primary Examiner(s): Le, Long V.
• Assistant Examiner(s): EVOY, NICHOLAS LANE
• Application Number:
  US13/071,298
• Publication Number:
  US 20110172530A1
• Time in Patent Office: 740 Days
• Field of Search: None
• 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;

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; and

a control system in communication with said transducer and said imaging device, said control system configured for receiving said positional information.

2. The treatment and imaging, system according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit in communication with said control system and configured to display said positional information.

3. The treatment and imaging system according to claim 1, wherein said imaging device comprises a laser.

4. The treatment and imaging system according to claim 1, wherein said imaging device comprises a light emitting diode.

5. The treatment and imaging system according to claim 1, wherein said imaging device comprises a photodiode.

6. The treatment and imaging system according, to claim 1, further comprising an attachment device coupled to said adjustable arm and removeably coupled to said probe assembly.

7. The treatment and imaging system according to claim 1, wherein said probe assembly comprises a positioning indicator in communication with said control system and configured to provide orientation information of said transducer.

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

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

an imaging device attached to said probe assembly to track movement of said transducer, said imaging device coupled via an adjustable arm member to said probe assembly, said imaging device operable to capture positional information of said transducer with respect to said patient, and said adjustable arm member configured to position said imaging device at a fixed distance from said transducer during said capturing of positional information; and

a control system in communication with said transducer and said imaging device, said control system configured for receiving said positional information.