초록 ▼

A real time three dimensional ultrasound imaging probe apparatus is configured to be placed inside a body. The apparatus comprises an elongated body having proximal and distal ends with an ultrasonic transducer phased array connected to and positioned on the distal end of the elongated body. The ult

A real time three dimensional ultrasound imaging probe apparatus is configured to be placed inside a body. The apparatus comprises an elongated body having proximal and distal ends with an ultrasonic transducer phased array connected to and positioned on the distal end of the elongated body. The ultrasonic transducer phased array is positioned to emit and receive ultrasonic energy for volumetric forward scanning from the distal end of the elongated body. The ultrasonic transducer phased array includes a plurality of sites occupied by ultrasonic transducer elements. At least one ultrasonic transducer element is absent from at least one of the sites, thereby defining an interstitial site. A tool is positioned at the interstitial site. In particular, the tool can be a fiber optic lead, a suction tool, a guide wire, an electrophysiological electrode, or an ablation electrode. Related systems are also discussed.

대표청구항 ▼

A real time three dimensional ultrasound imaging probe apparatus is configured to be placed inside a body. The apparatus comprises an elongated body having proximal and distal ends with an ultrasonic transducer phased array connected to and positioned on the distal end of the elongated body. The ult

A real time three dimensional ultrasound imaging probe apparatus is configured to be placed inside a body. The apparatus comprises an elongated body having proximal and distal ends with an ultrasonic transducer phased array connected to and positioned on the distal end of the elongated body. The ultrasonic transducer phased array is positioned to emit and receive ultrasonic energy for volumetric forward scanning from the distal end of the elongated body. The ultrasonic transducer phased array includes a plurality of sites occupied by ultrasonic transducer elements. At least one ultrasonic transducer element is absent from at least one of the sites, thereby defining an interstitial site. A tool is positioned at the interstitial site. In particular, the tool can be a fiber optic lead, a suction tool, a guide wire, an electrophysiological electrode, or an ablation electrode. Related systems are also discussed. in claim 11 wherein said parts of said index mechanism include a first part connected with one of said base and cannula clamp, said first part having a series of angularly spaced apart recesses, said parts of said index mechanism further including a second part connected with the other of said base and cannula clamp, said second part being received by said recesses. 13. The apparatus as defined in claim 12 wherein said base has a central aperture and said cannula clamp has a sleeve part secured thereto, said sleeve part being received in said central aperture, said sleeve part having said recesses, said base including spring biased detents on said base for receipt in said recesses. 14. The apparatus as defined in claim 13 wherein said sleeve part has a passage therethrough for receiving the cannula. 15. The apparatus as defined in claim 11 further including a part adapted to be fixed to the endoscope, said base including a guide portion, said part engaging said guide portion and being movable relative to said guide portion. 16. The apparatus as defined in claim 15 further