Internally directed imaging and tracking system
OwnerRodney Saloinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A system and methods for enhancing non-invasive imaging and tracking by providing an internal marker detectable by an external imaging system is disclosed. The marker may be active or passive by either generating or reflecting energy. The imaging system may be utilized to optimize imaging parameters to compensate for aberrations in the detected energy based on a known location of the marker, thereby correcting the acquired image. The system may also track the marker automatically, thereby tracking the desired image. This permits, for example, continuous ultrasonic imaging of the heart without requiring constant operator attention.
Claims20
A system for internally directed imaging and tracking comprising:
- a. an implant comprising at least one marker;
- b. an ultrasonic transducer adapted for ultrasonic imaging;
- c. a microprocessor-based analysis module adapted to analyze an ultrasonic image, a position of a marker and deviations in marker position;
- d. a positioning feedback module coupled to the analysis module to position the ultrasonic transducer;
- and
- e. an image orientation correction module adapted to use position information.
A system for internally directed imaging and tracking comprising:
- a. an implantable medical device comprising a plurality of markers and a battery;
- b. an ultrasonic transducer adapted for ultrasonic imaging and to transfer energy to the implant to charge the battery;
- c. a microprocessor-based analysis module adapted to analyze an ultrasonic image and a position of a marker;
- d. a positioning feedback module coupled to the analysis module to position the ultrasonic transducer;
- and
- e. an image orientation correction module adapted to use position information to automatically position the transducer to provide continuous ultrasonic imaging of the image.
A method of internally directed imaging and tracking, comprising:
- a. implanting an implantable medical device comprising a plurality of ultrasonic markers in vivo;
- b. directing ultrasonic energy using an ultrasonic transducer on the implantable medical device;
- c. analyzing the positions of the markers to determine at least one geometric plane comprising the positions of at least three markers of the implantable medical device;
- d. automatically positioning the directed ultrasonic energy relative a geometric plane of markers;
- e. creating an image of the implantable medical device relative the implant site;
- and
- f. further directing ultrasonic energy onto the implantable medical device to maximize cardiac resynchronization therapy.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.