Imaging device, imaging system, and methods of imaging
AssigneeNovelis Inc.
InventorsPaul A. Magnin, Tse Chen Fong, Russell W. Bowden, John W. Goodnow, David G. Miller
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An imaging device, imaging system, and methods of imaging are provided. The imaging device may fit inside a diagnostic or therapeutic assembly, such as a biopsy, drainage, or other type therapy needle assembly. The imaging device may reside inside the diagnostic or therapy assembly as the combined device is advanced to a desired location. Two-dimensional or three-dimensional ultrasonic images may be produced that allow for the accurate placement of the diagnostic or therapy assembly.
Claims79
An imaging device, comprising:
- a housing;
- a scanning assembly configured to output signals and receive return signals to produce an image when oscillated, wherein the scanning assembly includes an ultrasonic transducer disposed within the housing at an angle with respect to a central axis of the imaging device;
- and
- an angle encoder configured to encode a rotational angle of the scanning assembly.
A method of placing a tip of a diagnostic or therapeutic assembly at a specific location in tissue, comprising:
- forming an image using an external imaging system;
- advancing an imaging device toward a general area of tissue with guidance from the image produced by the external imaging system;
- advancing the imaging device to a precise location guided by an image produced using signals from the imaging device;
- and
- performing a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure at the location.
A method of placing a tip of a diagnostic or therapeutic assembly at a specific location in tissue, comprising:
- palpating a suspect lesion;
- advancing an imaging device toward a general area of tissue based on a general location of the palpated lesion;
- advancing the imaging device to a precise location of the palpated lesion guided by images produced using signals from the imaging device;
- and
- performing a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure at the location.
The method of clam 65, where the lesion to be diagnosed or treated is less than ˜3 millimeters in size.
A method of imaging using an imaging device, the method comprising:
- providing a rigid imaging device configured to rotate or oscillate a transducer in a housing of the imaging device, while recording changes in an angle of the housing with respect to a patient, to sweep out a forward-looking conical image;
- and
- rotating or oscillating the transducer in the housing to produce a forward-looking conical image.
A method of imaging using an imaging device having a scanning assembly, the method comprising:
- a) providing a sector scanning mechanism configured to oscillate a transducer in the scanning assembly to sweep out a sector image;
- and
- b) oscillating the transducer in the scanning assembly to produce a sector image.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.