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US 2013/0274602 A1Published application
Colonoscopy systems and methods
OwnerLyndon V. Hernandez, George K. Lewis, JR.inventors
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Abstract
Systems and methods for performing a colonoscopy or endoscopy using a scope system equipped with both diagnostic and therapeutic ultrasound for more effective colorectal screening, particularly in colons with poor bowel preparation.
Claims21
A medical device comprising:
- a flexible tube having an operable portion insertable into a body cavity and a control end;
- at least one ultrasound transducer positioned on or in the flexible tube at or near the operable portion of the flexible tube, the ultrasound transducer to generate ultrasound energy;
- at least one external reverberator operable in a time reversal acoustic mode;
- and
- an ultrasound generator circuit to control the at least one ultrasound transducer and the at least one external reverberator, the ultrasound generator circuit coupled to the at least one ultrasound transducer and the at least one external reverberator.
2 more elements
A colonoscopy system comprising:
- a colonoscope having a length, the colonoscope including an ultrasound beacon along the length;
- a controller operatively coupled to the colonoscope, the controller including control software and a power amplifier, the control software operable to control ultrasound exposure parameters in a colon treatment area;
- a reverberator operatively coupled to the controller, the reverberator operable in a time reversal acoustic mode;
- and
- the ultrasound beacon operable to focus ultrasound from the reverberator.
2 more elements
A method for performing a diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy or colonoscopy, the method comprising:
- introducing a flexible tube having an operable end insertable into a gastrointestinal tract, the flexible tubing including an ultrasound transducer positioned at or near the operable end of the flexible tube, and at least one water flow channel to deliver water to the gastrointestinal tract, the ultrasound transducer to generate ultrasound energy;
- applying ultrasound energy to debris located in the gastrointestinal tract;
- liquefying the debris via the ultrasound energy and water;
- removing the liquefied debris from the gastrointestinal tract;
- using time reversal acoustics, focusing ultrasound energy to the ultrasound transducer;
- and
- measuring mechanical properties of tissue in the gastrointestinal tract for a diagnostic purpose.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.