Endoscope localization using transmission ultrasonography
AssigneeThe Johns Hopkins University
InventorsJames Paul Taylor, Seth Daniel Goldstein
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A system for determining a location of a tool within a patient includes a tool and a sensor. The tool is configured to be introduced into a patient. The tool includes a flexible tubular member, a laser coupled to the flexible tubular member, and a cap coupled to the laser. A plurality of waves are generated when a beam of light from the laser shines upon the cap. The sensor is configured to be coupled to an exterior of the patient. The sensor is configured to receive the waves, and a location of the tool within the patient is configured to be determined based at least partially upon the waves received by the first sensor.
Claims20
A system for determining a location of a tool within a patient, comprising:
- a tool configured to be introduced into a patient, wherein the tool comprises:
- a flexible tubular member;
- a laser coupled to the flexible tubular member;
- and
- a cap coupled to the laser, wherein a plurality of waves are generated when a beam of light from the laser shines upon the cap;
- and
- a first sensor configured to be coupled to an exterior of the patient, wherein the first sensor is configured to receive the waves, and wherein a location of the tool within the patient is configured to be determined based at least partially upon the waves received by the first sensor.
A method for operating a device within a patient, comprising:
- introducing a device into a patient, wherein the device comprises a first bore having a location tool positioned therein;
- generating a plurality of waves with the location tool when the device is positioned within the patient;
- receiving the waves with a sensor coupled to an exterior of the patient;
- and
- determining a position of the device within the patient based at least partially upon the waves received by the sensor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.