Probe penetration detector and method of operation

A probe penetration detector system for the surgical examination by an operator of a patient's body tissue and a body cavity of the patient, comprising:

• an electrically conductive antenna including a probe penetration unit having a probe end adapted for being inserted a selected depth into the body tissue and the body cavity of the patient;
• a transmitter for generation of a plurality of radio frequency signals transmitted to said antenna;
• an electrical connection between said antenna and said transmitter;
• and
• a detector to monitor a standing wave ratio parameter for said antenna, said detector including circuitry for notification of said standing wave ratio parameter to the operator as each respective layer of the body tissue and the body cavity is penetrated by said probe end;
• whereby said standing wave ratio parameter provides the operator with an indicator of penetration of said antenna probe end through each respective layer of the body tissue and into the body cavity of the patient.

A probe penetration detector system for the surgical examination by an operator of a patient's body tissue and body cavity, comprising:

• an electrically conductive antenna including a probe penetration unit having a probe end adapted for being inserted a selected depth into the body tissue and body cavity of the patient;
• a transmitter for generation of a plurality of signals transmitted to said antenna said transmitter includes an inductive coupling between said probe penetration unit and said transmitter;
• an adjusting element disposed to position said probe penetration unit to optimize said inductive coupling between said antenna and said transmitter as said probe end is inserted through each respective layer of the body tissue and into the body cavity;
• and
• a detector to monitor an impedance parameter for said antenna, said detector including circuitry for notification of said impedance parameter to the operator;
• whereby said impedance parameter provides the operator with an indicator of insertion of said antenna probe end through each respective layer of the body tissue and into the body cavity of the patient.

A probe penetration detector system for the surgical examination by an operator of a patient's body tissue and a body cavity, comprising:

• an electrically conductive antenna including a probe penetration unit having a probe end adapted for being inserted a selected depth into the body tissue and the body cavity of the patient;
• a transmitter for generation of a plurality of signals transmitted to said antenna;
• an electrical connection between said antenna and said transmitter;
• and
• a detector to monitor a signal return power loss parameter for said antenna, said detector including circuitry for notification of said signal return power loss parameter to the operator;
• whereby said signal return power loss parameter provides the operator with an indicator of penetration of said antenna probe end through each respective layer of the body tissue and into the body cavity of the patient.

A probe penetration detector system for the surgical examination by an operator of a body cavity of a patient, comprising:

• a probe penetration unit having a probe end positioned to be removably inserted through each one of a plurality of tissue layers covering the body cavity of the patient;
• a transmitter for transmission of a plurality of radio frequency signals to said probe penetration unit as said probe end is inserted through each one of the plurality of tissue layers, said transmitter includes an inductive coupling between said probe penetration unit and said transmitter;
• a detector for receiving a plurality of output signals rebounded from said probe penetration unit, said detector provides analysis of said output signals in a comparison of said plurality of signals with said output signals to generate a standing wave ratio for said probe penetration unit as said probe end is inserted through each one of the plurality of tissue layers;
• and
• an adjusting element to position said probe penetration unit to optimize said standing wave ratio as said probe end is inserted through each one of the plurality of tissue layers;
• wherein when said standing wave ratio is optimized, the insertion of said probe end into the body cavity of the patient is confirmed for the operator.

A probe penetration detector system for the surgical examination by an operator of a body cavity of a patient, comprising:

• a probe penetration unit having a probe positioned to be removably inserted through each one of a plurality of tissue layers covering the body cavity of the, patient;
• a transmitter for transmission of a plurality of input signals to said probe as said probe is inserted through each of the plurality of tissue layers, said transmitter is connected by an inductive coupling connection with said probe penetration unit;
• a detector for receiving a plurality of output signals rebounded from said probe, said detector provides analysis of said output signals in a comparison of said plurality of input signals with said output signals to generate a standing wave ratio for said probe as said probe is inserted through each of the plurality of tissue layers;
• an adjusting element for positioning said probe to optimize said standing wave ratio as said probe is inserted through each one of the plurality of tissue layers;
• and
• an impedance analyzer for analysis of impedance of said probe as said probe is inserted through each of the plurality of tissue layers;
• wherein when said standing wave ratio is optimized, the, insertion of said probe into the body cavity of the patient is confirmed for the operator.

A method to provide confirmation of the insertion of a probe through a plurality of layers of tissue and into a body cavity of a patient during a surgical procedure, comprising the steps of:

• providing a probe penetration detector system including an adjusting element for the positioning of the probe through the layers of tissue of the patient;
• transmitting a plurality of input signals to the probe as the probe is adjusted in positioning through each one of the layers of tissue of the patient;
• detecting a plurality of output signals rebounded from the probe, said detecting step providing an analyzing step for comparing said plurality of input signals with said output signals, said analyzing step generating a standing wave ratio for said probe is adjusted in positioning through each one of the layers of tissue of the patient;
• and
• measuring an impedance parameter of the probe as the probe is adjusted in positioning through each one of the layers of tissue, said measuring step including measuring impedance when the probe is inserted into a body cavity of the patient.