McAndrews, Held & Malloy, Ltd.
Transesophageal ultrasound probe with imaging element position sensor in scanhead
G.E. DOCKET NUMBER 15-DS-00536A system and method for measuring a position of an imaging element located within a scanhead of an imaging probe, such as transesophageal ultrasound probe, is provided. The imaging probe may be used in a medical imaging system and/or a three-dimensional imaging system. The probe includes an articulating portion having a scanhead. The scanhead includes an imaging element, such as a transducer, and a position sensor positioned within the scanhead. Preferably, the position sensor is connected to the imaging element via an axle. Therefore, the rotation of the position sensor is synchronized to the rotation of the imaging element. The location of the position sensor within the imaging element provides accurate measurement of the position of the imaging element. The position sensor preferably includes a code disk having apertures and a system of light emitters and detectors. As the code disk rotates in synchronization with the imaging element, the pattern of detection of light through the apertures measures the position of the imaging element. Various alternative position sensors, such as potentiometers, may be utilized within the scanhead of the probe. The probe also includes a control handle having imaging and articulation controls.
GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
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A61B A61B A61B
inventional inventional inventional
Joseph E. Jon Jonathan E. Jiayu Karl Dag
Piel, Jr. Ronander Snyder Chen Jonsberg Jordfald