US5144953A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Lithotriptor with x-ray alignment system
Assignee: Richard Wolf GmbH
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Filing: 1989-09-18
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Granted: 1992-09-08
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Expires: 2009-09-18
Abstract
Abstract The focus of a lithotriptor comprising a transducer for generating focused ultrasonic shock waves is adapted for alignment on a concretion or tissue to be destroyed. The transducer is connected to an image-forming diagnostic X-ray system for locating the concretion or tissue, and comprising an X-ray emitter and an image intensifier disposed on a pivotable frame. The transducer is connected to the X-ray emitter, and the X-ray emitter is disposed at the center of the transducer, so that the emission axes of the transducer and the X-ray emitter coincide.
Inventors
- 👤 Helmut Wurster
- 👤 Werner Krauss
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 09:12
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/22; A61B17/225; A61B17/2251; A61B17/22004; A61B17/2255
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
171 words
A lithotriptor comprising a transducer for generating focused ultrasonic shock waves for destroying an object in a patient's body; means for aligning the focus of the transducer on said object; a frame for supporting said transducer; an image-forming diagnostic X-ray system for locating said object, said X-ray system comprising an X-ray emitter and an image intensifier spaced therefrom, and disposed on said frame, said frame being pivotable about a pivotal axis in a plurality of image planes, for location of said object, wherein the X-ray emitter is connected to said transducer and disposed centrally thereof with the emission axis of said transducer coinciding with that of the X-ray emitter; means containing a liquid coupling medium for the transmission of ultrasonic shock waves generated by said transducer to the patient's body; and a balloon disposed in said coupling medium and which is inflatable by means of a gas to displace said medium in a region encompassing the entire length of the axis of the X-ray emission which passes through said coupling medium.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
171 words
A lithotriptor comprising a transducer for generating focused ultrasonic shock waves for destroying an object in a patient's body; means for aligning the focus of the transducer on said object; a frame for supporting said transducer; an image-forming diagnostic X-ray system for locating said object, said X-ray system comprising an X-ray emitter and an image intensifier spaced therefrom, and disposed on said frame, said frame being pivotable about a pivotal axis in a plurality of image planes, for location of said object, wherein the X-ray emitter is connected to said transducer and disposed centrally thereof with the emission axis of said transducer coinciding with that of the X-ray emitter; means containing a liquid coupling medium for the transmission of ultrasonic shock waves generated by said transducer to the patient's body; and a balloon disposed in said coupling medium and which is inflatable by means of a gas to displace said medium in a region encompassing the entire length of the axis of the X-ray emission which passes through said coupling medium.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
41 words
A lithotriptor as claimed in claim 1 wherein said focus is the isocenter for the pivotal movement of the X-ray system, an imaginary extension of the pivotal axis of the frame intersecting said focus in each pivotal position of said frame.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
A lithotriptor as claimed in claim 1 wherein at least one ultrasonic transducer for locating said object is connected to said ultrasonic transducer for generating said shock waves.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
A lithotriptor as claimed in claim 3 further comprising gas evacuation means for at least partially deflating said balloon so that ultrasonic waves emitted by said transducers can enter the patient's body unobstructed by said balloon.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
A lithotriptor as claimed in claim 3 wherein said locating transducer is displaceable along its longitudinal axis toward said focus.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
35 words
A lithotriptor as claimed in claim 1 wherein said means for aligning comprise means for moving said X-ray system and said transducer along X, Y and Z coordinates, thereby aligning said focus on said object.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
55 words
A lithotriptor as claimed in claim 1 wherein said means for aligning comprise drive means engaging a column and being pivotable thereabout for moving said frame in the direction of X and Z coordinates, and for moving said frame about said pivotal axis thereof, said X-ray system and said transducer being disposed on said frame.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1995-09-08 | 1996-03-09 | 1996-09-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-09-08 | 2000-03-09 | 2000-09-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-09-08 | 2004-03-09 | 2004-09-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |