US5848969A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Systems and methods for visualizing interior tissue regions using expandable imaging structures
Assignee: EP Technologies Inc
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Filing: 1996-10-28
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Granted: 1998-12-15
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Expires: 2016-10-28
Abstract
Abstract An imaging structure has a periphery adapted to selectively assume an expanded geometry and a collapsed geometry. The periphery of the imaging structure carries an array of spaced apart ultrasound transducers.
Inventors
- 👤 Dorin Panescu
- 👤 James G. Whayne
- 👤 David K. Swanson
- 👤 David McGee
- 👤 Harm Tenhoff
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-22 23:44
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B5/00; A61B5/05; A61B5/053; A61B1/00; A61B1/32; A61B5/0059; A61B5/0082; A61B5/0084; A61B5/0538; A61B5/24; A61B5/25; A61B5/279; A61B5/28; A61B5/283; A61B5/287; A61B5/68; A61B5/6846; A61B5/6847; A61B5/6852; A61B5/6853; A61B5/6858; A61B8/00; A61B8/12; A61B8/48; A61B8/481; A61B90/00; A61B90/36; A61B90/37; A61B2090/378; A61B2090/3782; A61B2562/00; A61B2562/04; A61B2562/043; A61B2562/046; A61B5/72; A61B5/7271; A61B5/7285; A61B6/00; A61B6/54; A61B6/541; A61B8/44; A61B8/4444; A61B8/445; A61B8/54; A61B8/543
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 55
Claim 1
Independent Claim
74 words
A system for imaging an interior body region comprising a probe including an axis and an imaging structure having a periphery adapted to selectively assume an expanded geometry and a collapsed geometry, and an array of spaced apart ultrasound transducers attached to the periphery of the imaging structure, wherein members of the array move radially outward and inward relative to the axis as the periphery assumes the expanded geometry and the collapsed geometry respectively.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
74 words
A system for imaging an interior body region comprising a probe including an axis and an imaging structure having a periphery adapted to selectively assume an expanded geometry and a collapsed geometry, and an array of spaced apart ultrasound transducers attached to the periphery of the imaging structure, wherein members of the array move radially outward and inward relative to the axis as the periphery assumes the expanded geometry and the collapsed geometry respectively.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
A system according to claim 1 wherein the imaging structure comprises at least two spaced apart support members.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
A system according to claim 2 wherein the support members are made from metal material.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
A system according to claim 3 wherein the metal material includes nickel titanium.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
A system according to claim 3 wherein the metal material includes stainless steel.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
An assembly according to claim 2 wherein the support members are made from plastic material.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
A system according to claim 2 wherein the support members comprise elongated spline elements assembled in a circumferentially spaced relationship.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
45 words
A system according to claim 1 wherein the imaging structure includes support members and is adapted to assume the collapsed geometry in response to external force, the imaging structure being urged by the support members toward the expanded geometry in the absence of the force.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
54 words
A system according to claim 8 and further including a sheath slidable relative to the imaging structure in a first direction to apply external force to urge the support elements into the collapsed geometry and in a second direction to release the external force, thereby allowing the support structure to assume an expanded geometry.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
A system according to claim 1 wherein the imaging structure comprises a three-dimensional structure.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
14 words
A system according to claim 10 wherein the three-dimensional structure comprises an expandable body.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
20 words
A system according to claim 11 wherein the expandable body expands to an expanded geometry in response to fluid pressure.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
17 words
A system according to claim 11 wherein the expandable body collapses in the absence of fluid pressure.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
16 words
A system according to claim 1 wherein the array comprises a phased array ultrasound transducer assembly.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
37 words
A system according to claim 1 wherein the array comprises coatings each comprising either an ultrasound transducer material or an ultrasound transducer material composite deposited in a spaced apart relationship on the periphery of the imaging structure.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
25 words
A system according to claim 15 wherein the coatings are deposited by a technique including either ion beam assisted deposition, or vapor deposition, or sputtering.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
38 words
A system according to claim 1 wherein the array comprises preformed elements each comprising either an ultrasound transducer material or an ultrasound transducer material composite secured in a spaced apart relationship on the periphery of the imaging structure.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
20 words
A system according to claim 1 and further including a support structure extending beyond the periphery of the imaging structure.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
18 words
A system according to claim 18 and further including at least one electrode carried by the support structure.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
26 words
A system according to claim 18 and further including a steering element coupled to the imaging structure to move the structure relative to the support structure.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
25 words
A system according to claim 20 wherein the support structure has an axis, and wherein the steering element moves the imaging structure along the axis.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
26 words
A system according to claim 20 wherein the support structure has an axis, and wherein the steering element moves the imaging structure transverse to the axis.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
25 words
A system according to claim 20 wherein the support structure has an axis, and wherein the steering element rotates the imaging structure about the axis.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
23 words
A system according to claim 20 wherein the steering element includes an actuator to move the imaging structure in response to control commands.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
27 words
A system according to claim 20 and further including a steering element coupled to the imaging element to move the imaging structure without moving the support structure.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
99 words
A method for visualizing body tissue comprising the steps of providing a probe with an imaging structure having a periphery adapted to selectively assume an expanded geometry and a collapsed geometry, and an array of spaced apart ultrasound transducers attached to the periphery of the imaging structure, guiding the probe into an interior body region while causing the imaging structure to assume the collapsed geometry, causing the imaging structure to assume the expanded geometry upon arrival in the interior body region, and operating the imaging structure, while in the expanded geometry, to visualize tissue in the interior body region.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
99 words
A method for visualizing body tissue comprising the steps of providing a probe with an imaging structure having a periphery adapted to selectively assume an expanded geometry and a collapsed geometry, and an array of spaced apart ultrasound transducers attached to the periphery of the imaging structure, guiding the probe into an interior body region while causing the imaging structure to assume the collapsed geometry, causing the imaging structure to assume the expanded geometry upon arrival in the interior body region, and operating the imaging structure, while in the expanded geometry, to visualize tissue in the interior body region.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method according to claim 26 and further including the step of generating an image of tissue visualized by the imaging structure.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 27 and further including the step of using the image to orient the imaging structure.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method according to claim 27 and further including the step of using the image to view a lesion.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method according to claim 27 and further including the step of using the image to assess contact between the imaging structure and surrounding tissue.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method according to claim 27 and further including the step of using the image to identify thrombus.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method according to claim 27 and further including the step of using the image to characterize tissue morphology.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method according to claim 26 wherein the introducing step includes introducing the imaging structure into a heart chamber.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method according to claim 26 and further including the step of moving the imaging structure.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method according to claim 26 and further including the step of moving the imaging element within a support structure that extends beyond the periphery of the imaging structure.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
39 words
A method according to claim 26 and further including the step of moving the imaging structure within a support structure that extends beyond the periphery of the imaging structure, the imaging structure being moved without moving the support structure.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method according to claim 36 wherein the operating step acquires image slices during the moving step.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
54 words
A system for imaging an interior body region, comprising a probe having an imaging structure adapted to selectively assume an expanded geometry and a collapsed geometry, and an array of ultrasound transducers on the imaging structure, wherein members of the array move away from one another as the imaging structure assumes the expanded geometry.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
54 words
A system for imaging an interior body region, comprising a probe having an imaging structure adapted to selectively assume an expanded geometry and a collapsed geometry, and an array of ultrasound transducers on the imaging structure, wherein members of the array move away from one another as the imaging structure assumes the expanded geometry.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 38, wherein the imaging structure comprises an expandable body.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 39, wherein the expandable body includes a plurality of spline elements arranged to have a predetermined geometry in the expanded condition.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 40, wherein the array of ultrasound transducers comprises an ultrasound transducer on each of the spline elements.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 39, wherein the expandable body assumes the expanded geometry in response to internal fluid pressure.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 38, wherein the array of ultrasound transducers comprises a phased array ultrasound transducer assembly.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 38, wherein the array of ultrasound transducers includes transducer material deposited on the imaging structure by ion beam assisted deposition.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 38, further comprising a support structure surrounding the imaging structure.
Claim 49
Independent Claim
77 words
A system for imaging an interior body region, comprising a probe including a distal portion, an imaging structure having a predetermined geometry on the distal portion, a plurality of arrays of ultrasound transducers attached to the imaging structure in a predetermined arrangement for acquiring images along a plurality of sectors, and a support structure on the probe and substantially surrounding the imaging structure, the support structure being adapted to assume an expanded geometry and a collapsed geometry.
Claim 50
Independent Claim
77 words
A system for imaging an interior body region, comprising a probe including a distal portion, an imaging structure having a predetermined geometry on the distal portion, a plurality of arrays of ultrasound transducers attached to the imaging structure in a predetermined arrangement for acquiring images along a plurality of sectors, and a support structure on the probe and substantially surrounding the imaging structure, the support structure being adapted to assume an expanded geometry and a collapsed geometry.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
31 words
The system of claim 46, wherein the probe includes a longitudinal axis, and wherein the support structure expands radially with respect to the longitudinal axis as it assumes the expanded geometry.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 46, wherein the imaging structure is an expandable body adapted to assume an expanded geometry and a collapsed geometry.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
40 words
The system of claim 48, wherein the plurality of arrays comprises a plurality of phased arrays of ultrasound transducers disposed on the imaging structure and adapted to move away from one another as the imaging structure assumes the expanded geometry.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 46, wherein the imaging structure has a fixed predetermined geometry for supporting the plurality of arrays in the predetermined arrangement.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 50, wherein the imaging structure comprises a hemispherical body or a cylindrical body.
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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) | 2001-12-14 | 2002-06-15 | 2002-12-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-12-14 | 2006-06-15 | 2006-12-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-12-14 | 2010-06-15 | 2010-12-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |