Patent ID: 7544166
Filing Date: 2009-06-09
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A medical ultrasound imaging system for imaging the interior of a living being, comprising: an elongate shaft member; an elongate tubular member configured for insertion into a living being, the elongate tubular member having an inner lumen adapted to slidably receive the elongate shaft member; and an imaging device coupled with the shaft member, the imaging device comprising at least one ultrasound imaging transducer element adjustable from a first layout to a second layout, wherein the at least one ultrasound imaging transducer element is foldable between the first layout and the second layout, wherein the second layout is a planar layout, and wherein the at least one ultrasound imaging transducer element is adapted to image a first imaging field in the first layout and a second imaging field in the second layout, the second imaging field being larger than the first imaging field.