Patent ID: 7255678
Filing Date: 2007-08-14
Classification: A61B,G01S

Abstract:
1. A scanhead for use with an ultrasound imaging system, comprising: a transducer assembly comprising a single element ultrasonic transducer that is configured to generate ultrasound at a frequency of at least 20 megahertz (20 MHz), to transmit at least a portion of the generated ultrasound into a subject and to receive ultrasound energy from the subject; an elongate member having a proximal end, wherein the elongate member is configured to pivot about a pivot axis spaced from the proximal end, and wherein the transducer assembly is non-rotatably coupled to the proximal end of the elongate member; a means for oscillating the transducer along a reciprocating convex arcuate path at a frequency of at least 7.5 Hz, wherein a portion of the means for oscillating is fixed relative to the elongate member and moves along a reciprocating arcuate route remote from the reciprocating arcuate path of the transducer such that movement of the portion of the means for oscillating causes a complementary and opposite movement of the transducer, and wherein the reciprocating arcuate path of the transducer is co-planer to the reciprocating arcuate route of the portion of the means for oscillating; and a means for sensing the spatial position of a proximal end of the portion of the means for oscillating along the reciprocating Arcuate route to determine the position of he transducer along its arcuate path.