Patent ID: 8517944
Filing Date: 2013-08-27
Classification: A61B,A61F,A61N

Abstract:
1. A scanning apparatus for biological structures, comprising: an imaging probe that includes a first transducer, a second transducer, an energy transmitting surface, and at least one linearly displaceable prism disposed between one of said first and second transducers and said energy transmitting surface, said first transducer being configured to generate and transmit at least a first beam of ultrasonic energy to an eye structure, said second transducer being configured to generate and transmit at least a second beam of ultrasonic energy to said eye structure, said first beam of ultrasonic energy having a first energy path and a first focal point, said second beam of ultrasonic energy having a second energy path and a second focal point, said at least one linearly displaceable prism displaceable in a substantially horizontal plane intersecting a path of one of said first and second beams of ultrasonic energy, said at least one linearly displaceable prism being configured to angulate one of said first and second beams of ultrasonic energy relative to the other of said first and second beams of ultrasonic energy such that said first focal point is disposed proximate to said second focal point and stereoscopic visualization of said eye structure is provided, said imaging probe additionally configured to receive incoming ultrasonic energy from said eye structure; a therapeutic probe that is adapted to generate and transmit pulsed therapeutic energy generally perpendicular to a surface of said eye structure, said therapeutic energy having a third energy path and a third focal point, said therapeutic probe being configured to focus said third energy path within at least one of said first and second energy paths such that said third focal point is visible to said imaging probe, said imaging probe comprising an angled end that is configured to angularly accommodate said therapeutic probe, and an outer surface from which said therapeutic energy of said therapeutic probe emanates being disposed at an obtuse angle relative to said energy transmitting surface of said imaging probe; angular adjustment means configured to adjust an angular orientation of said therapeutic probe relative to said imaging probe, said angular adjustment means comprising a control rod that is received within a lumen disposed at one end of said therapeutic probe, whereby a linear translation of said control rod adjusts said angular orientation of said therapeutic probe; means for simultaneous linear translation of said imaging and therapeutic probes proximate said eye structure, said means for simultaneous linear translation of said imaging and therapeutic probes comprising a linear translation rod extending in an axial direction along a length of said energy transmitting surface, said imaging and therapeutic probes being coupled to said linear translation rod, one of said first and second transducers being disposed between said at least one linearly displaceable prism and said linear translation rod; an apparatus control system configured to control said imaging probe, said therapeutic probe, and said means for simultaneous linear translation of said imaging and therapeutic probes; a tracking system that is configured to track motion of said eye structure subject to treatment; and a processor that is programmed and adapted to receive scanning data generated from said incoming ultrasonic energy received by said imaging probe and to generate three-dimensional images of said eye structure therefrom, said processor being further programmed and adapted to process said motion of said eye structure and to eliminate the effect of said eye structure motion relative to said imaging probe and said therapeutic probe.