Patent ID: 6139496
Filing Date: 2000-10-31
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
An ultrasonic imaging system for isonification of a physical structure located within a region of interest, comprising:a control and data processing circuit in a first housing for:a) performing beam forming and data-processing tasks with respect to a first signal representative of the physical structure, andb) generating a second signal, in response to the first signal, representative of an image of the physical structure;a hand-held probe assembly susceptible to being manipulated to a position adjacent to the region of interest, the probe assembly including a second housing, separate from the first housing, having integrated therein:a) a sensor head having therein at least one transducer element array for isonification of the physical structure and, in response, for generating the first signal, andb) an operator interface having therein at least one display for representing an image of the physical structure, the image being provided in response to the second signal from the control and data processing circuit, and a plurality of user activated controls to adjust at least one of the image on the display and parameters affecting the operation of the sensor head; anda cable assembly connecting the probe assembly to the control and data circuit for transfer therebetween of the first and second signals;wherein the operator interface and the sensor head are structurally integrated within the housing so as to be co-located in a predetermined spatial relationship, said spatial relationship being aligned such that the image displayed on the operator interface may be spatially associated with the actual location of the physical structure.