US4776342A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Ultrasound imaging of calculi
Assignee: US Philips Corp
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Filing: 1986-10-06
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Granted: 1988-10-11
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Expires: 2006-10-06
Abstract
Abstract During ultrasound checking of the results of lithotrity performed on biliary calculi, it is difficult to distinguish a calculus from crush. This problem is mitigated in accordance with the invention in that the ultrasound transducer (6) used for performing the ultrasound observation first receives a comparatively high electric power for a comparatively long period of time. As a result, the biliary calculus (4) or the crush is stirred up in the gallbladder (3); the size of the particles can be determined from the differences in behavior during settling in the gallbladder.
Inventors
- 👤 Hildebrand Zimmer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 15:20
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B8/00; A61B8/08; A61B8/0833; A61B17/00; A61B17/22; A61B17/225; A61B17/2256
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
76 words
A method for imaging calculi within a region of a body comprising the steps of: first directing first pulses of sonic energy into the region, said first pulses having a length and power level which is sufficient to stir up any calculi within the region but not to crush said calculi; and then directing second pulses of ultrasonic energy into the region and forming images of the stirred up calculi from echoes of said second pulses.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
76 words
A method for imaging calculi within a region of a body comprising the steps of: first directing first pulses of sonic energy into the region, said first pulses having a length and power level which is sufficient to stir up any calculi within the region but not to crush said calculi; and then directing second pulses of ultrasonic energy into the region and forming images of the stirred up calculi from echoes of said second pulses.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said region of the body is the gall bladder.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 2 wherein a single ultrasound transducer is used to produce both the first and second pulses in the region.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the step of first directing pulses of sonic energy into the region comprises applying relatively long, relatively high power electrical pulses to a transducer to generate a shock wave in the region.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 2 further comprising the step of examining the echo ultrasound images as the stirred up calculi settle to differentiate between solid calculi and calculus fragments.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1991-10-11 | 1992-04-11 | 1992-10-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-10-11 | 1996-04-11 | 1996-10-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-10-11 | 2000-04-11 | 2000-10-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |