APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROPER TRANSESOPHAGEAL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY PROBE POSITIONING BY USING CAMERA FOR ULTRASOUND IMAGING

摘要

In some embodiments, a method includes releasably attaching an image capture assembly to a distal portion of a TEE device. Next, the TEE device coupled to the image capture assembly is inserted into an oral cavity of the patient. With the image capture assembly releasably attached to the distal portion of the TEE device, image data of an esophagus of the patient captured by the image capture assembly is displayed. While viewing the display of image data, the TEE device coupled to the image capture assembly can be moved within the esophagus. With both the TEE device and the image capture assembly disposed within the esophagus, the image capture assembly is detached from the TEE device. With the image capture assembly detached from the TEE device, and with the TEE device disposed at least in part within the esophagus, the image capture assembly is removed from the patient.

主权项

1. A method, comprising:
releasably attaching an image capture assembly to a distal portion of a transesophageal echocardiography endoscopic (TEE) device; inserting, after the releasably attaching, the TEE device coupled to the image capture assembly into an oral cavity of a patient; viewing, after the releasably attaching, a display of image data of an esophagus of the patient captured by the image capture assembly; while viewing the display of image data, moving the TEE device coupled to the image capture assembly within the esophagus; with both the TEE device and the image capture assembly disposed within the esophagus, detaching the image capture assembly from the distal portion of the TEE device; and removing, after the detaching, via the esophagus, and with the TEE device disposed at least in part within the esophagus, the image capture assembly from the patient.