Echographic imaging device, and apparatus for detecting and destroying solid concretions, which apparatus incorporates such a device

摘要

The present invention relates to a real-time echographic imaging device comprising at least one echographic probe incorporating an ultrasound transducer connected electrically to a current generator for generating ultrasound waves. Said echographic imaging device further comprises an arm of longitudinal axis X-X' and supporting the echographic probe, which arm is mounted to move in translation along its longitudinal axis X-X' and in rotation thereabout via motor-driven displacement means. Said device further comprises control means for controlling the motor-driven displacement means, and force-monitoring means for measuring the application pressure with which the probe as moved by the moving arm is applied against a surface, in particular against a patient's body, and servo-control means for servo-controlling the displacement means for moving the arm so as to maintain said application pressure constant independently of the movements of the surface and of the movements of the probe relative to said surface.