Intra-luminal ultrasonic probe for clinical echography of body cavities - has transducer mounted on rocker subject to variable tilt by opposite movements of jointed plungers at end of catheter

摘要

Pulse-echo imaging is performed with a catheter or endoscope (11) in which a separate coaxial line (24) serves as both a driving plunger and a current supply wire. Two plungers (8,9) are mfd. of metallic or metallised wire, tape, leaf spring or rod. The ultrasonic transducer (3) surrounded by an acoustically transparent membrane radiates into transmission fluid with translatory pivotal movement effected by pushing and pulling of the plungers in opposite directions at opposite sides of the rocker (21). USE/ADVANTAGE - For high-resolution ophthalmology or dermatology. Catheter assembled from few simple miniaturised components can operate over significantly wider range of pivot angles.