APPARATUS AND THE METHOD OF INTERNAL EXAMINATION OF THE GASTRO INTESTINAL TRACT AND ADJACENT ORGANS

摘要

A probe for use in internally examining a gastro intestinal tract and adjacent organs includes a head connected to an elongate body portion. A plurality of ultrasonic crystals are spaced around the periphery of the head and the crystals are controlled to produce a real time scan of the tract which may be viewed or recorded. Fluid is delivered through lumens in the body portion to the external surface of the head to couple acoustically the crystals and wall of the tract. A see-ahead crystal array is provided on the probe to enable the head to be manoeuvered within the tract. The probe is used to provide a method of internal examination which includes inserting the probe into the tract, energizing the crystals and acoustically coupling the crystals to the tract by supplying a fluid to the tract in the region of the head of the probe.