Ultrasonic diagnostic probe insertable in body cavity - has ring of piezoelectric crystals enclosed by balloon at end of catheter

摘要

The diagnostic probe for insertion into a cavity of the body is designed to monitor the position (b) and size (c) of a tumor (F) inside an organ (G). The probe consists of a catheter which carries a ring of piezo electric crystals (D) near the end with a balloon (C) around them. The balloon can be expanded by a salt solution. The balloon follows the shape of the vessel or tube (B) of the body of the patient into which the probe is inserted. The location of the tumor can be determined by using ultrasonic echo signals with a transmitter and receiver to give e.g an oscillogram on a remote monitoring screen.