Stepper apparatus for use in the imaging/treatment of internal organs using an ultrasound probe

Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000

United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 5871448
SERIAL NO

08949731

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ATTORNEY / AGENT: (SPONSORED)

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Abstract

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The stepper apparatus for use in imaging/treatment of prostate cancer with radioactive seeds includes a body portion, a support element for holding the ultrasound probe, a slide portion for moving the support element relative to the body portion, and a support element for holding a template which has a plurality of openings therethrough, through which radiation seed insertion needles may be positioned. The ultrasound probe may be moved longitudinally relative to the prostate in indexed steps of a known distance and also may be moved in a controlled, continuous fashion to determine the rear edge of the prostate which can then be used as a reference for future indexed steps. The slide portion moves along two spaced guide rods, one of which has a threaded portion which mates with a spring-loaded ball in the side of the slide portion as well as a rack and gear arrangement for accomplishing the dual (indexed and continuous) motion.

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Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddress
NORTH AMERICAN SCIENTIFIC INC A CALIFORNIA CORPORATION20200 SUNBURST STREET CHATSWORTH CA 91311

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Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Ellard, Terence R Seattle, WA 11 305

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