CPC Definition - Subclass A61B
This place covers:
Diagnosis
Apparatus, instruments, implements or processes that are either specially adapted or intended to be solely utilised for evaluating, examining, measuring, monitoring, studying or testing particular characteristics and aspects of either living or dead human and animal bodies for medical purposes (i.e. diagnosis). Diagnosis consists of scrutinising the following characteristics or aspects of bodies:
- internal or external portions of the bodies (e.g. lungs);
- abnormal bodily conditions (e.g. sickness, broken bones, detecting foreign bodies, pregnancy);
- mental conditions (e.g. psychotechnics); and
- mental conditions (e.g. psychotechnics); and
Surgery
Apparatus, instruments, implements or processes that are either specially adapted or intended to be solely utilised for medical procedures employing physical actions (e.g. laser cutting, pressure of fluid) on portions of human or animal bodies to correct, enhance or inspect (e.g. autopsies) them for medical purposes (i.e. surgery). Surgery consists of the following medical procedures:
- repositioning (e.g. aligning broken bones or opening wounds) parts of bodies;
- stabilising (e.g. inserting bone pins) to prevent harmful movement of parts of bodies;
- repairing (e.g. fastening skin together or removing cancerous tissue) bodies;
- facilitating the occurrence of naturally occurring bodily functions (e.g. child birth or passing kidney stones) that are out of the ordinary;
- introducing, collecting or removing cells and organs (e.g. inseminations, tissue sampling, hair transplants, skin grafting, biopsies, organ harvesting) to or from bodies; and
- introducing or taking out foreign objects (e.g. replacement heart valves, bullets) to or from bodies.
Identification
Apparatus, instruments, implements or processes that are either specially adapted or intended to be solely utilised in procedures for identifying individual human beings (e.g. finger printing, by recognition of shape or dimension of body part) using unique characteristics of their bodies or behaviour (i.e. identification).
Accessories therefor
Adjunct or supplementary means (i.e. accessories) specially adapted for use in, or intended for exclusive use in, diagnosis, surgery or identification. These adjunct or supplementary means contribute to the effectiveness (e.g. surgical drapes) or safety (e.g. operating gloves) of a medical procedure, but may or may not (e.g. protective covers for scalpels) themselves involve any direct contact with a body.
Components of diagnosis, surgery or identification means with structural features limiting their usefulness to medical procedures.
Several subclasses provide for subject matter that is used for "diagnosis". The relationship between these subclasses with regard to the type of 'diagnosis' covered by each is as follows:
Subclass A61B provides for diagnosis in general.
Subclass A61B also provides for any surgical or identification apparatus or methods when
- the apparatus or methods are combined with diagnosis means; or
- the apparatus can be used for diagnosis and either surgery or identification.
Subclass A61B additionally provides for any diagnostic apparatus or methods combined with therapy apparatus or method normally covered by subclass A61H, subclass A61M or subclass A61N when
- the same apparatus or methods are used for both purposes; or
- combined together but only useable separately.
Subclass A61H provides for diagnostic means or steps that are combined with massage and physical therapy apparatus or methods used for the treatment of disease or disability (i.e. an abnormal condition of the body) by utilisation of direct mechanical energy, i.e. when the diagnostic means or step is used solely for operational feedback purposes to enhance therapy.
Subclass A61M provides for diagnostic means or steps that are combined with syringes, suction, pumping or atomising devices for medical use (e.g. cups, breast relievers, irrigators, sprays, powder insufflators, atomisers or inhalers), apparatus for general or local anaesthetics, devices or methods for causing a change in the state of consciousness, catheters, dilators or apparatus for introducing media into the body other than orally, i.e. when the diagnostic monitoring means or step is used solely for operational feedback purposes to enhance treatment or to enhance delivery of the media.
Subclass A61N provides for diagnostic means or steps that are combined with medical treatment therapy apparatus or methods used for the treatment of disease or disability by utilisation of forms of energy other than direct mechanical energy, i.e. when the diagnostic monitoring means or step is used solely for operational feedback purposes to enhance therapy.
This place does not cover:
Veterinary instruments, implements, tools or methods specially adapted so as to limit their usefulness to only animals |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Operating tables and auxiliary devices for these tables | |
Operating chairs | |
Physical therapy apparatus that includes diagnostic feedback means for influencing operation | |
Apparatus for artificial respiration or heart stimulation | |
Containers specially adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes | |
Devices for administering medicines orally | |
Materials for surgical sutures or for ligaturing blood vessels | |
Surgical adhesives or cements and adhesives for colostomy devices | |
Materials for colostomy devices | |
Syringes, suction, pumping or atomising devices for medical use (e.g. cups, breast relievers, irrigators, sprays, powder insufflators, atomisers or inhalers), apparatus for general or local anaesthetics, devices or methods for causing a change in the state of consciousness, catheters, dilators or apparatus for introducing media into the body other than orally | |
Non-surgical treatment of medical conditions or physical injuries by utilisation of forms of energy not directly generated by mechanical apparatus, devices or means that includes diagnostic feedback means for influencing its operation | |
Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes or microorganisms | |
Analysing samples of biological material | |
Obtaining records using waves other than optical waves and viewing such records by using optical means |
This place does not cover:
Apparatus for testing the eyes; Instruments for examining the eyes | |
Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves in body cavities or body tracts, e.g. by using catheters | |
Endoscopic instruments for taking cell samples or for biopsy |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Optical probes as there is no visual image channel | |
Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets | |
Endoscopic surgical instruments | |
Endoscopic surgical instruments | |
Surgical instruments using a laser beam being directed along or through a flexible conduit, e.g. an optical fibre; Hand-pieces therefor | |
Catheters, e.g. flexible tubes | |
Industrial endoscopes, e.g. borescopes; optical details thereof, e.g. particularly lens and optical fibre details |
A61B 1/00 - A61B 1/127 deal with technical features of endoscopes. From A61B 1/227 - A61B 1/32 endoscopes are classified according to the body cavity where they are intended to be used.
In this place, the following terms or expressions are used with the meaning indicated:
rod-lens | a number of glass rods with specially shaped ends, that are used in rigid endoscopes instead of several thin glass lenses to improve image transmission properties and widen the field of view. |
This place covers:
Operational signal transmission and data processing related with endoscopes if not provided in other, more specific technical fields.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Automatic control of imaging devices | |
Automatic control of illumination devices |
This place covers:
Operational image processing for display during use of the endoscope, e.g. on-chip or by the camera control unit.
This place covers:
Extracting and/or emphasizing biological structures by image processing e.g. blood vessels for assessing depth, thickness, shape or patterns.
This place covers:
Enhancement processing of live image output quality, e.g. denoising, artifact removal, deblurring, edge enhancement.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Image fusion, information overlay or enrichment | |
Image enhancement or restoration |
This place covers:
Artificial intelligence and machine learning, e.g. details of AI model and its implementation, the training process, or training data generation.
This place covers:
All types of signal transmission.
This place covers:
Wireless data transmission between probe within the body and external receiver.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Endoradiosondes |
This place covers:
Wire based data transmission by electrical signals.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Electrical cables as such |
This place covers:
Exchangeable memory like memory cards, e.g. for image recording or changing endoscope function.
This place covers:
Power source integral with the endoscope, e.g. batteries.
This place covers:
- Power saving features, e.g. in capsule endoscopes or displays
- Sleep/stand-by modes or varying sampling/transmission rates.
This place covers:
All types of user input/interface means.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Deflection control handles |
This place covers:
Data input means, e.g. keyboards, touch screens, GUIs or voice recording.
This place covers:
Control means, e.g. knobs, switches, joysticks, remote or voice control.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Deflection control handles | |
Handles for tip steering devices of catheters |
This place covers:
All types of output means, e.g. visual or acoustic.
This place covers:
Display construction, e.g. portable, head mounted displays, supports for displays.
This place covers:
Display of images obtained by endoscopes, combinations of images, combination of images and other data, e.g. graphs, ECG curves, pulse waveforms, alphanumeric data.
This place covers:
Small display screen at the proximal end of the endoscope shaft, e.g. mounted on the handle.
This place covers:
Alerting/indicating to user of an operative condition/fault, e.g. by voice synthesiser, indicator lights. Includes physiological parameter of patient during endoscopic examination.
This place covers:
All types of endoscope testing, e.g. optical performance, leak detection. Testing operation of endoscope, fault detection.
This place covers:
Endoscope provided with identification means, e.g. barcode, memory chip (ROM), coded resistor etc. May also include other data, e.g. operating data, manufacturer's serial number etc.
This place covers:
Limiting the number and/or duration of uses of an endoscope, e.g. by a counter/timer. Also limiting use to one patient by configuring endoscope to patient ID. Counting usage for payment.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Identification means |
This place covers:
Structural or operational features of the handle, e.g. control elements.
This place does not cover:
Control elements, e.g. on the handle for controlled bending of the shaft |
This place covers:
Construction of valve switches for controlling suction/water/air supply.
This place covers:
Details of endoscope shaft/sheath construction, e.g. layers.
This place does not cover:
Constructional details of flexible insertion parts, e.g. vertebral elements |
This place covers:
Groove(s) on external surface of endoscope to receive additional channel(s), e.g. for tools, suction, rinsing etc.
This place covers:
Details of endoscope shaft/sheath construction, including oversleeves, for stiffening.
This place covers:
Distal tip features not separately provided for below, e.g. distal tips with certain shapes, protective caps, strengthening means, vibrating elements, heating etc.
This place covers:
Distal fluid inflatable balloons, e.g. for retaining endoscope in a fixed position within a body cavity or for enlarging visual field etc.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Balloon catheters |
This place covers:
Distal expandable basket/cage structure, e.g. for retaining endoscope at a fixed position within the body cavity or for spacing the imaging lens from the tissue surface.
This place covers:
Distal tip tool as part of, mounted on or attached to the endoscope shaft or oversleeve, e.g. for displacing/cutting tissue.
This place does not cover:
Tools for introduction through a working channel |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Working channel for introduction of, e.g. surgical tools |
This place covers:
Distal hood, e.g. projecting beyond the lens/window plane, for restricting field of view.
This place covers:
Distal nozzles/baffles/fluid deflectors, e.g. for directing rinsing fluid on to the distal lens/window.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Tool deflectors |
This place covers:
Distal suction openings for removing fluid/debris; openings may be in an endoscope oversleeve.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Suction openings for propulsion |
This place covers:
Distal optical features, e.g. window shapes, lens arrangements, mirrors, prisms or filters arranged in the distal tip of an insertion section.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
For variation of viewing angle |
This place covers:
Additional non-imaging sensor(s) in the vicinity of the distal tip, e.g. force/pressure sensors for contact detection, distance/time-of-flight sensors for depth/distance detection of objects, temperature sensors for thermal control or patient safety; light/CO2 detection for endotracheal navigation.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Measuring for diagnostic purposes |
This place covers:
Distal deflector for a tool/instrument/optical fibre introduced through an endoscope channel.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Tool/instrument channels |
This place covers:
Disposable endoscope or endoscope parts explicitly intended for single use only and usually not sterilizable.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Prevention of overuse | |
Modular construction |
This place covers:
Modular construction of endoscope allows parts to be exchanged/replaced, e.g. different shafts used with the same handle. Also for disassembly of parts for easier cleaning. Multiple endoscopes interchangeably connected to a monitor unit.
This place covers:
Portable endoscopes not requiring a physical connection to further supply or monitor units, e.g. including integrated power supply, light source and video controller, suction and fluid supply, telemetry and/or display means.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Wireless data transmission | |
Integrated data storages | |
Integrated power supply | |
Integral display units |
This place covers:
All types of steps/processes in manufacturing / assembling endoscopes or parts thereof.
This place covers:
All types of couplings are included here, e.g. optical, mechanical, electrical.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Medical aspects of connections | |
Details of coupling devices |
This place covers:
Details of electrical cables. Includes cable construction and cable arrangements.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Electrical conductors and cables in general |
This place covers:
Details of optical cables, e.g. light supply cables for connection to an external light source.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Connectors as such |
This place covers:
Also universal cables for combined water/air/suction supply.
This place covers:
Details of any type of electrical connector used with endoscopes, includes connectors at the distal end of a cable projecting from the operation portion and connectors mounted on the operation portion.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Electrical couplings in general |
This place covers:
Details of any type of mechanical connector used with endoscopes, includes connectors or adaptors at the proximal end of the working channel.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Forceps plugs for sealing or closing of working channels | |
Surgical tool connectors |
This place covers:
Drive unit for attachment to an endoscope for driving/introducing a tool/instrument. May be manual or motor driven.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Holding or positioning of the endoscope | |
Guiding of flexible endoscopes as such | |
Operating/actuating an endoscopic tool | |
Introducing catheters | |
Introducing guidewires |
This place covers:
Separate oversleeve tube and optical assembly. The optical assembly is inserted into the oversleeve prior to use in a body cavity. The oversleeve may have features like additional working channels for instruments, rinsing or suction channels, illumination channels or further distal tools.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Sanitary sheaths for hygiene mainly | |
Guide tubes to aid endoscope insertion | |
Guiding flexible endoscopes |
In patent documents, the word/expression in the first column is often used instead of the word/expression in the second column, which is used in the classification scheme of this place:
"sheath" | "oversleeve" |
This place covers:
For closing or sealing openings at both ends of an endoscope, e.g. forceps plugs for the proximal end of a working channel.
This place covers:
Any type of fastening element to attach an accessory/tool/channel to the outside of the endoscope shaft, e.g. clip, clamp, loop, band.
This place covers:
Prevention of contamination with bodily fluids of a patient, e.g. by a hygienic sheath covering the insertion tube of an endoscope.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Oversleeves or sheaths not mainly for hygiene, but comprising additional technical features like working channels | |
Drapes for protection of surgical instruments |
This place covers:
Packages for keeping endoscope sterile before use/in storage.
This place covers:
Means for holding and/or changing the position (advancing, rotating, pivoting etc.) of an endoscope with respect to the patient/cavity.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Locating endoscope position inside of the body | |
Tracking endoscopes with NMR |
This place covers:
Propelling, advancing or securing of an endoscope in direct physical contact with tissue or anatomical structures of a patient, e.g. by balloons or tissue anchors provided on/with the endoscope.
This place covers:
Articulated arms for holding and positioning an endoscope.
This place covers:
Propelling/advancing endoscope by everted tube means, e.g. by turning the tube inside out.
This place covers:
Guiding arrangements positioned at the opening of a body cavity to aid insertion of the endoscope along the guiding arrangement and into the cavity, e.g. guide tubes or wires not fixed or attached to the endoscope shaft.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Oversleeve to cover an endoscope prior to insertion | |
Access ports for surgical instruments |
This place covers:
Probe operating inside the body without physical contact with the external environment.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Capsule endoscopes |
This place covers:
The probe, e.g. a capsule endoscope, is guided by a magnetic field controlled by the operator. Also for controlled bending of endoscope insertion tube by magnetic forces.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Determining endoscope position using magnetic field | |
Manipulators for magnetic surgery |
This place covers:
Drive unit, e.g. proximal motor, for insertion of an endoscope into the body.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Drive unit for introduction of an endoscopic tool into the endoscope | |
Pumps for everted tubes | |
Guiding arrangements for flexible endoscopes in general | |
Introducing catheters | |
Introducing guidewires |
This place covers:
Details of optical arrangements for transmitting image within the endoscope not covered by any lower ranking class. Includes jointed image paths using mirrors/prisms.
This place does not cover:
Rod-lens arrangements | |
Illuminating arrangements |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Distal optical elements |
This place covers:
Guiding light from distal to proximal end of the endoscope, not limited to imaging.
This place does not cover:
Guiding in particular illumination light from proximal to distal end of the endoscope |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Light guides per se | |
Light guides for industrial endoscopes |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Optical fibre arrangements for illumination |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Optical fibres for illumination |
This place covers:
2D/3D scanning of illumination and/or imaging light beams.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Distal mechanical or optical elements | |
Optical coherence tomography | |
Confocal scanning | |
Optical scanning systems in general |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Distal optical features in general | |
Detachable distal elements |
This place covers:
Optical element at distal end of endoscope allows side-viewing.
This place covers:
Optical element at distal end of endoscope sets the field-of-view at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the endoscope i.e. between 0-90 degrees, in forward or rearward direction.
This place covers:
Optical elements allow multiple different fixed views, e.g. combining either alternative or simultaneous 0 degree frontal and 90 degrees side-viewing.
This place does not cover:
Stereoscopic viewing |
This place covers:
Optical element at distal end of endoscope allows variable field of view, e.g. by rotation or deflection of a distal optical element.
This place covers:
Filters in the optical imaging path of an endoscope.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Filters in the optical illumination path of an endoscope |
This place covers:
Optical and/or mechanical arrangements for adjusting the focal point or magnification of an endoscope, e.g. for auto-focus or endo-microscopy.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Confocal scanning |
This place covers:
Lens with variable refractive properties, e.g. fluid filled lens, Alvarez lens.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Variable lenses as such |
This place covers:
Stereoscopic or three dimensional imaging, e.g. by combining images from two laterally spaced cameras.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Stereoscopic vision for industrial endoscopes |
This place covers:
Image acquisition and related image processing for three-dimensional imaging (3D), e.g. based on passive or active triangulation.
This place covers:
Features of the eyepiece, e.g. lens arrangement, attachment to endoscope shaft/camera etc. Includes binocular eyepieces.
This place covers:
Multiple eyepieces allowing more than one observer to view the image.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Binocular eyepieces |
This place does not cover:
Rod-lens arrangements in combination with a camera |
In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:
- "Rod lens" and "Hopkins optics"
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Catheters without visualisation |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Tip steering of catheters | |
Articulated or flexible manipulators | |
Crawling robots for pipe lines |
This place covers:
Operating elements for active control of bending, e.g. mechanical levers, dials or pulleys, but also electrical switches usually mounted on the handle.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Endoscope handles in general | |
Force transmission elements, e.g. control wires | |
Controlled bending of the insertion part using shape memory elements | |
Handles for tip steering devices of catheters |
This place covers:
Backbone elements repetitively aligned and movably connected to each other to provide stability and flexibility to the insertion tube.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Articulations |
This place covers:
Operating elements for transmission of forces for the purpose of e.g. bending, flexing, twisting, pivoting or rotation of a flexible portion of the insertion tube.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Control elements, e.g. on the handle | |
Articulations |
This place covers:
Means for interconnecting (rigid) backbone elements of the shaft to provide flexibility, e.g. hinges, joints or pivots.
This place covers:
Determining the bending state, curvature or shape of the insertion part by features inherent to the endoscope, not for locating or tracking the endoscope with respect to the body.
This place covers:
Guiding means, which are independent from the flexible endoscope and its integrated tip steering mechanisms, e.g. guide wires or insertion aids.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Guide tubes | |
Guiding arrangements for catheters |
This place covers:
Combination of at least 2 endoscopes, where one endoscope is introduced into the body cavity, e.g. by passing it through a channel of another endoscope.
This place covers:
Controlling fluid supply or evacuation to or from cavities of the human body.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Fluid supply or evacuation to distal balloons | |
Fluid supply or evacuation for cleaning purposes post-use | |
Fluid supply or evacuation for cleaning purposes in-use |
This place covers:
All kind of working channels for insertion of medical instruments through the endoscope shaft, e.g. for minimally invasive surgery.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Camera adapters | |
Television cameras |
This place covers:
Small mostly capsule type cameras, usually but not necessarily swallowed for minimally invasive visual documentation e.g. of the gastroenterologic tract or blood vessels. Often in combination with miniaturized on-board diagnostic or therapeutic tools.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Wireless transmission of control or image signals | |
Internal power supply, e.g. by batteries | |
Capsule type diagnostic sensors without visualization |
In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:
- "Capsule endoscope" and "Pill camera"
This place covers:
Endoscopic cameras integrated into or detachably fixed to the proximal end of an endoscope.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Cameras in the distal end portion of an endoscope | |
Image processing e.g. | |
Details of the TV cameras |
This place covers:
Visual imaging of tissue fluorescence induced e.g. by exogenously administered fluorophores or endogenous autofluorescence.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Filters in the imaging path | |
Monochromatic illumination | |
Polychromatic illumination | |
Filters in the illumination path | |
Detection of tissue fluorescence not resulting in an image |
This place covers:
Visual imaging of tissue absorbance with or without contrast agents, e.g. using infrared light.
This place covers:
Infrared (IR) or near infrared (NIR) imaging indent from the used light source.
This place covers:
Details of mounting the CCD chip in the distal tip of the endoscope.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Illumination arrangements for industrial endoscopes |
This place covers:
Illumination arrangements with spatially modulated light patterns, e.g. LCDs or spatially arranged illumination fibers.
This place covers:
Illumination arrangements where light exits the endoscope forwardly in multiple points or circularly, including illumination sources for the oral cavity not incorporated in the endoscope shaft.
This place covers:
Illumination arrangements where light exits the endoscope radially (perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis). Single or multiple illumination ports.
This place covers:
Illumination of cavity at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the endoscope other than at 90 degrees.
This place covers:
Optical elements allow multiple different fixed illumination angles, e.g. combining either alternative or simultaneous 0 degrees frontal and 90 degrees side illumination.
This place covers:
Optical element at distal end of endoscope allows variable illumination angles, e.g. by rotation or deflection of a distal optical element.
This place covers:
- Lasers or laser diodes
- Quasi-monochromatic light sources like narrow-band filtered lamps or LEDs.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Illumination filters |
This place covers:
Illumination with multiple spectral bands, e.g. for fluorescence endoscopy.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Fluorescence spectroscopy without visual imaging |
This place covers:
Optical filters provided in the illumination path of the endoscope, e.g. for fluorescence endoscopy.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Filters in the optical imaging path of an endoscope |
This place covers:
Endoscope comprising one or several light source(s), e.g. semiconductor light source or LEDs, that illuminate(s) a fluorescent material, e.g. phosphor, to emit light at a different wavelength than the exciting light.
This place covers:
Automatic control of illumination-related settings such as intensity, spectral, geometric or pulse properties e.g. of the light source, apertures or other optical elements in the illumination path and based e.g. on measured parameters or image processing.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Lightning devices in general |
This place covers:
External or internal light sources coupled to or positioned at the proximal end of an endoscope for illumination.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Cables to couple a light source to an endoscope | |
Connectors to couple a light source to an endoscope |
This place covers:
Headlamps, e.g. used for dental or ENT applications.
This place covers:
Guiding illumination light from proximal to distal end of the endoscope.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Guiding light from distal to proximal end of the endoscope, not limited to imaging | |
Details of optical fibre bundles | |
Details of single optical fibre structure | |
Light guides per se | |
Light guides for illumination in industrial endoscopes |
This place covers:
Fluid supply or evacuation for functional purposes of the endoscope.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Control of fluid supply or evacuation |
This place covers:
Cleaning, e.g. physically, of endoscopes and/or parts thereof after use.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Cleaning of endoscopes in-use | |
Cleaning of surgical instruments | |
Cleaning of dental instruments | |
Disinfection or sterilisation | |
Cleaning of hollow articles in general |
This place covers:
Tools for cleaning endoscopes after use, e.g. cleaning swabs or brushes inserted into endoscope channel.
This place covers:
Washing machines specially adapted for cleaning endoscopes.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Disinfection or sterilisation |
This place covers:
Fluid circulation in the endoscope during endoscope cleaning cycle.
This place covers:
Active cleaning of endoscope parts during use, e.g. of distal windows to maintain vision.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Distal nozzles | |
Cleaning of endoscopes post-use |
This place covers:
Prevention of fogging, e.g. by dedicated covers or coatings.
This place does not cover:
Means for preventing fogging of dentist's mirrors |
This place covers:
Monitoring/controlling/regulation of temperature in an endoscope (shaft or handle) and related units like proximal light sources.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Light-based diagnosis of oral or dental tissue | |
Tongue depressors per se | |
Instruments for opening or keeping open the mouth combined with saliva removers | |
Mouth openers for animals |
This place covers:
Devices for enlarging natural openings of the human body for visual inspection, e.g. specula or the like.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Tractors for holding wounds open | |
Surgical trocars for introduction into natural body openings | |
Dilators |
This place does not cover:
Eye inspection using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
A61B 3/02 - A61B 3/09 for subjective testing, i.e. with patient feedback and A61B 3/10 - A61B 3/158 for objective testing, i.e. without patient feedback.
The breakdown indexing codes and orthogonal indexing codes are to be used for classifying the invention information (in addition to the invention symbols) in case the invention is insufficiently classified by an invention information symbol. They are also to be used for classifying the additional information.
This place covers:
Illuminating means for examining the eyes (not related to a specific measuring instrument)
This place does not cover:
Illumination for examining the anterior chamber or the anterior chamber angle | |
Illumination for objective testing apparatus |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Goniolenses used for laser treatment | |
Illuminating means for optical instruments |
This place covers:
Use of any type of eye model, e.g. to aid in measurement of visual function or checking correct prescription of corrective lens.
Determination of parameters of contact lenses or of intraocular lenses on the basis of ophthalmic measurements
Correlation of eye images taken at different times
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Planning of eye laser surgery | |
Computer processing of eye images | |
Medical models |
This place covers:
All types of user input/interface means, e.g. particular keyboard/switch layouts, control desks/panels, voice-controlled, light pen, touch screen, joysticks, cursors etc.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Adjusting devices, e.g. operated by control lever |
This place covers:
Display construction, e.g. portable, supports for displays.
This place covers:
Display of images obtained by all types of apparatus in A61B 3/00, combinations of images, e.g. side-by-side, superimposed, tiled etc., combination of images and/or other data, e.g. graphs, waveforms, alphanumeric data, questionnaires, patient reports etc.
This place covers:
Identification of apparatus or component parts of the apparatus by any means, e.g. RFID, bar code, coded resistors, EPROM etc.
This place covers:
Control levers for ophthalmic apparatus
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Manipulators as such |
This place covers:
Means for positioning of a patient with respect to apparatus, e.g. head-rests, chin-rests, seats etc. Adjustable positioning, e.g. sliding elements or motor driven structures.
This place covers:
Details or arrangements of fixation targets or lights.
The fixation light 16 includes a plurality of LEDs arranged in a lattice shape. By lighting one LED, the fixation light 16 can guide a sight line of the subject's eye E to a direction of the LED lighting.
Also to relax the accommodation power
This place covers:
Examination or measurement of the contrast sensitivity of the eye.
This place covers:
Determining the field of vision
This place does not cover:
For testing astigmatism |
This place covers:
Measurements on the eye without the patient's feedback.
Besides the below-listed fields, the following is included:
- detect the features (e.g., position, fitting) of a contact lens or an intraocular lens
- examining the eyelid
- evaluate a contrast agent on the eye surface
- fluorescence examination
- scanning laser ophthalmoscope
- examination of light scattering
This place does not cover:
For measuring interpupillary distance or diameter of pupils |
This place covers:
Measurement of any quantity related to tear secretion or tear film production, e.g. volume, flow, or film thickness.
In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used with the meaning indicated:
Examining | Measuring. |
This place covers:
Measuring optical aberrations of the eye or corneal topography with wavefront sensor.
wavefront sensor, Hartmann sensor, shack sensor, lenslet array, microlens array
This place covers:
By optical coherence tomography, also in combination and sharing optical components with scanning laser ophthalmoscopy.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Optical coherence tomography of body tissue in general | |
Optical coherence tomography as such |
In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:
- "optical coherence tomography", "OCT", "OCDR", "optical coherence domain relectometry", "optical coherence imaging", "low coherence interferometry" and "partial coherence tomography"
This place covers:
Scanning the eye wherein a detector receives only the reflected light focussed on a single point in the eye tissue, e.g. cornea or retina.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Confocal scanning of body tissue in general |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Wavefront analyser | |
Intraocular lenses | |
Eye surgery | |
Lenses | |
Contact lenses | |
Spectacles |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Computation of astigmatism based on input values | |
Testing astigmatism |
This field mostly relates to processing of ophthalmic data in order to estimate astigmatism.
This place covers:
Measurement of corneal topography, e.g. by projecting a light pattern (moiré, placido rings) on the cornea;
Examination of limbus.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Wavefront analyser | |
Examination of anterior and posterior chambers | |
Eye surgery | |
Measuring curvature by projecting a pattern |
This place covers:
Measurement of interpupillary distance in the context of diagnostic procedures.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Measuring geometric parameters required to locate ophthalmic lenses in spectacles frames |
This place covers:
Eye tracking mainly for diagnostic purposes.
Example: Using imagine processing.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Electrooculography [EOG], e.g. detecting nystagmus | |
Tracking eye movements during eye surgery | |
Means for monitoring data relating to the user, e.g. head-tracking, eye-tracking | |
Man-machine interfaces | |
For photography |
This place covers:
Examination of the anterior chamber: Space between the cornea and the iris.
Examination of the posterior chamber: Iris, ciliary body, lens.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Examination of the cornea |
This place covers:
Any type of apparatus for determining, measuring or examining the opacity of the lens, e.g. due to cataract.
This place does not cover:
Ophthalmic microscopes |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Documentation by photo or video means |
This place covers:
Lens adapted to be placed on the cornea for direct observation of the retina
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Contact lenses per se |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Operation microscopes | |
Surgical microscopes |
This place covers:
Means for focusing an eye image detector:
- Adaptive optics;
- Camera adapters;
- Focusing features;
- Eye spectrometry; or
- Evaluation of eye-detector distance.
Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Apparatus or arrangements for taking photographs per se |
This place covers:
Means for stopping, e.g. polarised light reflected from the cornea to enhance detection of light reflected from the retina, e.g. in eye fundus examinations.
This place covers:
Detect intraocular pressure.
E.g., using a deformable element in contact with the cornea
Also:
- using deformable item on the eye surface
- causing eye deformation using ultrasound waves
- using implanted sensor
This place covers:
Detect intraocular pressure by deforming the eye surface with a gas jet a measuring the deformation of the eye surface
This place covers:
Combinations of eye-testing apparatus in a single workstation, e.g. at a test station.
This place covers:
Apparatus may be modified for different applications by exchanging component parts.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Attachment of cameras or photography equipment |
This place does not cover:
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Measuring or recording in general |
The breakdown symbols (i.e. the non "parallel" or non "mirror" symbols) and "orthogonal" symbols are to be used for classifying the invention information (in addition to the invention symbols) in case the invention is insufficiently classified by an invention information symbol. They are also to be used for classifying the additional information. They are stored in the additional information field.
This place does not cover:
Endoradiosondes |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Transmission by light |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Image data processing or generation |
Documents in this subgroup should be also be classified according to type of imaging apparatus in other subgroups of A61B 5/00.
This place covers:
Imaging apparatus, for example employing electron or nuclear magnetic resonance, including surgical and therapeutic techniques to facilitate healing.
Implantable medical device may include pacemakers. Ablating includes cutting, eroding, melting, evaporating, or vaporizing. Ventilating includes oxygenating, aerating.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Diagnosis combined with treatment in closed-loop systems or methods | |
Monitoring or testing the effects of treatment, e.g. of medication | |
for verifying the position of the patient with respect to the therapeutic radiation beam |
This place covers:
Testing or evaluating the body or part of the body by applying mechanical forces or stimuli and measuring the response of the body or tissue to the mechanical force or stimulus.
This place does not cover:
Measuring pressure in heart or blood vessels | |
Stress testing | |
Examination by percussion |
This place covers:
1) Vibration stimulator, e.g. for detecting pain threshold
2) Apply stimulation while carrying out measurements, e.g. oximetry:
This place does not cover:
Applying ultrasound vibrations |
This place covers:
Applying compression during a measurement:
Holding skin for skin gauges, palpation, indentation
This place covers:
Applying suction or vacuum at the measurement area during the measurement, e.g. to increase blood pressure:
This place does not cover:
Apply suction to enhance body fluid extraction | |
Apply suction to attach sensor to the body surface |
This place covers:
Applying torque, friction etc. to a body part during the measurement of an effect of this force
This place covers:
Testing or evaluating the body, parts of the body or body tissues by applying light and measuring the change in light characteristics caused by the interaction of the light with the body or tissue. Light includes near infrared (NIR), visible or ultraviolet (UV) spectra.
This place does not cover:
Photoacoustic or acousto-optic imaging | |
Optical measurement of heart rate | |
Optical measurement of blood flow | |
Optical measurement of analytes |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Features or image-related aspects of imaging apparatus | |
Medical imaging apparatus involving image processing or analysis | |
Spectrometry | |
Optical measurement in general |
This place covers:
Diagnosis using scanned light, e.g.:
Laser speckle imaging
This place covers:
Apparatus for optical scanning of the external body surface:
This place covers:
Detection using coherent light emission
This place does not cover:
OCT for eye diagnosis |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
OCT in general |
This place covers:
The use of confocal scanning techniques, e.g. confocal laser scanning microscopy in order to obtain images at selected depths of body tissue.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Confocal scanning surgical probes |
This place covers:
Detecting fluorescence emission as a result of irradiating excitation light
This place covers:
Reconstructing volumes using light irradiated into the body and scattered outside the body
This place does not cover:
Optical coherence tomography |
This place covers:
Evaluating spectral properties of body parts
This place does not cover:
Measuring fluorescence emission |
This place covers:
Apparatus for viewing and taking images of the surface of the body. Documents may include diagnostic evaluation of images, e.g. evaluation of images taken with a camera at different times
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Apparatus for image acquisition of a particular organ of body part |
This place covers:
Devices using light adapted for a particular medical procedure, e.g. dentistry, mammography, insertion into the body
This place covers:
Inspecting the composition of body tissues using light probes introduced into the body
This place does not cover:
Invasive probes for taking images (i.e. endoscopes) | |
Invasive optical sensors |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Probes mounted on invasive devices |
This place covers:
Detecting properties of all types of oral or dental tissue, e.g. teeth, gums, tongue
This place does not cover:
Imaging the oral region |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Measuring instruments specially adapted for dentistry |
This place covers:
Detection of breast cancer or other properties using light
This place does not cover:
X-ray mammography | |
Ultrasound mammography |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Breast evaluation in general | |
Biopsy instruments for the breast |
This place covers:
E.g., magnetoacoustic examination: apply magnetic energy, detect resulting acoustic radiation
This place covers:
Apply light, detect resulting acoustic emission
This place covers:
Apply acoustic (e.g. ultrasonic) energy, detect resulting light emission.
Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Constructional details for analysing materials using opto-acoustic interaction, e.g. acousto-optic effect | |
Acousto-optical imaging in general |
This place does not cover:
Clinical contact thermometers |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Transmission of temperature signals |
This place covers:
Apparatus for detecting, measuring or recording physiological parameters related to diagnosis of the cardiovascular system. It includes apparatus where calculation of health indices, e.g. an arterial index, are made or apparatus for monitoring trends in the patient's condition by analysis of the physiological data, e.g. ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Measuring a physiological parameter of a patient undergoing therapy, e.g. for controlling the administration of therapy | |
Controlling electrotherapy using a measured physiological parameter | |
Electrotherapy combined with monitoring a physiological parameter | |
Measuring a physiological parameter of a user of sports apparatus |
Multiple subgroups may be allocated if the particular physiological parameter is essential for the determination of a diagnosis or calculation of a health index.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Investigating flow properties of materials, e.g. viscosity |
This place covers:
Apparatus for detecting, measuring or recording multiple physiological parameters where at least one parameter is a cardiovascular parameter. Combinations with any other physiological parameters, not only a respiratory condition, are allowed, e.g. measurement of heart rate, movement activity and blood glucose concentration. Multiparameter vital signs monitoring.
Additional information should be given for specific parameters to show the combination of physiological parameters measured, e.g. A61B 5/024, A61B 5/0816 and A61B 5/14532.
This place covers:
Simultaneously evaluating both cardiovascular condition and body temperature. Multiple vital signs monitoring where at least one cardiovascular parameter is measured with body temperature, e.g. heart rate and temperature.
This place does not cover:
Remote monitoring of patients by using telemetry of temperature signals | |
Details of apparatus calibration for compensation or correction of the measured physiological value using ambient temperature | |
Clinical thermometers | |
Special purpose thermometers |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Measuring temperature of a patient undergoing therapy, e.g. for controlling administration of therapy | |
Controlling electrotherapy using body or blood temperature | |
Measuring temperature of a user of sports apparatus |
This place covers:
Apparatus for detecting, measuring or recording blood pressure, diastolic pressure, systolic pressure, arterial pressure, venous pressure. Includes measuring pressure in specific blood vessels, e.g. aortic pressure.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Detecting, measuring or recording fluid pressure within the body other than blood pressure | |
Means for maintaining contact with the body by monitoring or controlling sensor contact pressure | |
Details of pressure sensors specially adapted for sensing pressure in vivo | |
Measuring heartbeat characteristics, e.g. blood pressure modulation, during the administration of therapy | |
Measuring blood pressure during the administration of therapy | |
Heart stimulators controlled by a blood pressure signal | |
Measuring heartbeat characteristics, e.g. blood pressure modulation, of a user of sporting apparatus | |
Measuring blood pressure of a user of sporting apparatus | |
Measuring fluid pressure by mechanical pressure-sensitive elements in general | |
Measuring fluid pressure by electric or magnetic pressure-sensitive elements in general |
This place covers:
All types of apparatus for detecting, measuring or recording blood pressure invasively including catheters, needle probes, guidewires and implanted devices. Blood pressure may be measured in blood vessels or in the heart itself.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Measuring pressure in other body cavities | |
Constructional details of invasive sensing devices | |
Solid probes | |
Catheters, e.g. for introducing media or drainage |
This place covers:
Apparatus for detecting, measuring or recording blood pressure in a blood vessel or the heart comprising optical means for transmitting the pressure change, e.g. deflection of a pressure sensitive membrane is detected optically.
This place does not cover:
Optical transmission of a pressure signal from the patient to a remote site |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Transmitting or indicating the displacement of pressure sensitive flexible diaphragms using photoelectric means |
This place covers:
Methods or apparatus for calibrating the pressure sensor repsonse. May include correction or compensation of the measured value, e.g. due to drift.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Details of apparatus for calibration, e.g. calibration protocols | |
Sensors provided with means for identification combined with means for recording calibration data, e.g. on memory chip | |
Testing or calibrating of apparatus for measuring fluid pressure |
This place covers:
Apparatus provided with two or more pressure sensors for measuring the blood pressure in the body, e.g. two pressure transducers mounted on a catheter.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Details of pressure sensors, e.g. in a linear arrangement |
This place covers:
Apparatus for detecting, measuring or recording blood pressure where the blood vessel is fully occluded during part of the measurement cycle and then released to allow blood flow.
This place covers:
Details of occluders, e.g. construction of inflatable cuffs, adjustable clamps.
This place does not cover:
Tourniquets |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Measuring pressure of a fluid using liquid as a pressure sensitive medium, e.g. liquid-column gauges |
This place covers:
Details of valves specially adapted for use in blood pressure measuring apparatus, e.g. valves for releasing air from an inflatable cuff. Includes valves used in any part of the apparatus..
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Valves for medical use |
This subgroup is not restricted to apparatus where the blood vessel is occluded.
This place covers:
Apparatus for detecting, measuring or recording pulse rate or heart rate, e.g. given in beats per minute.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Evaluating a cardiovascular condition not otherwise provided for, e.g. pulse waveform shape analysis | |
Simultaneously evaluating both cardiovascular conditions and different types of body conditions | |
Measuring pressure in heart or blood vessels | |
Ballistocardiography [BCG] | |
Measuring a physiological parameter to provide biofeedback to patient, e.g. measuring heart rate to allow patient to control the heart rate | |
Measuring heart rate of a patient during administration of therapy | |
Measuring heart rate of a user of sports apparatus |
This place covers:
Apparatus for detecting, measuring or recording pulse rate or heart rate using an optical sensor for detecting photoplethysmograph signals.
This place does not cover:
Measuring blood flow using plethysmography | |
Using optical sensors for measuring blood gases, e.g. details of photometrical oximeters |
This place covers:
Details of optical sensors for detecting photoplethysmograph signals. Includes constructional details of sensors, arrangements of sensors in housings or probes.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Details of optical sensors specially adapted for measuring blood gases | |
Details of optical sensors specially adapted for in-vivo measurements |
This place covers:
All types of portable devices for detecting, measuring or recording pulse or heart rate. Heart rate devices may be worn on any part of the body or be incorporated in a portable device providing a non-medical function, e.g. a music player.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means where the sensors are mounted on worn items | |
Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means where the sensors are mounted on a non-medical device | |
Constructional details of apparatus, low-profile patch shaped housings | |
Apparatus with built-in sensors |
This place covers:
Details of sensors for measuring heart or pulse rate not covered by A61B 5/02416 or A61B 5/0245. For example, pressure sensors, strain gauges or accelerometers for measuring the tissue deformation due to the pulse wave. Inlcudes sensor construction and arrangements of sensors in housings or probes.
This place does not cover:
Details of optical sensors for measuring heart rate | |
Details of ECG sensors for measuring heart rate |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Details of sensors specially adapted for in-vivo measurements |
This place covers:
Apparatus for measuring, detecting or recording the heart rate using the detection ECG signals.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Bioelectric electrodes therefor | |
Detecting specific parameters of the electrocardiograph cycle | |
Apparatus with built-in electrodes |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Electric stethoscopes |
This place covers:
Apparatus for measuring, detecting or recording blood flow or perfusion of blood in tissue. The extent of blood flow detected is not always given as a flow rate, e.g. in ml/s.
This place does not cover:
Apparatus, instrument for testing the eyes | |
Measuring volume flow or mass flow in general |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Controlling therapy by using blood flow rate |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Measuring volume flow or mass flow using electromagnetic flowmeters |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Details of catheters for measuring | |
Catheters, e.g. for introducing media or drainage |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Heart stimulators controlled by a blood flow signal |
This place does not cover:
Detecting, measuring or recording devices for evaluating the respiratory organs by impedance pneumography |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Impedance plethysmography not specifically for determining blood flow or perfusion | |
Measuring volume of limbs, e.g. by plethysmography |
This place covers:
Apparatus for detecting, measuring or recording fluid pressure within any part of the body other than blood pressure of the heart or blood vessels.
This place does not cover:
Determining bladder or urethral pressure |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Measuring blood pressure | |
Details of pressure sensors specially adapted for in vivo measurements | |
Measuring fluid pressure by electric or magnetic pressure sensitive elements in general |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Measuring blood pressure by means inserted into the body | |
Constructional details of invasive sensing devices, e.g. burr holes | |
Catheters, e.g. for introducing media or drainage | |
Devices for cerebrospinal drainage |
This place does not cover:
Detecting, measuring or recording spinal fluid pressure | |
Detecting, measuring or recording uterine pressure using intra-uterine probes |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Measuring blood pressure by means inserted into the body | |
Constructional details of invasive sensing devices | |
Catheters, e.g. for introducing media or drainage |
This place covers:
Measurements carried out while applying a magnetic field, an electric field or an electromagnetic field, e.g.:
- Magnetic induction tomography; or
- Measurements of microwaves modified by parts of the body.
Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:
The Figure illustrates measurement coils.
This place does not cover:
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Features or image-related aspects of imaging apparatus | |
Impedance plethysmography |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Determining position of an invasive probe using impedance measurements | |
Measuring impedance in general |
This place covers:
Measuring skin impedance, conductance or resistance by applying a current or voltage to the skin.
This place covers:
Using skin conductance measurement to detect acupuncture points
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Evaluating the autonomic nervous system |
This place covers:
Measurements are carried out while presenting a stimulus (visual, auditory, auditive, etc.) to the subject of the examination
This place covers:
Conductance / impedance measurement on teeth
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Evaluation of teeth in general | |
Sensors adapted for attachment to the mouth | |
Dental radiography | |
Measuring instruments specially adapted for dentistry |
This place covers:
Detection of volume changes by impedance measurements
This place does not cover:
Impedance plethysmogaphy for measuring blood flow |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Detection of electrical impedance of respiratory organs |
This place covers:
Reconstruction of images of parts of the body by means of impedance measurements:
This place covers:
Fat content evaluation: measuring various parameters of body composition including body fat composition, lean body mass, body-fat ratio, tissue hydration, total body water, extracellular fluid volume etc..
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Weighing apparatus for diet control | |
ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans (e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance) relating to nutrition control (e.g. diets) |
This place covers:
A61B 5/055 mainly covers the relationship between magnetic resonance apparatus (NMR, MRS, MRI, fMRI etc.) and other devices classified in A61B 5/00. This subgroup does not include specific MR arrangements and MR processes as such which are already covered in G01R 33/20, however includes documents where the diagnostic application of MR predominates rather than the system details or the details of the MR process. The following image shows an example of an MRI device with arterial tone measurement output.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Features or image-related aspects of imaging apparatus | |
Adapted for image acquisition of a particular organ or body part | |
Diagnosing of monitoring cognitive diseases, e.g. Alzheimer, prion diseases or dementia | |
Touch or pain perception evaluation | |
Surgical systems with NMR or MRI images on a monitor during operation | |
In vivo contrast agents | |
Arrangements or instruments for measuring magnetic variables involving electronic or nuclear magnetic resonance, in general | |
Invasive instruments, e.g. catheters or biopsy needles, specially adapted for tracking, guiding or visualization by NMR | |
Using nuclear magnetic resonance [NMR] | |
With selection of signals or spectra from particular regions of the volume, e.g. in vivo spectroscopy | |
Signal processing systems, e.g. using pulse sequences | |
Image enhancement or correction, e.g. subtraction or averaging techniques, e.g. improvement of signal-to-noise ratio and resolution |
There is an overlap between the scope of G01R 33/20 (or its relevant subgroup) and A61B 5/055 in the sense that, depending on the disclosure of a given document, the document may have to be classified in G01R 33/20 (or its relevant subgroup) only, in A61B 5/055 only or in both places.
For instance:
- if the invention information of a document to be classified is primarily directed to the MR process as such (e.g. a novel pulse sequence which, according to the document, facilitates the diagnosis of a disease on the basis of the resulting MR images wherein the document merely mentions the diagnosis but does not specifically disclose its implementation in detail), the document should be classified in G01R 33/20 (or its relevant subgroup) only and the additional information related to the diagnosis may be classified using the appropriate Indexing Code corresponding to A61B 5/055.
- if the invention information of the document is primarily directed to the diagnosis as such (e.g. a novel way of processing MRI data in order to enable the diagnosis of a disease wherein the MRI data was acquired using a commonly known standard MRI technique), the document should be classified in A61B 5/055 only.
- documents where the focus lies in diagnostic features as well as in technical details of the MR apparatus or details of the MR process should be classified in both A61B 5/055 and G01R 33/20.
This place covers:
Position sensors on a diagnostic device to detect relative positions of different components.
Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:
The Figure illustrates sensor (50) configured to provide position data for the emitter (56) and detector (57). Sensor (50) comprises a sensor body that includes the emitter (56), detector (57) and one or more position indicators (58, 60).
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Instruments for removing foreign bodies | |
Surgical navigation systems; Devices for tracking or guiding surgical instruments, e.g. for frameless stereotaxis | |
Surgical systems for stereotaxic surgery, e.g. frame-based stereotaxis |
In this place, the following terms or expressions are used with the meaning indicated:
foreign body | tissue or material which does not belong to or desired within the patient body by nature, e.g. tumour, retained metal, implant, diagnostic device |
This place covers:
External tracking device detecting position of:
1) Invasive probes comprising position indicating element
2) Markers placed on the surface of the body
This place does not cover:
Endoscope provided with position sensors, e.g. internally mounted |
This place covers:
Probes comprising magnet or electromagnetic coil
This place does not cover:
MRI tracking of surgical probes |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Electromagnetic tracking of surgical instruments |
This place covers:
Impedance measurement means for detecting the position of an invasive probe
The coordinates of a catheter inside the body are determined by passing currents between catheter electrodes 60, 62 and body surface electrodes 30.
This place covers:
1) Detecting position of markers associated with a sensor, the markers being placed on the surface of the body of the patient.
2) Tracking position of markers associated with an invasive probe
The position and movement of the tracking members are tracked by the control unit 14.
The pressure sensors in rings 18a-18i serve as the tracking members.
This place does not cover:
Using magnetic fields |
This place covers:
The diagnostic device is provided with means for detecting its own position within the body.
Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:
The Figure illustrates position sensors which detect positions relative to their own reference frame, e.g., gyroscopes, accelerometers.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Surgical navigation systems using accelerometer or inertia sensors | |
Surgical navigation systems using mechanical position encoders | |
Surgical navigation systems using shape-sensors, e.g. fibre shape sensors with Bragg gratings | |
Sensors for guiding a catheter or medical tube |
This place covers:
Registration of pre-operative images with detected positions of a diagnostic device, e.g. using shape-sensing or pattern matching.
Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Surgical navigation systems; Devices for tracking or guiding surgical instruments, e.g. for frameless stereotaxis | |
Image-guided surgery systems | |
Visualisation of invasive instruments using MRI |
This place covers:
Wireless data transmission between diagnostic device within the body, e.g. implanted or ingested and external monitor.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Endoscopes for imaging | |
Transmission of measured data from implanted circuitry |
This place covers:
Swallowed capsules travelling through the GI system
This place covers:
Implanted diagnostic devices that are attached or anchored to the internal body tissue so that movement of the device from the place of attachment does not occur.
Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:
The Figure illustrates the use of clips, sensor (10) may be held at a fixed position in the Gl tract. Device (10) uses a wireless communication protocol to transmit data to monitor (14).
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Implants for transcutaneous transmission | |
Evaluation of respiratory rate in general | |
Implantable neurostimulators for stimulating central or peripheral nerve system | |
Implanted stimulators | |
Arrangements in connection with the implantation of stimulators |
This place covers:
Evaluation of the respiratory system.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Simultaneously evaluating both cardiovascular conditions and different types of body conditions |
In this place, the following terms or expressions are used with the meaning indicated:
mechanical impedance of respiratory organs | ratio of the measured air pressure and air flow at the mouth of the patient |
electrical impedance of respiratory organs | ratio of voltage applied to respiratory organs and current flow |
This place covers:
Apparatus for recording respiratory parameters, e.g. portable devices for ambulatory recording.
This place covers:
Evaluating volume changes due to respiration, e.g.:
- by measuring changes of spatial dimensions; or
- by measuring pressure changes in a closed chamber.
Illustrative examples of subject matter classified in this place:
1.
Figure 1 illustrates an example of measuring changes of spatial dimensions.
2.
Figure 2 illustrates an example of measuring pressure changes in a closed chamber.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Impedance plethysmography for measuring blood flow | |
Impedance plethysmography for diagnosis in general | |
Evaluation of respiratory rate in general | |
Measuring volume of body or parts thereof | |
Measuring movement due to respiration |
This place covers:
Measurement of pulmonary parameters by tracers, e.g.:
- Evaluation of tracer quantity absorbed by the lungs; or
- Inhalators for tracers to be detected by imaging devices, e.g. MRI.
Illustrative examples of subject matter classified in this place:
1.
Figure 1 illustrates an example of an evaluation of tracer quantity absorbed by the lungs.
2.
Figure 2 illustrates an example of inhalators for tracers to be detected by imaging devices, e.g. MRI.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Breath analysis, i.e. determining chemical composition of exhaled breath | |
Breath test measuring rate of metabolism |
In this place, the following terms or expressions are used with the meaning indicated:
tracer | composition, e.g. aerosol, which is mixed with inhaled air and detected after exhalation |
This place covers:
Detection of respiratory signals, e.g.:
using photoplethysmography, i.e. a signal provided by a pulse oximeter on a body part, e.g. finger, ear
This place does not cover:
Detect changes of body volume due to respiration | |
Detect respiratory signals using electrical impedance measurements | |
Detect respiratory sounds |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Measuring frequency of electric signals |
This place covers:
Detection of chemical composition of exhaled breath.
Not relating to lung function.
Detector 441 is optionally operable to detect bacteria, virus, fungus, antibody, protein, or chemical such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitric oxide, alcohol and the like
This place does not cover:
Evaluation of lung function | |
Determination of instantaneous concentration of a component of inhaled/exhaled air in order to determine breath flow |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Gas analysers | |
Breath analysis in general |
This place covers:
Detect cough events which may be spontaneous coughing events or where the patient is asked to voluntarily cough:
Evaluate cough event:
This place covers:
Detection of all types of apnoea events, e.g. cessation of breathing (apnoea), shallow breathing (hypopnea), fast deep breathing (hyperpnoea), Cheyne-Stokes respiration etc.
This place does not cover:
Detection of sleep apnoea |
This place covers:
Breath test specially adapted to detect rate of metabolism. For example, properties of exhaled gas are compared to properties of inhaled air.
This place does not cover:
Detect a tracer mixed in inhaled gas | |
Determination of instantaneous concentration of a component of inhaled/exhaled air in order to determine breath flow |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Detect chemical composition of exhaled gas by breath test in general | |
Gas analysers | |
Breath analysis in general |
This place covers:
Evaluation of O2 uptake from breath analysis.
This place covers:
Evaluation of CO2 release.
This place covers:
Detection of mechanical impedance of respiratory organs.
In this place, the following terms or expressions are used with the meaning indicated:
Mechanical impedance of respiratory organs | Ratio of the measured air pressure and air flow at the mouth of the patient |
Electrical impedance of respiratory organs | Ratio of voltage applied to respiratory organs and current flow |
This place covers:
Detection of electrical impedance of respiratory organs.
Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:
The Figure illustrates an IP [impedance pneumography] circuit (27) (25) which generates a current that is modulated at a high frequency (typically 50-100 kHz). The current passes through electrode LL (24). It then propagates through the patient's chest, as indicated by the arrow (29), where a respiration-induced capacitance change modulates it according to the RR.
Electrode UR (20) detects the resultant analogue signal, which is then processed within the IP circuit to determine an analogue IP waveform (30) featuring a low-frequency series of pulses corresponding to RR.
The analogue filters in the IP circuit (27) are chosen to filter out high-frequency components that contribute to the ECG QRS complex.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Impedance plethysmography in general | |
Detecting respiration rate in general |
This place covers:
Evaluate breath flow
Text1
This place does not cover:
Detect breath flow in order to evaluate lung impedance parameters | |
Ventilators provided with means for detecting breath flow |
This place covers:
Detectors of maximum air flow
I
The pointer 4 is entrained along its slot 6 by the exhaled air flow. When the exhalation ends friction retains the pointer 4 in its displaced position to indicate a peak flow value against a scale 8 marked along the slot
This place does not cover:
Spirometers in general, wherein it is possible to calculate peak flow |
This place covers:
Detection of breath flow using optical sensors. The optical sensor is placed in or by the flow path.
The detector 40 generates an electrical signal that is related to the radiant power falling on it. The detector senses the breath exhaled into the volume 16 close to the patient's mouth and nose.
The signal processing circuit 48 examines the electrical signal 44 to determine whether it varies in a manner that indicates the patient is breathing.
This place covers:
E.g. for indicating flow level for breath training.
Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:
The Figure illustrates how object (29) is raised in tube (26) according to exhalation effort of the patient.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Flow meters adapted to indicate specifically the maximum value |
This place covers:
Flaps 16, 18 are deflectable in response to breath flow 25.
This place covers:
A filament 34 is secured to the ends of the four pins 32.
The filament 34 is used to measure the flow rate of the fluid 26 based on its power consumption.
This place covers:
An optical detector detects rotor movement to evaluate air flow
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Toys actuated by air current |
This place covers:
This place covers:
Detecting spatial properties of the human or animal body, e.g. lengths, areas, volumes, angles, velocities, accelerations or weights.
This place does not cover:
Measuring instruments specially adapted for dentistry |
This place covers:
Colorimetry, e.g. to detect face flush, for medical diagnosis.
Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Measuring colour in general |
This place covers:
Assessing body features by comparison with colour patterns or atlases
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Colour charts in general |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Gait analysis | |
Apparatus for weighing persons |
This place covers:
Measuring spatial dimensions: distances (e.g. length, depth, thickness), angles, areas, volumes etc.
By detecting marker positions:
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Measuring distance in general |
This place covers:
Measurements of angles
Angle measuring device 6 comprising light source 7 and light detector 8
Processing module is enabled to calculate, from the ratio between the power entered into the light source 7 and the power received by the light detector 8, an angle between the first and second member
This place does not cover:
Discriminating types of movement |
This place covers:
Rulers, tapes, height measuring device for direct measurement on the body
This place does not cover:
Measuring interpupillary distance | |
Measuring dimensions inside body cavities |
This place covers:
The arm has been segmented into discrete volumes C1-C10
Circumference measurement is taken at the intersection of each linear segment of centerline 10.
Evaluate changes in the arm volume over time.
This place does not cover:
Plethysmography for blood flow assessment based on vessel volume changes | |
Impedance plethysmography | |
Whole-body plethysmography for respiration assessment based on chest volume changes | |
Impedance pneumography | |
Measuring bladder volume |
This place covers:
All types of apparatus for measuring dimensions non-invasively, e.g. calipers, gauges, templates for measuring on patient images. Also, includes imaging apparatus with measuring scales projected on the image or cursors allowing dimensions to be read from an image.
This place does not cover:
Endoradiosondes by impedance pneumography |
This place covers:
Rulers, height measuring devices for direct measurement inside the body
This place does not cover:
Measuring distances inside the eye, e.g. thickness of the cornea | |
Measuring interpupillary distance | |
Measuring dimensions on the body cavities |
This place covers:
Detect 2- or 3-dimensional contour or profile or shape of objects, e.g. using mechanical elements brought into contact with the body surface:
This place does not cover:
Optical shape detection: | |
Measuring volumes of body parts |
This place covers:
Measurement of movement includes the determination of any change in position or orientation. It is not mandatory that a velocity or acceleration is measured.
This place does not cover:
Measuring for testing the shape, pattern, size or movement of the body or parts thereof for podologic studies during locomotion | |
Measuring movement for compensation of motion artefacts |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Measuring eye movement, e.g. using eye trackers | |
Evaluating the cardiovascular system, e.g. pulse, heart rate, blood pressure, blood flow | |
Plethysmography | |
Measuring movement of foreign bodies, e.g. tracking of catheters | |
Detecting, measuring or recording devices for evaluating the respiratory organs by whole-body plethysmography | |
Detecting, measuring or recording respiratory frequency | |
Testing reaction times | |
Ergometry or measuring muscular strength | |
Bioelectric electrodes for electrooculography [EOG]: for electroretinography [ERG] | |
Pleximeters | |
Surgical navigation systems; Devices for tracking or guiding surgical instruments, e.g. for frameless stereotaxis | |
Measuring movement in general | |
Measuring length, thickness or similar linear dimensions; Measuring angles; Measuring areas; Measuring irregularities of surfaces or contours | |
Measuring distances, levels or bearings; Surveying; Navigation; Gyroscopic instruments; Photogrammetry or videogrammetry | |
Measuring linear or angular speed, acceleration, deceleration, or shock; Indicating presence, absence, or direction, of movement |
Group A61B 5/11 covers diagnosis based on body movements and parts thereof, e.g. head or hand tremor or mobility of a limb, including ballistography [BSG], e.g. ballistocardiography [BCG]. For BSG, allocation in group A61B 5/11 should be considered in combination with the body system under test (e.g. cardiovascular system A61B 5/02 or respiratory system A61B 5/08). Group A61B 5/11 does not cover direct measurement of blood vessel pulsatile movements, of which is considered cardiovascular testing for A61B 5/02 (e.g. photoplethysmography [PPG] of blood vessels).
This place does not cover:
Ballistocardiography |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Investigating medicinal preparations |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Detecting skeletal, cartilage or muscle noise, e.g. acoustic myograms | |
Apparatus for measuring work or force in general |
This place covers:
Patient monitors including means for global position determination, localizing a patient world-wide.
This place covers:
Patient monitors including means for local position determination, e.g. in hospitals, rooms, imaging apparatus.
This place covers:
Includes posture transitions from standing to sitting to lying down, etc.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Controlling electrical heart stimulation by body motion |
This place covers:
Patient position sensing/monitoring with sensors, e.g. carried on the patient, e.g. 3D sensors, mercury switches, for indicating (change to) prone/lying position probably from a fall. May be combined with a timer/physiological sensors/alarm (to remote station). Includes devices for monitoring fall from bed.
This place covers:
Determining a parameter indicative of the degree of overall activity of a subject, e.g. for use in determining caloric consumption.
When metabolism is evaluated, e.g. caloric expenditure determined, A61B 5/4866 should additionally be given.
This place does not cover:
Gait analysis |
This place does not cover:
Determining posture transition | |
Gait analysis |
This place covers:
Evaluating the degree of mastering a particular task in the form of a specific movement or sequence of movements. In particular for rehabilitation or assessing development of infants.
This place covers:
Details of sensing techniques adapted for measuring movement other than those mentioned in A61B 5/1127 and A61B 5/1128.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
inertial sensors used for measuring movement |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Markers for medical use |
This place does not cover:
Using markers |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Analysis of motion in images | |
Extraction of features from images |
This place covers:
Means for distinguishing one person from another
This place does not cover:
Methods or arrangements for reading or recognising patterns, e.g. fingerprints |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Dental impression cups or articulators | |
Identification tags |
This place covers:
Apparatus and methods for taking fingerprints from a person. Includes developing latent fingerprints for forensic purposes.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Recognition of fingerprints or palmprints |
This place covers:
Evaluating the hearing system
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Otoscopes | |
Electroencephalography using acoustic or auditory stimuli | |
Evaluating sense of balance | |
Tinnitus treatment | |
Testing of hearing device using in-hear measurements |
This place covers:
Evaluation of the hearing without technical means for detecting an auditory characteristics, e.g.:
Vibrating unit for stimulating the ear canal. No sensor is provided:
Feedback is provided by the patient by, e.g., a response button:
This place covers:
Detecting physiological response, e.g. EEG, to auditory stimuli:
This place covers:
Tympanometer (detects acoustic response to a sound generated into the ear canal)
Measuring acoustic impedance (frequency response) of the outer ear in general:
This place covers:
Detecting, testing, evaluating or measuring tinnitus to determine frequency, frequency range, bandwidth or other tinnitus features, e.g. by using a generator for generating tinnitus masking sound based on the detected tinnitus features.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Masking sound in general | |
Deaf-aid sets that provide electric tinnitus maskers |
This place covers:
Apparatus for detecting, measuring or recording characteristics of blood, body fluids or tissues in vivo. Determining chemical characteristics, e.g. measuring the concentration of an analyte. Determining constituents of blood or body fluids, e.g. haematocrit. The measurement is performed on the body, i.e. in vivo, or immediately after a sample of body fluid has been obtained, e.g. by lancet.
This place does not cover:
Non-radiation detecting or locating of foreign bodies in blood |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Measuring for diagnostic purposes using light, e.g. detecting cancer, fatty tissue | |
Cardiovascular evaluation, e.g. blood pressure, blood flow, heart rate | |
Measuring blood composition characteristics of a patient undergoing therapy, e.g. for controlling the administration of therapy | |
Heart stimulators controlled by a blood chemical signal | |
Measuring blood composition characteristics of a user of sporting apparatus | |
Investigating or analysing materials by determining their chemical or physical properties in general | |
Investigating or analysing biological material in vitro, physical analysis | |
Chemical analysis of biological material |
This place does not cover:
Using invasive optical sensors | |
Optical sensors specially adapted for foetal tissue | |
Using invasive chemical or electrochemical sensors | |
Chemical or electrochemical sensors specially adapted for foetal tissue | |
Using invasive enzyme electrodes |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Constructional details of invasive sensing devices | |
Catheters, e.g. for introducing media or for drainage |
This place covers:
Apparatus for detecting, measuring or recording glucose. Apparatus for continual monitoring of glucose with analysis of glucose data to determine trends, e.g. to optimise insulin administration. Apparatus for measuring glucose in combination with an insulin pump. Apparatus for glucose measurement in-vivo or combination with fluid or blood sampling where the measurement is made immediately after sampling the fluid, e.g. by lancet.
A61B 5/14532 is given for glucose, and the corresponding subgroup for the measurement technique, e.g. A61B 5/14532 and A61B 5/1486. Classification of glucose measurement in combination with blood or fluid sampling is covered by A61B 5/15-A61B 5/157 (apparatus for blood sampling). Test strips with no further disclosure of interaction with the patient is covered by G01N.
This place does not cover:
Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intravascular or intramuscular way | |
Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, enzyme electrodes for glucose | |
Investigating or analysing biological material in vitro by physical analysis using electrical means for determining glucose content | |
Details, e.g. test element handling, dispensing or storage not specific to a particular test method |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Devices for taking samples of blood characterised by integrated means for measuring characteristics of blood | |
Other medical applications, combined with drug delivery | |
Measuring blood glucose of a patient undergoing therapy, e.g. for controlling the administration of therapy | |
Measuring blood glucose of a user of sports apparatus |
This place does not cover:
Measuring blood gases using optical sensors |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Measuring blood gases of a patient undergoing therapy, e.g. for controlling the administration of therapy | |
Measuring blood gases of a user of sports apparatus |
This place covers:
Apparatus for detecting, measuring or recording chemical characteristics of blood, body fluids or tissue using optical sensors, where the measurement is made in vivo or on a blood of fluid sample immediately after sampling, e.g. measurement is made immediately after sampling by lancet.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Detecting, measuring or recording for diagnostic purposes using light, e.g. for detection of tumour | |
Detecting, measuring or recording heart rate using photoplethysmograph signals | |
Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means |
This place covers:
Details of optical sensor construction for pulse oximetry. Sensors particularly adapted for attachment to parts of the body, e.g. earlobe clips, finger clips, adhesive patches etc.. Arrangements of optical sensors in housing or probes.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Detecting, measuring or recording heart rate using photoplethysmograph signals, details of sensor | |
Details of optical sensors |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Evaluating the central nervous system | |
Sensors mounted on head worn items, e.g. helmet or cap |
This place covers:
Apparatus for making pulse oximetry measurements at the eye fundus, comprising optical sensors for detecting changes in light characteristics reflected from the eye fundus.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Apparatus for looking at the eye fundus |
This place covers:
Pulse oximetry using measured change in the fluorescence of light. Includes the use of fluorescent agents.
This place does not cover:
Measuring blood gases specially adapted for the eye fundus |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Investigating or analysing materials by the use of light, optically excited fluorescence |
This place covers:
Apparatus for detecting, measuring or recording chemical characteristics of blood, body fluids or tissue where the measurement is made in an extracorporeal circuit attached to the patient, e.g. a blood dialysis machine attached to a patient by a catheter. Apparatus for measuring in an external fluid line, e.g. measurement cassette connected to the patient's blood circulation by a catheter.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Other treatment of blood in extracorporeal circuits | |
Measuring blood gas characteristics of a patient undergoing therapy | |
Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, flow through cuvettes |
This place covers:
Pulse oximetry using the measured change in the polarisation characteristic of light.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Investigation or analysing materials by the use of optical means, using polarisation-affecting properties |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Using optical sensors specially adapted for foetal tissue | |
Constructional details of invasive sensing devices |
This place covers:
Apparatus for detecting, measuring or recording of characteristics of blood, body fluid or tissue using optical sensors specially adapted for foetal or neonatal monitoring.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Using chemical or electrochemical methods specially adapted for foetal tissue |
This place covers:
Apparatus for detecting, measuring or recording chemical characteristics of blood, body fluids or tissue using chemical or electrochemical sensors, where the measurement is made in vivo or on a blood or fluid sample immediately after sampling, e.g. sampling by lancet. Includes apparatus for measuring in an external fluid line, e.g. measurement cassette connected to the patient's blood circulation.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Investigating or analysing biological material in vitro by using electrochemistry |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Constructional details of invasive sensing devices |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Using optical methods specially adapted for foetal tissue |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Measuring or testing processing involving enzymes, enzyme electrodes | |
Investigating or analysing biological material in vitro by using electrochemistry |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Constructional details of invasive sensing devices |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Constructional details of apparatus for calibration, e.g. calibration protocols | |
Sensors provided with means for identification combined with means for recording calibration data, e.g. on memory chip | |
Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, detection standards or calibrating |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Hypodermic syringes |
In this place, the following terms or expressions are used with the meaning indicated:
Piercing element | skin penetrating component, e.g. blade, needle, lancet, laser beam |
piercing or lancing device | device ready to be used for lancing |
driving device | device for driving a piercing element, e.g. spring |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Kits for diabetes | |
Packaging in general |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Caps for bottles or containers in general |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Optical reagent test strips | |
Chemical reagent test strips | |
Use of compounds or compositions for colorimetric, spectrophotometric or fluorometric investigation, e.g. use of reagent paper |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Collection bags | |
Multiple bag systems for separating or storing blood components |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Hollow piercing elements, e.g. canulas, needles, for piercing the skin | |
Double-ended needles, e.g. used with pre-evacuated sampling tubes | |
Single-ended needles |
This place does not cover:
Specific tip design, e.g. for improved penetration characteristics |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Needles for bringing media into the body | |
Needle sets for catheters in general |
This place does not cover:
Specific tip design, e.g. for improved penetration characteristics |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Needles for bringing media into the body | |
Needle sets for catheters in general |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Identification means for surgical instruments |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Tubing connectors and couplings for catheters in general |
This place covers:
Apparatus for detecting, measuring or recording the psychological state of a subject from physiological measurements. Any type of measurement may be applied, e.g. skin resistance, motion activity.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Detecting using light | |
Detecting using MRI | |
Measuring movement of the body or parts thereof for determining motor skills | |
Detecting, measuring or recording bioelectric or biomagnetic signals of the body or parts thereof | |
Devices or methods to cause a change in the state of consciousness |
Classification is made in A61B 5/16 and in the particular physiological measurement, e.g. A61B 5/16 and A61B 5/0531, when appropriate.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Eye testing |
Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:
Reaction-time training with a substantial physical effort |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Determining motor skills | |
Reaction-time games |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Devices for examining the eye | |
Processing of images of the eye | |
Acquiring or recognizing eyes, e.g. iris verification |
This place covers:
Apparatus for detecting, measuring or recording the state of alertness or consciousness of drivers or machine operators from physiological measurements. Any type of measurement may be applied, e.g. tracking eye motion, measuring heart rate.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Safety devices for propulsion-unit control responsive to incapacity of driver | |
Road vehicle drive control related to drivers or passengers, e.g. incapacitation, sleep | |
Alarms responsive to an undesired or abnormal condition indicating sleep, e.g. anti-dozing alarms |
This place covers:
Evaluation of the urinary system.
Urine collection bags comprising urine sensors
This place does not cover:
Evaluating the male reproductive system |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Measuring contraction of body parts | |
Measuring constituents of body fluids other than blood | |
Devices for taking urine samples |
This place covers:
Evaluate renal function, e.g. detect renal failure
1) By urine analysis:
detecting a change in a urinary parameter indicative of a kidney malfunction, e.g. pH, a sodium level, an oxygen level, a potassium level.
2) By blood analysis:
Fluorescent molecules are introduced into the blood stream.
Over a period of time, a measurement of the intensities of the reporter and marker fluorescent molecules is taken.
A ratio is calculated to determine a glomerular filtration rate and therefore the health of the subject's kidney.
This place does not cover:
Dialysis systems |
This place covers:
Detection of urine flow:
Flow detector 30 is configured to detect the onset of urination. For example, flow detector 30 generates a flow signal 32 upon detecting a flow of urine.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Assessing bladder internal pressure | |
Electromyography of genito-urinary organ | |
Electrical stimulation of urinary organs to alleviate incontinence |
This place covers:
System 10 determines the filling status of a urinary bladder 12 of a patient 14 based on electrical impedance of the bladder
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Measuring contraction of body parts |
This place covers:
Measuring quantity of urine
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Measuring contraction of parts of the body, e.g. organ, muscle | |
Exercising apparatus | |
Measuring of work or force in general |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Measuring instruments for dentigraphy |
This place covers:
Apparatus for measuring, detecting or recording bioelectric or biomagnetic signals generated by the body or parts thereof. The measurement does not require application of an electric current or voltage nor application of an electromagnetic or magnetic field. Apparatus for ambulatory or long-term monitoring of bioelectric signals. Apparatus for measuring combined with analysis of bioelectric signals for diagnosis.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Details of electrodes specially adapted for in-vivo measurements, e.g. for impedance measurements | |
Medicinal preparations involving or responsive to electricity, magnetism or acoustic waves | |
Electrodes for electrotherapy implanted or inserted into the body; for stimulating the brain; spinal or peripheral nerve electrodes; nerve electrodes not otherwise provided for | |
Controlling electrotherapy using a physiological parameter, e.g. heart potential | |
Electrotherapy combined with monitoring a physiological parameter | |
Electrically-conducting adhesives | |
Indicating or recording in connection with measuring in general | |
Measuring or recording or electrical currents of voltages in general | |
Recording with possibility of play-back | |
ICT specially adapted for the operation of medical equipment or devices | |
ICT specially adapted for mining of medical data, e.g. analysing previous cases of other patients | |
Emergency protective circuit arrangements | |
Amplifiers | |
Interference or noise suppression in transmissions systems |
This place covers:
Apparatus and methods for detecting electromagnetic fields generated by the body or biomagnetic signals.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Measuring magnetic variables in general |
This place covers:
Constructional details of electrodes
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Electrodes for bioimpedance measurements | |
Probe or electrodes for electrosurgery | |
Manufacturing methods specially adapted for producing electrodes | |
Electrodes for stimulation in electrotherapy |
Where the electrode(s) is(are) adapted for both measuring and applying therapy classification in this group and the corresponding therapy or electrosurgical group takes place.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Means for maintaining contact with the body by using a vacuum |
This place covers:
Conductive adhesive or gels for improving the electrical contact between the electrode and the skin or body surface
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Adhesives characterised by being electroconductive |
This place covers:
Apparatus for detecting electrode failure or electrode disconnection from patient. Also called lead failure.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Monitoring or maintaining sensor contact pressure |
This place covers:
Arrangements of multiple ECG electrodes mounted on a single substrate, e.g. a flexible strap. Arrangements of multiple electrodes joined by a cable. Arrangements of multiple ECG electrodes mounted or fixed on an item of clothing, e.g. vest.
This place does not cover:
For introduction into the body |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Patient cord assembly, e.g. cable harness |
This place covers:
Details of ECG electrodes specially adapted to be introduced into the body. All types of apparatus, e.g. catheters, guidewires, probes or implanted devices for introducing ECG electrodes into the body. Electrodes for epicardial or endocardial measurements of ECG or electrograms.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Constructional details of invasive sensing devices | |
Electrodes for electrotherapy for implantation or insertion into the body, epicardial or endocardial electrodes |
This place covers:
Multiple electrods on a single holder, e.g. multiple electrodes on a catheter.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Sensors mounted on catheters |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Sensors for measuring characteristics of blood specially adapted for foetal tissue | |
Anchoring means for maintaining sensor contact with the body, e.g. barbs |
This place covers:
Input circuits specially adapted for EEG, ECG or EMG signals, e.g. for filtering, amplification, switching.
This place covers:
Means for the electrical isolation of the patient side electrodes from the mains power supply, e.g. using an isolation transformer or optocoupler.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Coupling light guides with opto-electronic elements | |
Adaptations of transformers for specific applications of functions | |
Amplifiers using electroluminescent element or photocell |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Arrangements of sensors with cables or leads, e.g. cable harnesses |
This place covers:
Apparatus for switching the connection of ECG leads to the monitor or analysis unit, e.g. using a multiplexer.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Modular apparatus with a separable interface unit, e.g. for transmission or switching signals |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Evaluating the central nervous system for particular diseases | |
Evaluating the musculoskeletal system | |
Arrangements for analysing frequency spectra in general |
This place covers:
Apparatus for detecting, measuring or recording ECG signals on the surface of the body. Apparatus for detecting, measuring or recording electrograms from the heart surface or from within the heart. Apparatus for long-term or ambulatory monitoring of ECG. Apparatus for measuring ECG combined with analysis of the ECG to obtain a diagnosis.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Remote monitoring of patient with the measured ECG signals being transmitted from the patient to a remote monitor or site | |
Controlling electrotherapy using a physiological parameter, e.g. heart potential |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Physical templates or devices for measuring ECG waveforms, e.g. electrocardiograph rulers or calipers, by template matching |
This place covers:
Hand-held or portable apparatus for detecting, measuring or recording.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Hand-held or portable apparatus for detecting, measuring or recording |
This place covers:
Recording apparatus specially adapted for long-term or ambulatory recording of ECG, e.g. 24 hour recording, Holter monitors.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Recording measured values |
This place covers:
Integrated circuit memory devices may be built into the device or may comprise removable memory chips, e.g. flash memory stick.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Solid state data loggers |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Arrangements for displaying electric variables or waveforms, e.g. cathode-ray oscilloscopes | |
Output arrangements for digital computers, output to a display device |
This place covers:
Apparatus for detecting, measuring or recording ECG in combination with analysis of specific parameters of the electrocardiograph cycle in order to determine a diagnosis, e.g. analysis of ST segment elevation for determining ischaemia. Includes analysis of epicardial or endocardial electrograms for diagnosis.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Controlling electrotherapy by using a physiological parameter, e.g. heart potential | |
Pattern recognition in time domain, e.g. time-series data |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Physiological signal analysis for synchronising or triggering a measurement or image acquisition | |
Circuit arrangements for obtaining a series of X-ray photographs |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Devices provided with high/low alarm device |
This place covers:
Apparatus for detecting, measuring or recording electroencephalographic signals (EEG) for diagnosis. Apparatus for measuring combined with analysis of signals for determining a diagnosis, e.g. for determining a seizure.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Devices for psychotechnics, e.g. for determining the psychological state | |
Evaluating the central nervous system for diagnosis | |
Devices or methods to cause a change in the state of consciousness | |
Evaluating the central nervous system | |
Measuring EEG of a user of sporting apparatus | |
Input arrangements for computers based on nervous system activity, e.g. brain machine interfaces using EEG | |
Pattern recognition in time domain, e.g. time-series data |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Analysing frequency spectra in general |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Biofeedback per se |
This place covers:
Apparatus for detecting, measuring or recording EEG that has been evoked in response to the application of a stimulus.
This place covers:
Using a sound, acoustic or audible stimulus to evoke an EEG response.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Audiometering with electric or electronic apparatus, e.g. using evoked EEG response |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Electrical operating or control means of prostheses implantable into the body | |
Electrical operating or control means of prostheses not implantable in the body, e.g. myoelectric |
This place covers:
Apparatus for detecting, measuring or recording electro-oculographic signals or electroretinographic signals.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Measuring or inducing nystagmus |
This place does not cover:
Evaluation of sleep | |
Evaluation of level or depth of anaesthesia | |
Evaluation of touch or pain perception |
This place covers:
Evaluate sensations, e.g.:
Temperature sensitivity:
This place does not cover:
Diagnostic temperature sensing | |
Audiometry | |
Evaluating the central nervous system |
This place covers:
1) Manual odour test using odour samples
2) Automatic test device
- Dispensing a controlled amount of volatile fluid
- Determining if the patient has sensed the volatile fluid
- Dispensing an increased quantity of volatile fluid if the patient has not sensed the volatile fluid or a reduced quantity of volatile fluid if the patient has sensed the volatile fluid.
This place covers:
1) Manual test using taste samples;
Each strip 22, 32 is comprised of a thin layer 23, 33 of material with a specific taste.
2) Automatic taste sensor
This place covers:
Evaluate forces applied by the patient to maintain balance, possibly while perturbing her balance
This place does not cover:
Detecting, measuring or recording bioelectric or biomagnetic signals of the body or parts thereof |
This place covers:
Evaluate sympathetic/parasympathetic activity
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Measuring blood flow with MRI | |
Electroencephalography [EEG] | |
Functional imaging of brain activation |
This place covers:
Various regions of the brain 108 may be colour coded according to a scale 112 to represent the cortical thickness, or deviation from normal thickness
This place does not cover:
Intracranial pressure measurements | |
Using optical sensors, specially adapted for cerebral tissue | |
Electroencephalography [EEG] |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Devices for psychotechnics |
This place covers:
Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:
This place does not cover:
Epidural space location |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Determining level of anaesthesia | |
Determining pain perception |
This place covers:
This place covers:
All types of diagnostic apparatus and methods for diagnosing or monitoring cognitive diseases. Includes objective type measurement apparatus, e.g. measuring a physical characteristic of the brain tissue and subjective type apparatus, e.g. for applying cognitive tests to the patient.
This place covers:
Assess seizures based on detected movement patterns, heart rate variability, EEG etc.
This place covers:
Evaluation of allergies or intolerances, with or without sensors of physiological quantities:
This place does not cover:
Preservation of excised living parts of the human or animal body |
This place does not cover:
Gastrointestinal endoscopy | |
Biorhythm | |
Measuring sweat production | |
Evaluating metabolism | |
Determining consituents of the body |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Catheters for measuring non-vascular pressure | |
Detecting gastrointestinal contractions | |
Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonicwaves in body cavities or body tracts, e.g. by usingcatheters |
This place covers:
Backflow detection from stomach to oesophagus, e.g. by impedance measurement with a balloon catheter:
This place covers:
Illustrative example of subject matter classified in A61B 5/4216:
by pH measurement in the gastrointestinal system
This place covers:
Evaluating oesophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, intestines, endocrine glands
This place covers:
Determining the activity of endocrine glands, e.g. determining the response of the hypothalamus to stimulation.
This place covers:
Evaluating the function or state of the stomach, e.g. determining the amount of food or drink ingested.
This place covers:
Illustrative example of subject matter classified in A61B 5/425
For example, electropancreatography:
This place covers:
Evaluating the function or state of the intestines, colon or appendix, for example, identification of intestinal ischemia
This place covers:
Sweat, sebum, saliva, gastrointestinal secretions, mammary secretions, vaginal secretions
This place does not cover:
Tear secretion |
This place covers:
Detect, e.g., alcohol content in perspiration fluid
This place covers:
Reagent changing colour according to sebum concentration
This place covers:
All types of evaluations of vaginal secretion including rate of production, viscosity etc.
For example, evaluating pH of vaginal secretions
This place covers:
All types of apparatus and methods for evaluating the breasts, including measurement of breast size and diagnosis of breast disorders, e.g. by detecting properties of the breasts.
Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:
This place does not cover:
Optical mammography |
This place covers:
Evaluations of the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, cervix, vagina
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Pregnancy and labour monitoring |
This place does not cover:
Assessing cervix alteration |
This place covers:
Monitoring pregnancy and labour
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Detecting uterine fluid pressure |
This place does not cover:
Measuring pressure of intrauterine fluid |
This place covers:
Illustrative example of a device for examining the prostate
This place does not cover:
Colonoscopes |
This place covers:
Illustrative example of subject matter classified in A61B 5/4387
E.g. estimate drug dosage as a function of testicle size
This place does not cover:
Identification of persons |
This place does not cover:
Evaluation of skin sensitivity |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Determining colour for diagnostic purposes | |
Colour measurement in general |
This place covers:
Determining skin hardness, elasticity, tenderness, stiffness, pliability, laxity, mobility
.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Measuring roughness of surfaces in general |
This place does not cover:
Measuring contraction of wounds |
This place covers:
Evaluate scalp conditions:
This place covers:
All types of apparatus or methods for evaluating the hair and disorders of the hair or hair growth in-vivo.
For example, evaluating hair density:
Illustrative example, evaluating hair colour:
This place does not cover:
Detecting, measuring or recording using colour cards |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Colour evaluation in general |
This place does not cover:
Detecting, measuring or recording using colour cards |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Colour evaluation in general |
This place does not cover:
Measuring for testing the shape, pattern, size or movement of the body or parts thereof for podologic studies | |
Foot measuring devices | |
Detecting skeletal, cartilage or muscle noise |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Particular body parts of the musculoskeletal system | |
Positioning the sensor in relation to a particular body part of the musculoskeletal system |
This place does not cover:
Evaluating teeth |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Examining bone tissue using radiation diagnosis | |
Examination of bone material using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves |
This place does not cover:
Measuring muscular strength | |
Electromyography [EMG] |
This place covers:
Testing joints for stability or strength, e.g. knee laxity.
This place does not cover:
Evaluating or diagnosing ligaments |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Goniometers |
This place does not cover:
Measuring using light, adapted to oral or dental tissue | |
Testing vitality of teeth by means of electric currents or magnetic fields | |
Detecting tooth mobility |
This place covers:
Determining a static posture of the body,e.g. whether a person is standing, sitting or lying. Includes also determination of spinal posture due to curvature or inclination
This place does not cover:
Measuring movement of the entire body or parts thereof for determining posture transitions |
This place covers:
Speech analysis for diagnostic purposes, e.g. evaluating speech disorders, evaluating speech for determining a subject's psychological state.
This place does not cover:
Speech analysis for identification of individuals | A61B 5/117 and G07C 9/37 |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Speech analysis per se |
This place covers:
Apparatus or methods for monitoring or analysis of sleep.
This place does not cover:
Determining level or depth of anaesthesia |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Devices for inducing sleep |
Determining sleep quality may comprise sleep detection as in A61B 5/4809 or detecting sleep stages as in A61B 5/4812. In this case also A61B 5/4809 and/or A61B 5/4812 should be given.
This place covers:
Monitoring or investigating sleep apnoe, e.g. multiparameter monitoring or polysomnography. Also for SIDS.
In this place, the following terms or expressions are used with the meaning indicated:
SIDS | sudden infant death syndrome. |
This place covers:
Determining, detecting or monitoring the level of anaesthesia by measuring a physiological parameter, e.g. EEG, EMG, etc.
This place does not cover:
Measuring movement of the entire body or parts thereof to assess neuromuscular blockade |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Electric apparatus for detecting reflex action | |
Introducing anaesthetics |
This place covers:
Testing/indicating/recording/assessing level of pain for all parts of the body. Includes all types of apparatus, e.g. charts, expert systems, questionnaires etc.
This place does not cover:
Determining level or depth of anaesthesia |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Evaluating the nervous system | |
Testing skin sensitivity |
This place covers:
Measurement of any physiological parameter indicating subject's compliance with drug therapy or treatment regime. Includes detection of drug or marker in breath, blood, urine etc. by non-invasive measurements and fluid samples, but not for laboratory analysis.
This place covers:
Closed-loop control of therapeutic treatment based on measuring a physiological parameter.
This place does not cover:
Features of imaging apparatus including treatment |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Sensing and controlling the application of energy in surgical instruments. | |
Heart stimulators controlled by a physiological signal |
This place covers:
Measuring a physiological parameter combined with therapeutic drug/medication delivery. Imaging of drug/medication for targeted delivery. Not for delivery of contrast agents/dyes.
This place does not cover:
Delivery of contrast agents or dyes | A61B 5/0275, A61B 5/0813, A61B 6/504, A61B 6/481 , A61B 8/481 . |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Details of apparatus for drug delivery/infusion | A61N 1/30, A61M 1/00, A61M 5/172, A61M 25/00, A61M 31/00, etc. |
This place covers:
Measuring a physiological parameter to evaluate the progression or development of a disease over time.
This place does not cover:
Monitoring the effects of medication |
This place covers:
Testing the efficacy or side effects of therapeutic medication.
This place does not cover:
Monitoring or testing the effects of anaesthetics |
This place covers:
Assessment or monitoring based on detecting, measuring or recording of or related to the prosthesis, e.g. measuring motion or position of prosthesis or measurement of physiological parameters or signals, such as myoelectric signals. The detecting, measuring or recording means may or may not be located on or in the prosthesis. The measurement, detection or recording may for example be used as an input signal useful for the control of prosthesis.
The prosthesis assessment or monitoring may produce an input signal useful for the control of prosthetics found in A61F 2/482, A61F 2/70 or A61F 2/72.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Detecting, measuring or recording bioelectric or biomagnetic signals of the body or parts thereof | |
Arrangements of measuring, detecting or recording means, e.g. sensors, on external prosthesis | |
Arrangements of measuring, detecting or recording means, e.g. sensors, specially adapted to be brought in contact with an internal body part, i.e. invasive | |
Prostheses as such | |
Electrical control of prostheses not implantable in the body | |
Bioelectrical control of prostheses not implantable in the body, i.e., relying on physiological signals, such as myoelectric |
This place covers:
Includes, e.g. measurement or analysis of physiological parameter, e.g. pulse, according to alternative theories of medicine that include non-orthodox, homeopathy and pseudoscience theories.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Measuring skin impedance specially adapted for acupuncture |
This place covers:
Examples of biorhythm include sleep patterns or menstrual cycle.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Clocks or watches with indicators for biological cycles |
In this place, the following terms or expressions are used with the meaning indicated:
biorhythm | cyclically recurring pattern of physiological states |
diurnal | night and day |
circadian | 24 hours |
ultradian | less than 24 hours |
infradian/circalunar | 1 month |
circannual | 1 year |
This place covers:
Providing a feedback signal to the subject of a physiological parameter measured from the subject for the purpose of informing the subject to maintain or modify his/her behaviour such that the measured parameter stays within a certain range, e.g. the subject maintains a certain breathing rate.
This place does not cover:
Electroencephalography using biofeedback |
This place covers:
Apparatus and methods for evaluating the metabolism of the body not involving breath test. Includes measuring basal metabolic rate, determining calorific or energy expenditure from physiological parameters, e.g. heart rate or activity, determining level of radioisotope excretion. Also includes evaluating metabolic syndrome.
This place does not cover:
Measuring rate of metabolism by using breath test |
When evaluation is based on measuring movement, A61B 5/1118 should additionally be given.
Analysis of constituents, e.g. analytes, or particular tissue type is not considered as types of body compositions for this subgroup.
Evaluating a particular tissue type, e.g. for detection of cancer, is classified in subgroups A61B 5/0088, A61B 5/0091, A61B 5/02007, A61B 5/40 - A61B 5/45. For example, the evaluation of bone is classified in group A61B 5/4504; the evaluation of skin is classified in group A61B 5/441.
Determination of blood, body fluid or tissue analytes, or blood constituents, e.g. red blood cells, is classified in group A61B 5/145.
This place does not cover:
Measuring body composition by impedance |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Other methods or instruments for diagnosis, e.g. instruments for taking a cell sample |
In this place, the following terms or expressions are used with the meaning indicated:
body composition | amount of muscle, water, bones, fat, and other tissue type within a body, typically given as a percentage (e.g. percentage of total body fat). |
This place covers:
Apparatus and methods for determining the proportion of fat in the body. Includes determining the ratio of fat to fat-free mass, e.g. using optical measurements, callipers, flotation tanks.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Skin gauging |
This place covers:
Apparatus and methods for determining the proportion of fluid in the body or hydration status, Includes water compartments, extracellular water, intercellular water.
This place covers:
Patient is subjected to stress situation, e.g. exercise, change of posture, drugs or valsalva manoeuvre during measurement of physiological parameters. e.g. to determine rate of recovery/investigate regulatory mechanism (homeostasis).
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Measuring heart rate variability |
This place covers:
Locating blood vessels, e.g. for blood sampling. Applies also to ultrasound location.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Blood vessel location for injecting media |
This place covers:
Detect epidural space, e.g. by means of a pressure drop that occurs while introducing the needle of a syringe into the patient's body. When the needle reaches the epidural space the lower pressure in the space causes the pressure in the needle to drop, which is indicated by movement of the syringe plunger.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Measuring spinal fluid pressure | |
Puncturing needles for the peridural or subarachnoid space or the plexus, e.g. for anaesthesia |
This place covers:
Arrangements for ensuring the correct position for a sensor to detect a physiological quantity on a patient.
It relates to the position of the sensor, independently of the part of the body which is object of the diagnosis. For example, if impedance electrodes are placed on hands and feet to detect an impedance value of the whole body, the corresponding document must be classified in this group even if no diagnosis of hands and feet is carried out.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Sensors provided on surgical tools for measuring tool-related quantities, e.g. contact between tool and tissue, tool penetration length | |
Foot-measuring devices | |
Measuring instruments for implanting a prosthesis | |
Attachments on the body, e.g. for measuring | |
Car sensors for detecting driver's condition | |
Computers with physiological sensor to allow interaction with the user | |
Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the use | |
Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] |
This place covers:
Means for attaching a sensor to a patient's body or for positioning a sensor in contact with a patient's body
This place covers:
Any kind of clothing which is specially adapted to position a sensor in contact with the body
This place covers:
Sensors for measurement on the head. Includes headbands, head straps, masks, spectacles, helmets and caps.
This place does not cover:
Measurement on the eye | |
Sensors to be placed on foetus's head |
This place covers:
Sensor is mounted in a garment i.e. resembles clothing, not just straps.
Also for sensors in textiles and fabrics.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Garments adapted to accommodate electronic equipment | |
Patients' vests with incorporated sensors | |
Wearable computers, e.g. on a belt |
This place covers:
Sensor is mounted in a garment resembling a vest, e.g. shirt or gown.
Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:
This place covers:
Sensors mounted in a glove/mitten (not all fingers have to be covered)
- for measurement on the hand itself wearing the glove;
- for measurement on the other hand, another body part or another person or animal:
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Hand-worn input devices |
This place covers:
Sensor mounted in footwear, e.g. shoes, socks.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Detecting podologic data, e.g. load distribution on feet | |
Gait analysis | |
Footwear with electrical or electronic arrangements | |
Pedometers |
This place covers:
Sensors mounted on or in diapers
This place does not cover:
Dressings provided with sensor | |
Absorbent pads, e.g. diapers, with wetness indicators |
This place covers:
Sensor is mounted in wristwatch type housing.
May not have time keeping function.
Also includes portable devices for receiving data from a sensor separated from the wristwatch housing, e.g. on finger, for data storage/display/further transmission.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Portable devices for measuring heart rate |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Electromyography | |
Control means for non-implantable prostheses | |
Measuring parameters relating to control or test of non-implantable prostheses | |
Input arrangements based on EEG, EMG, ECG, GSR |
This place covers:
Sensor is mounted on external orthopaedic device
This place covers:
The sensor is suitable for contact with a specific body part, but no particular arrangement is foreseen to provide contact. For example, electrodes to be attached to hands and feet in order to measure whole-body impedance, but no specific attaching means are provided.
This place does not cover:
Arrangements to provide contact with a specific body part |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Sensor attached to the head of a foetus | |
Sensors mounted on head-worn items, e.g. helmets, headphones or goggles. |
This place covers:
Sensor attached to ear, e.g. as ear clip hooked over the pinna, attached to part of the pinna, not the ear lobe
This place does not cover:
Sensor attached to ear canal or ear lobe |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Clips |
This place covers:
Sensor is used for measurement in or close to the ear canal. Shape is adapted to fit in the ear canal. Includes measurement on the ear drum. Includes construction of ear canal probes for audiometry.
This place does not cover:
Instruments for viewing inside the ear canal |
This place covers:
Sensor is attached to the nose.
This place does not cover:
Instruments for viewing inside the nose |
This place covers:
Sensor is held/mounted/fixed for measurement on and in the mouth, e.g. on the lips, tongue, gums and teeth, including snorkel-like mouthpieces.
This place does not cover:
Instruments for viewing inside the mouth | |
Devices using light, specially adapted to mouth and teeth | |
Impedance measurements for testing vitality of teeth | |
Devices for collecting breath | |
Identification by dental data | |
Measuring strength of masticatory organs | |
X-ray for dentistry | |
Depth control for dentistry instruments | |
Mouthpieces in ventilators |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Measuring instruments adapted for dentistry |
This place covers:
Sensor is attached to or in the vicinity of the eye.
This place does not cover:
Apparatus for testing the sight |
This place does not cover:
Blood pressure cuffs | |
Wristwatch-type devices with sensors |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Portable devices for measuring heart rate |
This place covers:
Sensor is attached/positioned for measurement on the hand. Includes resting hand on shaped surface.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Detecting hand motion | |
Detecting hand force | |
Portable ECG devices | |
Gloves with sensors |
This place covers:
Sensor is used for measurement on the fingers. Includes clamps, wraps, finger receiving cavities, rings. Also for sensors worn by the physician on the fingertips.
This place does not cover:
Blood pressure cuffs adapted for fingers | |
Identification by finger prints | |
Measuring finger strength | |
Gloves with sensors |
This place covers:
Sensor is used for measurement on the foot.
This place does not cover:
Measuring load distribution on feet | |
Measuring dimensions of foot | |
Identification by foot-printing | |
Footwear with sensors |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Foot-measuring devices |
This place covers:
Means specially adapted for maintaining contact between different surfaces, specially adapted to maintain contact between a sensor and the human or animal body.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Sensors mounted on worn items |
This place covers:
Sensor is attached to the body, e.g. chest, shoulders, by straps, bands, harnesses
This place covers:
Sensors provided with an adhesive layer for attachment to the skin or body surface that is not a separable or detachable element from the sensor. Includes adhesive applied directly to the skin surface.
This place does not cover:
Bioelectric electrodes using conductive adhesive means, e.g. gels |
This place covers:
Separate adhesive patch or wrap for attaching the sensor to the patient's skin.
This place covers:
Attaching sensor/probe to the skin surface by vacuum.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Measurement carried out while applying suction | |
ECG electrodes, including foetal ECG electrodes, attached by suction |
This place covers:
Positioning or holding sensor relative to the body by mechanical arms, e.g. articulated, sliding, swivelling.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Holding arrangements for endoscopes | |
Holding arrangements for ultrasound probes |
This place covers:
Sensors attached to the surface of the body by means of sutures
This place covers:
Sensors affixed to the body by means of clamp, e.g. by elastic force
This place covers:
Means for anchoring the sensor to the body, i.e..with tissue penetration/piercing. Includes prongs, coils, barbs.
This place covers:
Means for indicating the correct position of a sensor on the body surface
This place covers:
Template/gauge to assist positioning of sensor on the measurement site.
This place does not cover:
Sensors mounted on harnesses |
This place covers:
Site of sensor attachment is marked/referenced (e.g., by marker) so that the sensor may repositioned on the same site. Includes taking an anatomical reference, e.g. palm-print, photograph.
This place covers:
Determining degree of contact between sensor and body surface by any means, e.g. spring bias, inflatable ballons, measuring impedance, measuring applied pressure etc.
This place covers:
Determining, monitoring or controlling the distance between sensor and body surface in order to ensure consistency of measurements taken by the sensor.
This place covers:
Means for attaching or positioning a sensor in contact with an internal part of the patient's body
This place covers:
Sensor is part of an implant (including short-term implants such as needles).
This place does not cover:
Endoscopes |
This place covers:
The sensor is part of a piercing element introduced into the body, e.g. needle, cannula. The sensor is within the body or in the immediate vicinity of its surface.
This place covers:
The needle/canula is attached to the skin surface by a base plate.
This place covers:
Details of microneedle sensor construction. Includes multiple microneedles, e.g. arrays as electrodes/analyte sensors.
This place covers:
Sensor mounted directly in a guidewire. Guidewire is usually introduced with a catheter.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Catheters with pressure sensors |
This place covers:
Sensor is mounted on a catheter
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Measuring blood pressure by means inserted into the body | |
Invasive optical probe | |
Catheters with pressure sensors |
This place covers:
The sensor is mounted on a balloon catheter
This place covers:
Sensor mounted on a catheter with a curved tip
This place covers:
Sensor is mounted on a catheter with a looped tip
This place covers:
Sensor is mounted on a catheter tip with one or more loops, the plane of the loop being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the catheter
This place covers:
Sensor is mounted on a catheter with an expandable basket or cage
This place covers:
Sensor is mounted on a catheter with multiple splines/prongs/tines/spines/arms not joined at their distal tips. Splines are usually expandable from a retracted position.
This place covers:
Specific details of sensors mounted on pacemakers...
... or on implanted devices comprising a housing like that of a pacemaker
.
This place covers:
Sensor is mounted on ingestible or implantable capsule, excluding pacemakers.
This place does not cover:
Ingestible capsules with imaging means |
This place covers:
Sensor is mounted on a device contacting internal blood vessel walls, e.g. stent.
This place covers:
Sensor is mounted in a burr hole, e.g. by cranial bolt.
This place covers:
Implants for measuring a physiological parameter with an access port for any application. Includes ports for signal transmission, refilling/replenishing measuring fluid (e.g. enzyme), refilling medication
This place covers:
Sensor is mounted on body fluid circuit external to the body. Measurement is carried out during fluid exchange with the body
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Means for controlling media flow into the body |
This place covers:
Sensors suitable for contact with a specific internal body part, but no particular attachment means is foreseen.
This place does not cover:
Mounted on an invasive device |
This place covers:
This place does not cover:
Assessing bladder function | |
Measuring pressure within urogenital tract |
This place covers:
This place does not cover:
Intra-uterine pressure sensors | |
Pregnancy and labour monitoring |
This place covers:
Means specially adapted for maintaining contact between different surfaces, specially adapted to maintain contact between a sensor and internal parts of human or animal body.
This place does not cover:
Mounted on an invasive device |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Sensors mounted on worn items |
This place covers:
Means for anchoring the sensor to body tissue i.e. with tissue penetration/piercing. Includes prongs, coils, barbs
This place covers:
Sensors attached to internal body tissue by sutures
This place covers:
Sensor is used for measurement on the blood vessel. Adapted to be clamped/fitted to the blood vessel.
.
This place covers:
Monitoring contact between sensor and internal tissue by any means, e.g. spring bias, inflatable balloons, expanding baskets/arms, measuring impedance, measuring applied pressure etc. For all body cavities.
This place does not cover:
Apply compression while taking measurements |
This place covers:
Monitoring the spacing between a sensor/probe and internal tissue by any means, e.g. spacer, inflatable balloons. here.
This place covers:
Sensors which are mounted in or on external devices or apparatus. The sensor is not held continuously in contact with the body, e.g. the body or body part is applied to the sensor for taking a measurement, the sensor is adapted to make a non-contact measurement.
This place covers:
Sensor mounted in a cabin or booth to provide isolated measurement environment or privacy
This place covers:
Sensors arranged on furniture, e.g. includes domestic and hospital furniture.
This place covers:
Mat/pad/mattress/cushion with built in sensor for measuring pressure applied by a body part, e.g. used in bed/chair/prosthesis.
This place covers:
Sensors arranged in car to monitor the driver
This place covers:
Sensors arranged in sports equipment
This place does not cover:
Determining movement (e.g. motion capture) | |
Sensors arranged on footwear, garments |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Evaluation of athletes | |
Exercising apparatus with means for tracking a movement path | |
Exercising apparatus sensing physical parameters related to user's performance | |
Exercising apparatus sensing physiological parameters of the user |
This place covers:
Sensors arranged on computer input devices
This place covers:
Sensors arranged on a portable electronic device, e.g. a telephone adapted to sense a physiological parameter.
This place does not cover:
Monitoring a patient using a global network for transmitting the physiological signals, e.g. telephone network |
This place covers:
Means for ensuring that the patient, or of a part of her body, assumes the correct position during the measurement
This place does not cover:
Tables for x-ray examinations |
This place covers:
Means to restrain movement of the patient during the measurement, e.g. platforms, chairs, supports for limbs.
This place covers:
Measuring device comprising tables to aid patient positioning during examination. Special adaptations including windows, cut-outs, connections
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Means for positioning patients (MRI, CT) |
This place covers:
Indicia/markings to aid positioning of patient during examination. It may be on apparatus, support, floor.
This place covers:
This place does not cover:
Breast positioning means for x-ray or ultrasound examination |
This place covers:
Diagnostic equipment or methods involving the use of ionising radiation, e.g. X-ray or gamma ray. Devices for radiation diagnosis generally consist of complex electro-mechanical arrangements of radiation source and detection units, controlled following a particular acquisition technique to obtain medical diagnostic data relating to a patient's body part. A complete characterization of these devices therefore requires the identification of both constructional and operational aspects according to the following rules.
Several subclasses, groups and subgroups provide for the different components or functional aspects constituting the devices for radiation diagnosis. It should be emphasized that documents describing these components should be classified in A61B 6/00 only if they disclose a radiation diagnostic device and the link between said components or functional aspects and the radiation diagnostic device or clinical application is not trivial.
As an example, a document describing constructional details of a PET scanner should be classified in subgroup A61B 6/037 and the corresponding group for said constructional details (a subgroup of A61B 6/44). A document describing particular details of a radiation detector should be classified in the corresponding group of G01T 1/00, even if a clinical application of said detector is mentioned. However, if e.g. details of the arrangement of said detector in a scanner for said particular clinical application are disclosed, then it should also be classified in A61B 6/037 and in the corresponding subgroup of A61B 6/50. Other structural details of radiation devices can be found in groups H01J 35/00 (X-ray tubes), G21K 1/02 (collimators), A61K 49/04 (X-ray contrast preparations) or A61B 90/39 (radio-opaque markers).
The same principle applies to other neighbouring fields such as image processing G06T. A document disclosing an algorithm for image enhancement should be classified under the corresponding subclass of G06T, even if the document mentions that the images are X-ray images.
However, if the algorithm requires particular constructional or functional details of the radiation diagnostic device or if there is a non-obvious link to the particular clinical application, then the document should also be classified in the corresponding subgroup of A61B 6/00.
On the other hand, classification in group A61B 6/00 should only be given if there is only a mention of use of an algorithm for image enhancement, but the disclosure deals mainly with details of the radiation diagnostic device.
Devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment should be additionally classified in A61N 5/00.
Devices for non-ionising diagnosis are covered in groups A61B 5/00 (e.g. magnetic or light-based) and A61B 8/00 (ultrasound) and corresponding structural and non-diagnostic features are covered in groups G01R 33/48 (nuclear magnetic radiation imaging systems), G01S 7/52017 - G01S 7/52098 (short-range acoustic imaging systems) or G01S 15/8906 - G01S 15/8997 (short-range acoustic imaging systems and techniques).
Surgical navigation, including image-based, can be found in A61B 34/20.
Details of data processing and transmission can be found in subclass G06T (image processing, generation or enhancement) or groups G16H 30/00, G16H 50/00 (information and communication technology for imaging and diagnostic data), G06V 40/00 (pattern recognition).
Non-medical applications of ionising radiation are covered in groups G01N 23/00 (investigation of materials using radiation) and G01V 5/00 (detecting hidden objects using radiation).
Diagnostic equipment or methods involving the use of ionising radiation are covered in A61B 6/00. Other devices for radiation diagnosis using non-ionising radiation are covered in:
Electric currents or magnetic fields | |
Magnetic resonance | |
Optical imaging | |
Opto-acoustic imaging |
This place does not cover:
Instruments measuring radiation intensity for application in the field of nuclear medicine, e.g. in vivo counting |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Diagnosis using light | |
Diagnosis using the opto-acoustic effect | |
Detecting, measuring or recording for diagnosis by means of electric currents or magnetic fields | |
Diagnosis using magnetic resonance imaging | |
Diagnosis using sonic, infrasonic or ultrasonic waves | |
Navigation during surgery | |
Radio-opaque markers | |
X-ray contrast preparations | |
Preparations containing radioactive substances | |
Radiation therapy | |
Investigation of materials using radiation | |
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance imaging systems | |
Short-range acoustic imaging systems | |
Short-range acoustic imaging systems and techniques | |
Detectors for X-ray, gamma, etc radiation | |
Detecting prohibited goods, e.g. weapons, explosives, hazardous substances, contraband or smuggled objects | |
Apparatus for taking X-ray photographs | |
X-ray photographic processes | |
Image data processing | |
Recognition of biometric, human-related or animal-related patterns in image or video data | |
Medical informatics | |
Techniques for handling particles or ionising radiation; Irradiation devices | |
X-ray tubes | |
X-ray apparatus or circuits therefor |
Some of the sub-groups are related to more constructional aspects and some to more functional aspects. This classification is however not strict, its purpose is only indicative, to simplify the overview of the scheme.
Construction-oriented aspects:
related to the generation of radiation | |
related to the detection of radiation | |
related to the device in general | |
related to the patient support |
Operation-oriented aspects:
In this place, the following terms or expressions are used with the meaning indicated:
(radiation) source | artificial or natural ionizing radiation emitting element per se, e.g. X-ray tube anode, tracer |
(radiation) source unit | constructional arrangement comprising a radiation source and housing, capable of emitting an oriented radiation beam, e.g. X-ray tube |
diagnostic data | data readable or interpretable by medical personnel, obtained after pre-processing of raw data |
raw data | data output from the sensor/detector requiring pre-processing to be used for diagnostic purposes |
image data | medical diagnostic data in the form of two- or three-dimensional data sets |
This place covers:
Devices and imaging techniques for obtaining images of different planes, i.e. slices of the patient's body, in a sequential way.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Measuring radiation per se | |
Stereoscopic photography |
The term "sequential" is used here for historical reasons, meaning that the device can be configured to obtain an image of a plane and subsequently, only by changing the device configuration and without moving the patient, to obtain a different plane. This aspect is not relevant anymore in the current definition, since a cone-beam CT would obtain images of different planes simultaneously but would still be classified under A61B 6/032 (a subgroup of A61B 6/02).
Acquisition of projections for reconstructing an image is not considered to be a temporal series of images (A61B 6/486), since the reconstructed image will be associated to a single time.
This place covers:
Acquisition and/or display of two offset images.
This group covers both functional (e.g. stereoscopic imaging technique) and constructional aspects (stereoscopic imaging scanners) of radiation-based stereoscopic imaging.
This place covers:
Classical geometric tomography is a method of producing an image of a three-dimensional object (human body) by moving an x-ray source in an opposing motion (x-ray tube and film housing) during exposure to sharpen the structure images in the focal plane and produce a single film integrated x-ray. The objects in the planes above and below the fulcrum are blurred in proportion to their distance from the plane of focus due to parallax.
Modern tomosynthesis is a technique of using a series of source positions from varying orientations to produce a group of images and with a computer program reconstruct the arbitrary planes into the final clear image.
This group covers both functional (e.g. tomosynthesis imaging technique) and constructional aspects (tomosynthesis scanners) of radiation-based tomosynthesis imaging.
Illustrative examples of the subject matter classified in this place:
1. Classical geometric tomography
2. Modern tomosynthesis
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Transmission computed tomography | |
Application mammography | |
Reconstruction from projections |
In modern tomosynthesis the sequence of orientations defines an acquisition trajectory which, if relevant, should be classified under A61B 6/027.
In case of a circular trajectory of the source and the detector, said rotation is shorter than 180° + fan angle of the beam (acquisition of an incomplete dataset). If the rotation is longer, then a complete dataset is acquired and the technique is computed tomography (see A61B 6/032).
This technique is often used for breast imaging; in such a case it should be classified also in A61B 6/502.
This place covers:
Relevant details concerning the sequence of positions of source and detector defining a trajectory along which X-ray images (projections of views) for a subsequent reconstruction are acquired. Diagnostic techniques requiring data acquisition along a particular trajectory are typically:
Computed tomography A61B 6/032
Tomosynthesis A61B 6/025
Helical acquisition trajectory for computed tomography (A61B 6/032):
Partial isocentric motion with stationary detector in tomosynthesis, A61B 6/025, in which the detector stays in one place or is stationary while the x-ray tube rotates around a point of rotation.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Tomosynthesis | |
Computed Tomography | |
Trajectory planning for programme-controlled manipulators (e.g. robotic arms) |
This class also covers devices where a movement of the source unit is superimposed to e.g. a circular trajectory.
This place covers:
Measuring radiation from different angles and reconstructing (computing) a 2D image (slice) or a 3D image (set of slices).
This group includes tomography (system or function) which does not fall into the subgroups of transmission tomography (A61B 6/032) or emission tomography (A61B 6/037), or wherein the kind of tomography is not specified.
This group covers both functional (e.g. tomography) and constructional aspects (tomographs) of both transmission and emission tomography imaging.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Optical tomography | |
Diagnosis using magnetic resonance tomography | |
Tomosynthesis | |
Echo-tomography | |
Reconstruction from projections | |
Healthcare informatics for handling or processing of medical images, e.g. DICOM, PACS |
Computed tomography in radiation diagnosis is basically either transmission tomography (A61B 6/032) or emission tomography (A61B 6/037). The subgroups of A61B 6/03 cover therefore all possible options so that A61B 6/03 is mainly to provide structure in the scheme. Documents disclosing transmission tomography (e.g. CT) or emission tomography (e.g. PET) should be classified in A61B 6/032 or A61B 6/037, respectively, but not in A61B 6/03.
This place covers:
The source emits a radiation beam from outside the body and the attenuation of the beam is measured by a detector after the beam has traversed the patient's body. This measurement is carried out from different angles and an image (representing the values of the attenuation coefficient of the radiation at every position in space) is reconstructed (computed) from the measurements.
A typical configuration consists of an X-ray source unit emitting a 2D dimensional beam in the form of a fan (fan-beam) and a curved detector (1 line) which rotate around the patient along a circular trajectory to reconstruct (compute) a 2D image (slice) of the patient on the plane of said circular trajectory.
To obtain a 3D image (set of slices) the patient table can be moved steadily during acquisition so that the acquisition trajectory of source and detector with respect to the patient becomes a spiral or helix (see A61B 6/027)
The group covers both functional (e.g. computerized tomography) and constructional aspects (computerized tomographs) of transmission tomography imaging.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Optical tomography | |
Diagnosis using magnetic resonance tomography | |
Tomosynthesis | |
Transmission ultrasound tomography | |
Reconstruction from projections |
Transmission tomography as a technique that can be carried out with any device capable of acquiring views (projections) from different angles and can rotate at least 180° + fan angle around the patient. Devices with a more constrained rotational trajectory are not capable of performing tomographic imaging and are restricted to perform tomosynthesis (A61B 6/025).
If the device is a CT scanner, it should be classified here (A61B 6/032), otherwise said devices are classified according to their constructional features A61B 6/44, e.g. C-arm (A61B 6/4441), robotic arms (A61B 6/4458).
To obtain a 3D image (set of slices) the patient table is moved during acquisition so that the acquisition trajectory of source and detector with respect to the patient becomes a spiral or helix (see A61B 6/027).
Alternatively, a device with a source emitting a cone-beam (A61B 6/4085) combined with a two-dimensional detector (A61B 6/4233) is used. Or both, a particular acquisition trajectory (A61B 6/027) and a cone-beam with a 2D detector (A61B 6/4085 and A61B 6/4233, respectively) are combined.
This place covers:
The source (typically a radioactive tracer) emits radiation from inside the body which is measured outside the body with one or more detectors from different orientations and an image (representing the distribution of the tracer inside the body) is reconstructed (computed) from the measurements.
PET or SPECT scanners are classified under A61B 6/037.
Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:
1.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Optical tomography | |
Diagnosis using magnetic resonance tomography | |
Echo-tomography | |
Measuring radiation | |
Radiation detection aspects of SPECT imaging | |
Radiation detection aspects of PET imaging |
This group covers devices for emission tomography, reconstruction of 2D images (slices) or 3D images (sets of slices). Other devices such as intraoperative gamma cameras should be classified under A61B 6/4258.
Documents concerning details of the detector should be classified under G01T 1/00, and only be classified under A61B 6/037 in the case where relevant details of the emission tomography scanner or the clinical application are disclosed.
This place covers:
Any means, e.g. tables, beds, chairs, suitable for positioning the patient in the diagnostic device.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Involving electronic [EMR] or nuclear [NMR] magnetic resonance, e.g. magnetic resonance imaging | |
Positioning of patients in ultrasound diagnostic devices | |
Chairs, beds, mattresses | |
Operating tables | |
Operating chairs | |
Radiation therapy |
This place covers:
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Involving electronic [EMR] or nuclear [NMR] magnetic resonance, e.g. magnetic resonance imaging | |
Positioning of patients in ultrasound diagnostic devices | |
Hospital beds | |
Operating tables |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Involving electronic [EMR] or nuclear [NMR] magnetic resonance, e.g. magnetic resonance imaging | |
Application mammography | |
Hospital beds |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Application mammography |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Means for cooling other parts of the device for radiation diagnosis |
This place covers:
[EP0490107]
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Source unit or detector unit mounted to ceiling |
This place covers:
Conveyor bands or belts for transporting the patient.
[US2002112288]
[US20110092792]
This place covers:
Patient positioning chairs
[EP2289370]
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Operating chairs |
This place covers:
Motor controlled patient positioning
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Tracking apparatus position |
This place covers:
Diaphragms specially adapted for particular diagnostic applications, e.g. tomography.
Devices adapted to modify the spatial confinement of the cross-section of the radiation beam, e.g. collimators, situated between the source unit and the patient.
Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Source combined with filter or grating | |
Detector combined with grid or grating | |
Multi-leaf collimators for intensity modulated radiation therapy | |
Use of diaphragms and collimators for handling particles or ionising radiation |
Rules for classifying other devices situated on the beam path, used to modify properties of the beam:
- Filters (A61B 6/4035): modify a property of the beam but not its spatial confinement, e.g. the spectrum, or the intensity distribution.
- Gratings: cause diffraction and are used mainly for phase measurements.
- Grids: arrangements of blades situated along the detector pixels and used to block scattered radiation.
Grids and gratings are classified depending on their position:
- A61B 6/4035 when situated between source unit and patient,
- A61B 6/4291 when situated between patient and detector.
This place covers:
Radiation diagnosis devices comprising means for assessing direction and / or extent of the radiation beam before acquisition. The auxiliary means typically consist in a light source (e.g. laser) projecting light from a point near the radiation source towards an imaging region. The projected beam can be point-like or reflect the spatial extent of the radiation beam and is typically used for monitoring / setting the alignment of the source unit with the detector unit (A61B 6/587) and/or the distance between the source unit and the patient (A61B 6/589) and / or detector unit (A61B 6/588).
[WO2011141763]
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Radiation diagnosis devices with source and detector units movable relative to each other | |
Alignment of source unit to detector unit | |
Setting distance between source unit and detector unit | |
Setting distance between source unit and patient |
This place covers:
Any means for preventing collision between component parts of the device, or between the device and external objects, e.g. patient, other room equipments.
[WO2012050148]
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Mobile apparatus | |
Tracking apparatus position |
This place covers:
[US2012132217]
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Protection against effects of non-mechanical surgery | |
Radiation shielding per se | |
Techniques for handling radiation |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Other imaging methods for locating foreign bodies | |
Devices for diagnosis sequentially in different planes; Stereoscopic radiation diagnosis | |
Generating a temporal series of data | |
Extracting a diagnostic parameter from medical diagnostic data | |
Locating foreign bodies using ultrasound | |
Surgical navigation systems | |
Radio-opaque markers |
This group covers the use of radiation diagnostic devices to determine the position of a surgical instrument during an operation, e.g. using a C-arm classified in A61B 6/4441 for performing fluoroscopy classified in A61B 6/487. However, it does not cover path calculations and guiding of said instruments classified in A61B 34/20.
This place covers:
Radiation diagnostic devices comprising a radiation source for generating radiation and arrangements for manipulating said radiation by shaping the radiation beam, displacing it or modifying its characteristics.
Radiation sources cover both radiation source units to generate a radiation beam outside the patient oriented towards the patient (e.g. X-ray tubes) and radioactive tracers emitting radiation from inside the body due to radioactive decay A61B 6/4057.
NOTE: radioactive tracers are not considered to be contrast agents but sources of radiation in the sense of A61B 6/40.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Arrangements for focusing or moderating radiation | |
Irradiation devices | |
Details of X-ray tubes | |
Circuits for X-ray tubes |
Typically involves the generation of a radiation beam having a particular spatial configuration A61B 6/4007, A61B 6/4035, A61B 6/4064, movement A61B 6/4021, A61B 6/4057, intensity A61B 6/405 or spectrum A61B 6/4035.
Documents should be classified in these subgroups only if:
- they explicitly relate to radiation diagnosis devices AND
- they comprise constructional details of the source unit(s).
Devices for modifying the spatial confinement of the beam (collimators) should be classified under A61B 6/06.
This place covers:
A combination of a cathode and a dedicated anode is considered to be a single source unit. In cathode-anode based source units, multiple source units have therefore multiple cathode-anode pairs.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Circuit arrangements driving apparatuses comprising more than one X-ray tube |
This place covers:
Radiation diagnosis devices comprising a plurality of source unit and a plurality of detector units, each source unit being functionally associated with a detector unit.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Devices for radiation diagnosis using a plurality of detector units | |
Multiple energy imaging | |
Circuit arrangements driving apparatuses comprising more than one X-ray tube |
Devices where each source unit emits a ray with a different energy should be also classified under A61B 6/482.
Although these devices also have a plurality of detectors they should not be classified under A61B 6/4266 since it is implicit that if the sources are arranged in source-detector units, the devices also have a plurality of detectors (i.e. A61B 6/4014 takes precedence).
This place covers:
Modification of focal spot position on the anode or between multiple anodes be it in static imaging or in imaging modalities where source unit and detector unit perform data acquisition while following a certain trajectory (swing focus, spring focus, alternating focus, flying focus).
This subgroup covers not only active control of the movement of the focal spot, but also analysis and correction of fluctuations of the position of the focal spot on the anode.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Radiation devices characterised by the use of a certain acquisition trajectory | |
Multiple energy imaging | |
Tubes wherein the point of impact of the cathode ray on the anode or anti-cathode is movable relative to the surface thereof |
If modifying the position of the focal spot implies generating a beam of different energy, the device should be classified also under A61B 6/482.
See A61B 6/4007 for the definition of single/multiple sources.
This place covers:
Devices where the displacement of the radiation beam during the data acquisition process (scan) to obtain images or projection data from different angles is carried out by translation of the focal spot, as is typically done in electron beam computed tomography (EBCT).
[DE102007036038]
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Tubes wherein the point of impact of the cathode ray on the anode or anti-cathode is movable relative to the surface thereof |
This place covers:
Radiation diagnosis devices wherein the source unit is combined with a filtering means adapted to modify the spatial distribution of the intensity or the spectral characteristics of the radiation beam, e.g. bowtie filters.
Filters to modify a property of the beam but not its spatial confinement, e.g. the spectrum, or the intensity distribution, e.g. bowtie filters.
This class also includes gratings to cause diffraction and are used mainly for phase measurements, and grids, i.e. arrangements of blades situated along the detector pixels and used to block scattered radiation, when they are situated between source unit and patient.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Collimators for radiation diagnosis devices | |
Detector combined with grid or grating | |
Multiple energy imaging | |
X-ray phase contrast imaging | |
X-ray filters per se |
Rules for classifying other devices situated on the beam path, used to modify properties of the beam:
- collimators to modify the spatial confinement of the radiation beam should be classified under A61B 6/06,
- gratings or grids situated between the patient and the detector should be classified under A61B 6/4291.
Radiation devices using filters to modify the spectral characteristics of the beam (i.e. modify the energy of the radiation beam) should be also classified under A61B 6/482.
Grids for X-ray phase contrast imaging (A61B 6/484) should also be classified here, if they are positioned between the source and the patient.
This place covers:
Radiation diagnosis devices involving arrangements to modify characteristics such as voltage or tube current during the data acquisition process.
[US2012230466]
This place does not cover:
Movement of the focal spot | |
Source unit combined with a filter |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Multiple energy imaging | |
Control of exposure | |
Arrangements changing the time structure of an already generated radiation beam | |
Controlling X-ray tubes |
Modifying the characteristics of the beam by moving the focal spot or using filter should be classified under A61B 6/4021 and A61B 6/4035, respectively.
Typically changing the voltage during image acquisition is used to modify the energy spectrum of the beam, which is related to multiple energy imaging (A61B 6/4021).
Modifying the tube current during data acquisition is typically used to control exposure to radiation (dose), hence A61B 6/542 might be relevant too.
This place covers:
Radiation diagnostic devices where the radiation source is introduced into the body, as part of a probe or capsule, or as a radioactive tracer.
This place does not cover:
Emission tomography (PET/SPECT) |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Capsule endoscopes | |
Diagnosis using light using a probe introduced into the body | |
Radiation diagnosis with detectors for detecting non X-ray radiation | |
Ultrasound diagnosis in body cavities | |
Detection of radiation | |
X-ray tubes with small cross-section |
A document disclosing a diagnostic application of PET or SPECT scanner A61B 6/037 does not need to be classified also under A61B 6/4057 to cover the radioactive tracer aspect since this is implicit in the A61B 6/037 code. Only in the case that the document discloses particular technical properties of said tracer that solve a technical problem (e.g. specific tracer injection protocol, combination of tracers, tracer carried to a specific organ by a capsule before release) should the document be classified here.
Applications of intraoperative gamma cameras to detect rests of tumours labelled with a radioactive tracer should get the codes A61B 6/4057 and A61B 6/4258.
This place covers:
Particular technical features of the radiation beam, e.g. geometrical properties or type of radiation.
[EP2036498]
This class also covers the use for radiation diagnosis of a source generating any radiation which is not X-ray or synchrotron (A61B 6/4092) radiation, e.g. a radioisotope source.
This place covers:
Radiation diagnosis devices comprising a detection unit arrangement specially adapted for a particular acquisition technique or diagnostic application, and arrangements for modifying the beam prior to detection, e.g. anti-scatter grids.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Measuring radiation per se | |
X-ray films | |
Packages for X-ray films | |
Image intensifiers |
Documents should be classified in these subgroups only if:
- they explicitly relate to radiation diagnosis devices AND
- they comprise constructional details of the detector unit(s).
A document describing particular details of a radiation detector should be classified in the corresponding subclass of G01T 1/00, even if a clinical application of said detector is mentioned. However, if e.g. details of the arrangement of said detector in a PET scanner for said particular clinical application are disclosed, then it should also be classified in A61B 6/037 and in the corresponding subclass of A61B 6/50.
This place covers:
Radiation devices comprising a detector with special features not covered by any of the subgroups below.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Details of stimulable phosphor sheets |
This place covers:
Radiation devices using an image intensifier for radiation detection.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Matrix detectors | |
Fluoroscopy | |
Image intensifiers per se |
Image intensifiers in radiation diagnostics are typically used for real-time intra-operative imaging using fluoroscopy (A61B 6/487). Currently (2012) they have been substituted by flat panel detectors which should be classified under A61B 6/4233.
This place covers:
Radiation devices using an array of pixel detectors which generates an output in digital format. The array might have different geometries, 1 dimensional like in a CT scanner with a line detector, 2 dimensional and flat like a flat panel detector for radiography, 2 dimensional and cylindrical like in some multi-slice CT scanners, etc.
[WO2005037075]
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Semiconductor radiation detectors |
This place covers:
Radiation devices using detectors capable of discerning several levels of energy of the detected beam.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Contrast agents in radiation diagnosis | |
Multiple energy imaging as an imaging technique | |
Radiation angiography | |
Radiation diagnosis of bone | |
Detectors for nuclear medicine |
Typically combined with the combination of radiation data acquired at different energies to extract a particular diagnostic information A61B 6/482.
Multiple energy in radiation diagnostics is typically used to produce enhanced angiographic images A61B 6/504 combined with a contrast agent A61B 6/481 or for the diagnosis of bone A61B 6/505.
This place covers:
Radiation diagnostic devices where the radiation detector is introduced into the body, as part of a probe or capsule.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Capsule endoscopes | |
Diagnosis using light using a probe introduced into the body | |
Radiation diagnosis with detectors for detecting non X-ray radiation | |
Ultrasound diagnosis in body cavities | |
Detector details for in vivo counting |
Applications of intraoperative gamma cameras to be introduced in to the body to detect rests of tumours labelled with a radioactive tracer should get the codes A61B 6/4057 (for the tracer), A61B 6/425 and A61B 6/4258.
This place covers:
Radiation diagnostic devices comprising a detector to detect radiation other than X-ray radiation, e.g. gamma or beta radiation.
This place does not cover:
Emission tomography |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Radiation source for the interior of the body | |
Detecting radiation |
Applications of PET or SPECT A61B 6/037 do not require this class, since these techniques already imply the detection of non X-ray radiation. If the radiation is emitted by a radioactive tracer or in general a source inside the body (e.g. in a capsule) the class A61B 6/4057 should be given.
This place covers:
[US2011064193]
This place does not cover:
Devices for radiation diagnosis using a plurality of source - detector units |
An array of pixels is considered to be a single detector unit. If the device has more than one array, they are considered to be a single detector unit if there is no independent control of each of the arrays. Otherwise, if each array is controlled independently, each array is considered to be a single detector unit. Devices with multiple source-detector units should only be classified under A61B 6/4007.
This place covers:
Radiation diagnosis devices comprising a detector unit forming a closed or almost closed structure around the patient, e.g. 4th generation CT scanners.
[US2004081277]
This place covers:
Both matrix and film detectors.
[US2012097860]
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Film cassette holder construction |
This place covers:
Radiation diagnosis devices comprising a detector unit combined with a grid, such as an anti-scatter grid or with a grating, as used in X-ray phase contrast imaging (A61B 6/484).
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Collimators for radiation diagnosis devices | |
Source combined with filter or grating | |
X-ray phase contrast imaging | |
Reduction of scatter by image processing in devices for radiation diagnosis | |
Anti-scatter grids | |
X-ray filters per se |
Rules for classifying other devices situated on the beam path, used to modify properties of the beam:
- collimators to modify the spatial confinement of the radiation beam should be classified under A61B 6/06,
- filters or gratings situated between the source and the patient should be classified under A61B 6/4035.
This place covers:
Diagnostic devices comprising structural or mechanical arrangements allowing a specific usage or property, e.g. movement, modularity.
This class covers all details concerning constructional aspects not covered by any of the subgroups below.
This place covers:
Mobile radiation diagnosis device, e.g. mounted on casters or rollers or small handheld devices, e.g. handheld intra-operative gamma cameras.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Radiation diagnosis devices with anti-collision devices | |
Ultrasound diagnostic devices mounted on a trolley | |
Mobile robots |
This place covers:
Modular construction of radiation diagnosis device allowing part to be exchanged or replaced either for mounting different types of components or for simpler disassembling and reassembling.
This place does not cover:
Detector units housed in a cassette |
This place covers:
Constructional arrangements for facilitating the combined use of different imaging modalities including translation from one device to the other or integration of different modalities in one device. At least one modality using ionising radiation.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Optical diagnosis | |
Magnetic resonance imaging | |
Transmission tomography | |
Emission tomography | |
C-arms | |
Post-acquisition processing for combination of images from different modalities | |
Diagnosis with ultrasound |
This class covers all details concerning constructional aspects to combine different diagnostic modalities in one device.
(Ionising) radiation - (ionising) radiation: e.g. PET/CT
(Ionising) radiation - other type of diagnostics: e.g. CT/ultrasound A61B 8/00, X-ray/optical A61B 5/0059, CT/MRI A61B 5/055, G01R 33/48, etc.
This class does not cover the combination of images coming from the different modalities per se, said combination should be classified under A61B 6/5229 and its subgroups, which specify whether the diagnostic modalities are both B6 modalities or B6 and another modality.
This place covers:
[WO2004081867]
This place covers:
Details of the mounting arrangement of the source units and/or detector units.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Devices for diagnosis sequentially in different planes; Stereoscopic radiation diagnosis |
Imaging devices under A61B 6/02 should only be classified here if the document describes particular details of the arrangement. E.g. a computed tomography scanner should be classified under A61B 6/032 but not under A61B 6/4435, since it is implicit in such a device that source and detector unit are coupled by a rigid structure. However, a radiation device where source and detector unit are coupled by a rigid structure and which is capable of performing tomographic imaging should be classified both under A61B 6/4435 and A61B 6/032 (in such a case A61B 6/032 code the functional aspect "computerised tomography" and not the constructional aspect "computerised tomograph").
This place covers:
Devices wherein the relative position and orientation of the source and detector units is fixed. Open structures such as C-frames and closed structures such as gantries.
Devices where the distance between source and detector or the orientation can be modified should be classified under A61B 6/4452.
This place covers:
Devices wherein the source and the detector are fixed on a c or u-shaped frame.
[WO2010128417]
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Data acquisition trajectories in radiation diagnosis devices | |
Transmission tomography | |
Fluoroscopy |
C-arms are usually used for fluoroscopy (A61B 6/487) or for computerised tomography (A61B 6/032). Due to their flexibility they can acquire projection data (views) along different trajectories for tomographic reconstruction (A61B 6/027).
This place covers:
Devices wherein the source and the detector are fixed to a rigid frame forming a closed loop which can be tilted to image planes tilted with respect to the axial direction of the patient.
[US2003235266]
This place covers:
Devices wherein the relative position and orientation of the source and detector units can be changed, e.g. device for performing tomosynthesis (A61B 6/025) of the breast where source and detector units are shifted along a linear trajectory but the source always points to the detector unit.
[Dobbins and Godfrey, "Digital x-ray tomosynthesis: current state of the art and clinicalpotential", Phys. Med. Biol. 48 (2003) R65–R106]
This place covers:
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Details concerning robots |
A robotic arm is considered to be constituted by a base and a series of segments connected by joints (at least two links and two joints) and has at least 3 degrees of freedom. Typically each joint has a motor that allows the movement of the arm. An arm which is merely telescopic is not considered to be a robotic arm.
The robotic arm must be used to support at least part of the radiation diagnostic device, not e.g. only a radiotherapy source.
This place covers:
[US 2011/0182408]
This place covers:
Mechanical arrangements of the source and detector where their displacement is controlled by a counter balance or a spring.
This place covers:
Radiation devices where the movement of the source unit is controlled via a servomechanism, i.e. a feedback control to correct deviations in position (usually an electric or electronic motor).
This place covers:
Means for cooling in general, e.g. cooling of anode in the radiation source, cooling of the detector, etc.
This place does not cover:
Tables or beds provide with heating or cooling means |
This class covers all aspects related to cooling in a radiation diagnostic device except for tables or beds with heating or cooling means (A61B 6/045).
This place covers:
Any means for identifying X-ray apparatus or component parts thereof, e.g. removable filters, detectors. Includes bar codes, memory chips or RFIDs.
This place covers:
Radiation diagnosis devices comprising input and/or output means structurally or functionally designed for allowing a specific interaction with the device user or the patient.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
ICT specially adapted for the operation of medical equipment or devices |
Documents should be classified in these subgroups only if:
- they explicitly relate to radiation diagnosis devices AND
- they comprise details of the user interface.
This place covers:
Displays with special properties not covered elsewhere in A61B 6/00.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Displays for electrocardiography | |
Displays in magnetic or electric diagnosis | |
Displays for ultrasound diagnosis |
Touch screens should be classified here and as special input means under A61B 6/467.
This place covers:
Portable displays, supports for displays.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Viewing apparatus for X-ray images |
This place covers:
Display of images obtained by all types of X-ray imaging apparatus, combinations of images, e.g. side-by-side, superimposed, tiled. Also for combination of images and other data, e.g. graphs, ECG curves, pulse waveforms, alphanumeric data.
[EP1421913]
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Radiation diagnosis devices comprising processing means for combining image data of a patient |
This place covers:
[US2007064864]
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
ICT specially adapted for the operation of medical equipment or devices |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
3D image rendering per se | |
manipulating 3D models for computer graphics |
This place covers:
Both constructional (e.g. touch-screen, trackball) and functional aspects (e.g. specific purpose) of input means.
[WO2011066486]
[US2012093298]
This place covers:
All types of message recording associated with radiation diagnosis imaging, e.g. annotation on image, sound recording.
This place covers:
Operator selection of region of interest or specific organs to be imaged, e.g. by touch screen, keyboard or switch. Also for definition of ROI after image analysis.
This class does not cover automatic selection of a region of interest using image processing which should be classified under A61B 6/5211.
This place covers:
Diagnostic devices involving a specific use of ionising radiation to perform a particular type of diagnosis. Imaging techniques are independent of the device used for implementing them.
This place does not cover:
Stereoscopic imaging | |
Tomosynthesis | |
Transmission computed tomography | |
Emission tomography |
This place covers:
Radiation diagnosis imaging based on or improved using an agent with particular properties for the absorption of radiation..
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Radiation diagnostic with radioactive tracers | |
Acquisition of a temporal series of data | |
Diagnosis of blood vessels | |
Diagnosis of hemodynamic parameters | |
Contrast agents in ultrasound diagnosis | |
X-ray contrast preparations | |
Contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging |
Mainly related to angiography (see also diagnosis of blood vessels A61B 6/504), but not exclusively.
The diagnostic of hemodynamic parameters (e.g. perfusion) by acquiring a temporal series of images should be classified under A61B 6/507 and A61B 6/486.
Radioactive tracers are not considered to be a contrast agent but a source to be introduced into the body (A61B 6/4057).
This place covers:
Radiation diagnostics using different radiation energy levels.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Source unit with multiple anodes | |
Source unit combined with a filter | |
Filters for multiple energy imaging | |
Energy resolving detectors for radiation diagnosis | |
Angiography | |
Diagnosis or bone | |
Measuring spectral distribution of X-rays |
Radiation diagnostic devices based on multiple energy imaging should be classified under A61B 6/482 and additionally according to the technique used to acquire the data at different energy levels, for example:
- A source with several anodes for producing beams with different energy A61B 6/4021.
- One beam with a certain energy spectrum which is filtered after leaving the source unit A61B 6/4035.
- One beam with a certain energy spectrum which is separated into several energy bands at the detector A61B 6/4241.
- A dual source-detector scanner with source units emitting radiation beams of different energies A61B 6/4014 and A61B 6/4266.
Multiple energy imaging is typically used for examining bone A61B 6/505 or with contrast agents A61B 6/481, where two energy bands, one above and one under the K-edge of the contrast material are used to enhance the effect of the contrast agent in angiography A61B 6/504.
This place covers:
Radiation diagnostics using information from scattered radiation (non-ballistic photons).
This class does not cover reduction of artefacts caused by scatter from images (A61B 6/5282) or scatter correction performed in projection data before image reconstruction (A61B 6/5205).
[US2012157829]
This place covers:
Radiation diagnostics using characteristic "secondary" (or fluorescent) X-rays from an object that has been excited by bombarding with high-energy X-rays or gamma rays.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Investigating material by X-ray fluorescence |
This place covers:
Dynamic imaging techniques, e.g. wherein a plurality of images of the same region are acquired during a predetermined amount of time.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
ECG | |
Transmission tomography | |
Contrast agents in radiation diagnosis | |
Diagnosis of heart | |
Haemodynamic parameters | |
Extracting a diagnostic parameter from image data | |
Retrospective matching to a physiological signal |
Typically used for
- real-time imaging, e.g. fluoroscopy (A61B 6/487),
- acquisition of a series (A61B 6/486) of CT images (A61B 6/032) for the analysis (A61B 6/5217) of hemodynamic parameters, e.g. perfusion (A61B 6/507), with contrast agents (A61B 6/481),
- concurrent acquisition of data of the beating heart (A61B 6/503) with a CT (A61B 6/032) scanner and an ECG (A61B 5/318) for retrospectively matching the CT data to phases of the cardiac cycle (A61B 6/5288) and reconstruct a series of CT images of the heart in different cardiac phases (A61B 6/486).
This place covers:
Real-time X-ray imaging during an intervention.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Image intensifiers in radiation diagnosis | |
Flat panel detectors in radiation diagnosis | |
C-arms |
Initially fluoroscopy was carried out using a fluoroscope, i.e. using a fluorescent screen as a detector. Later image intensifiers (A61B 6/4225) were used, and nowadays (2012) typically flat panel detectors are used (A61B 6/4233).
Very often fluoroscopy is carried out using a C-arm (A61B 6/4441).
This place covers:
Diagnostic techniques in which a first acquisition is performed prior to the actual examination.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Exposure control based on patient thickness | |
Automatic setup of acquisition parameters | |
Calibration |
Typically used to identify the boundaries of the zone to be scanned and automatically adjust acquisition parameters (A61B 6/545) or to adjust the X-ray dose according to the size of the patient (A61B 6/544). The pre-scan acquisition might be carried out using a different device than the radiation diagnostic device, e.g. an optical camera.
This place covers:
Classification in this group depends on the body part or organ which is to be diagnosed. This group covers clinical applications not provided for in the subgroups.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Electroencephalography | |
Ultrasonic brain imaging | |
Use of CT scans for customised prostheses |
This place covers:
[wikipedia.org]
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Mammography by transillumination | |
Patient immobilizing means for mammography | |
Ultrasonic mammography |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Electrocardiography | |
Ultrasonic heart imaging |
This place covers:
[wikipedia]
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Locating blood vessels | |
Radiation imaging using contrast agents | |
Radiation diagnosis using multiple energy | |
Ultrasonic blood vessels imaging |
This place covers:
[radiologyinfo.org]
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Bone monitoring in general | |
Radiation diagnosis using multiple energy | |
Bone diagnosis using ultrasound |
This class covers bone analysis such as quantitative analysis of bone structure or imaging of bone, e.g. for the diagnostic of fractures.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Nerves diagnosis | |
Locating nerves |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Detecting heart rate, blood pressure or blood blow | |
Radiation diagnosis imaging techniques involving the generation of a temporal sequence of image data | |
Extracting physiological parameters from image data |
This place covers:
Animal imaging and pre-clinical research. Also for veterinary imaging.
This place covers:
Radiation diagnosis devices specially adapted for dental examination, e.g. devices for panoramic imaging of the teeth.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Analysis of teeth using light | |
Tomosynthesis | |
Computed tomography | |
Multiple detectors | |
Radiation diagnosis of bone | |
Dentistry per se |
Due to their rotation capabilities needed to acquire panoramic images of the teeth, devices for panoramic radiography are often adapted to acquire projection data and generate computed tomographic images or tomosynthesis. In that case, they should be also classified under A61B 6/032 or A61B 6/025, respectively.
If the device combines panoramic radiography and other imaging techniques, then it might have different detectors for each imaging technique and it should be classified under A61B 6/4266.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
X-ray tubes having a small cross-section to facilitate introduction into small cavities |
This place covers:
Radiation diagnosis devices involving any kind of processing of data (raw data or diagnostic data) or image processing for enhancement purposes, e.g. artefacts reduction or resolution improvement.
This class covers data or image processing in radiation diagnostics not provided for in the subgroups.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Signal processing of physiological signals | |
Data/image processing in ultrasound diagnostics | |
Image processing per se | |
Image analysis per se | |
Image reconstruction from projection |
Documents should be classified in these subgroups only if:
- they explicitly relate to radiation diagnosis devices AND
- they comprise details of data or image processing.
Image processing alone should not be classified in A61B 6/52, except when the processing is clearly adapted to a particular diagnostic device (e.g. removal of patient table from a CT image) or a specific diagnostic application (e.g. assessment of breast tumour size evolution from subsequent mammography acquisitions).
The subgroups are separated into processing of raw data (data output from the sensor requiring pre-processing to be used for diagnostic purposes) and diagnostic data (data readable or interpretable by medical personnel, obtained after pre-processing raw data).
This place covers:
Pre-processing of data output from the sensor requiring pre-processing to be used for diagnostic purposes, e.g. sinogram filtering, combination of detector rows, columns or reconstruction of CT images from X-ray projections.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Detectors calibration | |
Processing of raw ultrasound data | |
Image reconstruction from projection |
This place covers:
Processing of data readable or interpretable by medical personnel, obtained after pre-processing raw data.
This place covers:
Acquired data is used to derive a particular diagnostic index, e.g. tumour size or perfusion rate.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Extracting a diagnostic/physiological parameter from ultrasound diagnostic data | |
Algorithms for biomedical image analysis | |
Segmentation algorithms | |
ICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data mining |
This class includes also extracting a region of an image representing a certain organ or body part by segmentation.
This place covers:
Generation of user selected planar views not coincident with CT slice images from CT data, e.g. sagittal or coronal slice images. Usually combined with 3D imaging.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Radiation diagnosis devices adapted to display 3D data | |
3D image rendering |
This class also covers specific medical imaging processing such as:
- generating a planar view from a 3D data set, e.g. DRR (digitally reconstructed radiographs),
- generating a planar view from a temporal series of 2D data, e.g. MIP (maximum intensity projection).
This place covers:
Means for combining images of one or several imaging modalities, e.g. merging of contiguous sub-images to obtain a larger image or multi-modality image registration.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Constructional details concerning the combination of different modalities in a device | |
Algorithms for image registration |
This place covers:
Combining images of the patient obtained by a diagnostic technique classified under A61B 6/00 (ionising radiation).
[Finger et al., "Whole body PET/CT for initial staging of choroidal melanoma", Br JOphthalmol 2005;89:1270-1274, doi:10.1136/bjo.2005.069823]
This place covers:
[US2004081271]
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Angiography in radiation diagnosis | |
Spatial compounding in ultrasound diagnosis |
Typically used in angiography A61B 6/504.
This place covers:
Combining images of the patient obtained by a A61B 6/00 diagnostic technique (ionising radiation) and a non A61B 6/00 diagnostic technique.
[Wein et al., " Automatic CT-ultrasound registration for diagnostic imaging and image-guided intervention", Medical Image Analysis, Volume 12, Issue 5, October 2008, Pages 577-585]
This place covers:
Objects such as patient table, headrest, markers are eliminated from the diagnostic data. Does not apply to artefacts i.e. unpredictable features determined by heat, dust, light.
This subgroup concerns removing objects of known origin from the diagnostic images, it does not concern removing artifacts per se (i.e. unpredictable features determined by heat, dust, light), which should be classified under A61B 6/5258. Typical examples are removing the patient bed from a CT image or the anti-scatter grid from a radiograph (the artifact caused is of known geometry and has the shape of the grid, so it is considered as removing the grid and not an artifact), nor does it concern removal of body tissues such as bones or anatomic parts such as blood vessels.
This place covers:
Data or image processing for noise or artefact reduction in radiation diagnostic images.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Algorithms for image enhancement |
Applies to reduction of artifacts inherent to the imaging technique (e.g. beam hardening in CT) or reduction of noise, but not to the removal of objects from the image (A61B 6/5252).
This place covers:
Data or image processing for artefact reduction wherein the artefacts are caused by motion.
This place covers:
A motion sensor is used to detect motion and information from said sensor is used in the processing to remove motion artefacts.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Patient motion evaluation per se | |
Motion derived by measuring table sag | |
Retrospective matching to a physiological signal | |
Acquisition triggered by a physiological signal |
This class does not cover triggering data acquisition based on a physiological signal (A61B 6/541) or retrospectively associating acquired data to a physiological signal which has been acquired simultaneously with the data (A61B 6/5288).
This place covers:
Correction of misalignment errors caused by lack of rigidity of the patient table, where measurements of table sag are used.
[US2007003020]
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Patient positioning supports |
This place covers:
Post-acquisition synchronization of image and physiological data (e.g. heart rate, breathing rate), the latter being either acquired in parallel with the image acquisition, or extracted from the acquired data.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Heart rate measurement per se | |
Evaluating respiratory organs | |
Monitoring thoracic expansion occurring during breathing | |
Electrocardiograms | |
Diagnostic technique involving the generation of a temporal series of image data | |
Extraction of physiological parameters from medical diagnostic data | |
Radiation diagnosis devices where acquisition is triggered by a physiological signal |
The physiological signal is typically an electrocardiogram (ECG) A61B 5/318 or a device to measure the cardiac cycle A61B 5/0803.
As an example, a radiation diagnostic device with synchronous acquisition of projection data with a C-arm (A61B 6/4441) and an ECG (A61B 5/318) wherein the projection data is retrospectively associated to a certain cardiac phase (A61B 6/5288) to reconstruct a temporal series of images (A61B 6/486) of the heart (A61B 6/503) in different cardiac phases.
This place covers:
Processing of data using non measured data, such as patient name or age, or image identification. Typically data can be found in the header of a digital image file (e.g. a DICOM header).
[US2006257040]
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of patient-related medical or healthcare data |
This place covers:
Aspects of radiation diagnostic devices concerning control of the device or parts of the device. All control aspects not covered by the subgroups should be classified in A61B 6/54.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
ICT specially adapted for the operation of medical equipment or devices |
This place covers:
Acquisition control wherein a signal of physiological origin (heart rate, breathing rate) is used to initiate data acquisition.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Heart rate measurement per se | |
Monitoring thoracic expansion occurring during breathing | |
Retrospective matching to a physiological signal | |
Circuit arrangements for obtaining X-ray photography at predetermined instants in the movement of an object, e.g. part of a human body |
This place covers:
Control of exposure parameters, e.g. to optimize exposure of different body thicknesses, to reduce patient dose, to avoid oversaturation of detector.
[US2006018425]
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Source units adapted to modify characteristics of the beam during the data acquisition process | |
Automatic setup of acquisition parameters | |
Controlling X-ray tubes |
In X-ray imaging, exposure is typically controlled by modifying characteristics of the source unit such as intensity or voltage (A61B 6/405). This class covers control of exposure during data acquisition. Automatic setup of the exposure parameters based on information about the patient or the diagnostic application should be classified under A61B 6/545.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Based on pre-scan |
Exposure control dependent on patient size is often carried out by performing a pre-scan (A61B 6/488) to estimate the dimensions of the patient.
This place covers:
Automatic setup of apparatus parameters using patient specific information, e.g. weight, height and/or diagnostic specific information, e.g. perfusion CT acquisition protocol.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Control of exposure during data acquisition in radiation diagnostic devices |
This class does not cover dynamic control of acquisition parameters to minimise patient exposure to radiation A61B 6/542.
This place covers:
Means for tracking position of any part of the radiation diagnosis device (e.g. table, C-arm). Includes optical markers, ultrasound sensors, visual linear scales.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Locating a surgical device in the body with a radiation diagnostic device | |
phantoms for determining position of parts of the device | |
Surgical navigation systems |
This class does not cover tracking the position of a surgical device A61B 6/12 or guiding a surgical device A61B 34/20.
This place covers:
Remote control of any operational aspect (data acquisition, configuration, etc) of radiation diagnosis devices.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Transmission of radiation diagnosis data via a network | |
Transmission of radiation diagnosis images via a network |
Remote control is often carried out through a data network and involves transmission of data A61B 6/56 or image data A61B 6/563.
This class covers any kind of remote control, either of the diagnostic device itself or of devices, which are directly related to acquisition of diagnostic data. Typically remote control is carried out through a data network and involves transmission of data A61B 6/56 or image data A61B 6/563, but the concept is to be interpreted broadly, covering e.g. also a cable with a controller to be used in the same room. It is important however that there is a technical effect associated with the distance to the device.
- If there is a link between the remote controlled device and the data acquisition, then the subgroup A61B 6/548 should be given, even if what is remote controlled is e.g. an injector.
- This class also covers voice control.
Relationship between A61B 6/548 and A61B 6/581: A61B 6/548 relates to control of data acquisition for diagnostic purposes (e.g. remote configuration) while A61B 6/581 relates to checking malfunctioning or adjusting the device itself (e.g. remote calibration or fault detection).
This place covers:
Radiation diagnosis devices comprising :
- means for transmitting / receiving data to / from an external device or between components of the device, e.g. image transmission to a remote physician workstation for diagnosis; or
- means for supplying power to any component of the device, e.g. between stationary and moving parts.
[US2011066022]
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Flexible or turnable line connectors | |
Details of X-ray tube power supply arrangements |
This class covers aspects of data transmission or aspects of power supply. Sometimes these are combined like in slip rings (H01R 39/08), where power and data are transmitted from a stationary to a rotating structure.
This place covers:
Transmission of diagnostic image data via a network, e.g. transmission of image data from a radiation diagnosis device to a server for archiving.
[US2012018641]
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of medical images |
This class cover transmission of images via a PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) or a HIS (Hospital Information System).
This place covers:
Details of radiation diagnosis devices related to the transfer of data between two imaging systems.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Constructional details related to combined acquisition of different diagnostic modalities |
Transfer of data between parts of diagnostic system are classified under A61B 6/56.
This place covers:
Means for assessing and adjusting the parameters of the device as a function of the system geometry.
This place covers:
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Communication between imaging systems | |
ICT specially adapted for the remote operation of medical equipment or devices |
Typically involves data transmission over a network (A61B 6/56). However, the class A61B 6/56 should only be given if said data transmission is not merely mentioned but technical details therefore are disclosed.
Relationship between A61B 6/548 and A61B 6/581: A61B 6/548 relates to control of data acquisition for diagnostic purposes (e.g. remote configuration) while A61B 6/581 relates to checking malfunctioning or adjusting the device itself (e.g. remote calibration or fault detection).
This place covers:
Includes methods or devices for determining particular properties (geometrical or other type) of radiation diagnosis device.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Algorithms for calibration |
This place covers:
Methods or devices for calibration where a reference object (phantom) is used to determine particular properties of the radiation diagnosis device.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Models for medical purposes |
This class covers e.g. determining the distortion caused by the acquisition geometry of a C-arm A61B 6/4441 or using a reference object to calculate quantitative values from an image.
This place covers:
Methods or devices where a reference object is used to determine the absolute or relative position of components of the device.
[DE102008012857]
This class covers e.g. the determination of the position of the source unit and detector unit of a C-arm (A61B 6/4441) at every angular position during rotation to be used in the reconstruction algorithm (G06T 11/003) to generate CT images (A61B 6/032).
This place covers:
All types of calibration, correction or compensation, e.g. compensation for non-linear response of X-ray detectors, electric noise, saturation, charge leakage offset, temperature, crosstalk, defective pixels.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Processing of raw data | |
Calibration techniques for radiation measuring devices |
This place covers:
Any means for determining or identifying a fault or failure in X-ray apparatus or component parts thereof.
[US2011129067]
This place covers:
Any means for aligning the source and detector unit or any use of a radiation diagnostic device involving the alignment of source and detector units.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Means for directing the radiation beam to a particular spot | |
Radiation diagnostic devices comprising source and detector units movable relative to each other | |
Calibration in radiation diagnostic devices | |
Calibration using phantoms to determine position of parts of a device |
A calibration method for aligning the source and detector units should also be classified under A61B 6/582 or A61B 6/584 (if a phantom is used).
This place covers:
Any means for setting the distance between source and detector unit or any use of a radiation diagnostic device involving the modifying said distance.
[US2010215152]
This place covers:
Any means for setting the distance between source and patient or any use of a radiation diagnostic device involving the modifying said distance, e.g. to modify the magnification of an X-ray image.
This place covers:
Any instrument allowing detection of a sound generated within the body.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Methods or devices for transmitting, conducting or directing sound in general |
- Stethoscopes, i.e. devices allowing to listen to the sound, are classified in groups A61B 7/02 - A61B 7/045;
- Devices where sound patterns are only displayed and no listening takes place, are classified in groups A61B 7/001 - A61B 7/006.
This place covers:
Instruments comprising patient's head-mounted sensors which detect acoustic signals generated from pulsing blood flow through the patient's brain.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Detecting intracranial pressure |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Detecting, measuring or recording devices for evaluating the respiratory organs | |
Monitoring sleep apnoea | |
Devices for preventing snoring |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Prostheses implantable into the body |
This place does not cover:
Detecting lung or respiration noise | |
Detecting noise of gastric tract |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Diagnosing the musculoskeletal system or teeth |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Diagnosing the gastrointestinal system |
This place covers:
Any instrument allowing to listen to sound/noise emitted by the body.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Methods or devices for transmitting, conducting or directing sound in general |
This place does not cover:
Endotracheal, oesophageal or gastric probes |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Endoscopes |
This place does not cover:
Deriving pressure in blood vessels from Korotkoff sounds |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Measuring blood pressure |
This place covers:
Diagnostic equipment or methods which involve the use of ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves.
A complete characterisation of the equipment or method requires the identification of both constructional and operational aspects according to the following rules.
Several subclasses, groups and subgroups provide for the different components or functional aspects constituting the devices for diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves. It should be emphasized that documents describing these components should be classified in group A61B 8/00 only if they disclose a device for diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves and the link between said components or functional aspects and the clinical application is not trivial.
Techniques for short-range imaging with ultrasound per se (both devices and methods) are classified in groups G01S 15/8906 and G01S 7/52017. These techniques should only be classified in group A61B 8/00 when the link between the use of a particular technique and a clinical application is not obvious. The fact that the device is a medical diagnostic device is not a sufficient criterion for classifying in group A61B 8/00 and not in subclass G01S. As an example, a document disclosing an ultrasonic device adapted to calculate cardiac output using Doppler would be classified in group A61B 8/00. If, on the other hand, the document discloses the sequence of pulses and their processing to obtain the Doppler measurements, then it should be classified in groups G01S 15/8906 or G01S 7/52017, even if the document mentions that the device is a diagnostic device. However, if there is a link between the particular implementation of the Doppler measurements and the clinical application, it should be classified in both groups A61B 8/00 and G01S 15/8906. Similarly, a modular medical diagnostic device wherein the probe can be exchanged to choose among a set of probes according to several clinical applications would be classified in group A61B 8/00. However, a modular medical diagnostic device with exchangeable circuit boards to provide for easier upgrade would be classified in subclass G01S. Only if the choice of a particular board was related to a clinical application should it be classified under A61B 8/00.
Other structural details of ultrasound/acoustic devices are classified in groups B06B 1/00 (ultrasonic transducers and circuitry per se), H10N 30/00 (piezoelectric or electrostrictive devices), G10K 11/00 (transmitting, conducting or directing sound), A61K 49/22 (ultrasound contrast preparations) or A61B 90/39 (ultrasonic markers).
The same principle applies to other neighbouring fields such as, e.g. image processing (G06T). A document disclosing an algorithm for image enhancement should be classified in the corresponding group of subclass G06T, even if the document mentions that the images are ultrasound images. However, if there is a link between details of the algorithm and a particular clinical application, then the document should also be classified in the corresponding group of subclass A61B 8/00. On the other hand, if is only mentioned that an algorithm for image enhancement is used but the disclosure deals mainly with details of the ultrasonic diagnostic device, then it should only be classified in group A61B 8/00.
Devices for performing ultrasound therapy are classified in group A61N 7/00.
Devices for diagnosis are classified in groups A61B 5/00 (e.g. magnetic or light-based) and A61B 6/00 (ionising radiation) and corresponding structural and non-diagnostic features can be found in G01R 33/48 (nuclear magnetic radiation imaging systems) and G01T 1/00 (detectors for X-ray, gamma, etc radiation).
Surgical navigation, including acoustic or image-based, are classified in group A61B 34/20.
Details of data processing and transmission are classified in subclass G06T (image processing, generation or enhancement), groups G16H 30/00 and G16H 50/00 (information and communication technology for imaging and diagnostic data), and G06V 40/00 (pattern recognition).
Non-medical applications of ultrasound are classified in groups G01N 29/00 (investigation of materials using acoustic waves).
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Diagnosis using photo-acoustic measurements | |
Diagnosis using acousto-optic measurements | |
Diagnosis using electronic [EMR] or nuclear [NMR] magnetic resonance | |
Apparatus and techniques of diagnosis using ionizing radiation | |
Stethoscopes and diagnosis by listening to naturally occurring sounds | |
Invasive surgical instruments using ultrasound within body cavities for removing obstructions or calculi | |
Devices for extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, e.g. by using ultrasonic waves | |
Ultrasound therapy | |
Generating or transmitting mechanical vibrations in general | |
Investigating or analysing materials by ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves | |
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance imaging systems | |
Details of systems according to G01S 15/00 | |
Systems using the reflection or reradiation of acoustic waves, e.g. acoustic imaging | |
Short-range imaging using acoustic waves | |
Image data processing or generation, in general | |
Image enhancement or restoration | |
Image analysis | |
Recognition of biometric, human-related or animal-related patterns in image or video detail | |
Methods or devices for transmitting, conducting or directing sound in general | |
Healthcare informatics | |
Piezoelectric devices in general | |
Piezoelectric or electrostrictive devices in general |
In this place, the following terms or expressions are used with the meaning indicated:
ultrasound transducer | sound generating or receiving element. |
probe | combination of at least one ultrasound transducer and its housing. |
raw data | data output from the sensor or detector or transducer requiring pre-processing to be used for diagnostic purposes. |
diagnostic data | data readable or interpretable by medical personnel, obtained after pre-processing of raw data. |
image data | medical diagnostic data in the form of two- or three-dimensional data sets. |
In patent documents, the following abbreviations are often used:
US | ultrasound |
This place covers:
Apparatus for detecting, measuring or recording pulse rate or heart rate, e.g. given in beats per minute.
[US2011152688]
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Measuring pulse or heart rate in general | |
Measuring pulse or heart rate for foetuses | |
Ultrasonic heart imaging | |
US blood vessel imaging | |
Diagnosis using US Doppler signals | |
Pulse or heart rate derived from US image |
Typically done by analysis of Doppler signals (A61B 8/488) or derived from ultrasonic images (A61B 8/5223). For foetus heart rate, classify here and in A61B 8/0866.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Measuring blood pressure in general | |
Ultrasonic blood vessels imaging | |
Blood pressure derived from US image |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Measuring blood flow in general | |
Ultrasonic blood vessels imaging | |
Ultrasonic Doppler imaging | |
Measuring volume flow in general | |
Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material by measuring frequency, phase shift or propagation time of electromagnetic or other waves, e.g. using ultrasonic flowmeters | |
Devices for measuring pulsing fluid flows | |
Measuring speed of fluids in general |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Determination of blood output from the heart in general | |
Heart imaging using ultrasound |
This place covers:
Clinical application of the diagnosis device or methods, such as detecting organic movements or changes. A non-exhaustive list of examples of clinical applications includes the localisation or diagnosis of:
- tumours;
- cysts or nodules;
- calculi;
- swelling;
- tissue interfaces.
This place does not cover:
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Diagnosis by electrical, magnetic, pressure or light sensing means, of particular parts of the body | |
Diagnosis by radiation devices of particular parts of the body | |
Extraction of a diagnostic parameter from ultrasound images |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Head diagnosis using radiation |
This place covers:
Use of ultrasound to study the intracranial structures of the brain, wherein pulse of ultrasonic waves are beamed through the head and echoes reflected by midline structures are recorded and analysed.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Diagnosis using electro-encephalography |
A typical application is Trans-Cranial Doppler (TCD) imaging wherein a Doppler acquisition (A61B 8/488) allows evaluation of blood flow in a variety of intracranial arteries by applying ultrasound to areas or windows of the skull where the bone is relatively thin. The Doppler acquisition may be combined (A61B 8/5246) with a B-mode acquisition for locating the arteries (A61B 8/085).
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Mammography by transillumination | |
X-ray mammography | |
Patient support for imaging suspended breast | |
Detection of breast cancer using biopsy |
May involve the use of specific positioning means (A61B 8/40), e.g. compression means (A61B 8/403) or means for positioning the patient in prone position (A61B 8/406). May also be used in combination with biopsy needles (A61B 10/0041), wherein the needle is attached to an ultrasound probe (A61B 8/4455) and / or tracked by the probe (A61B 8/0841).
This place covers:
Ultrasound diagnosis devices for localisation or tracking of organic structures (e.g. blood vessels) or foreign bodies, i.e. any kind of instrument or tissue which does not belong to the patient body by nature, e.g. tumour, implant, surgical instrument.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Other imaging methods for locating foreign bodies | |
Locating foreign bodies using radiation | |
Surgical navigation systems | |
Echogenic markers |
This place covers:
Instruments like biopsy needles, catheters.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Biopsy needles | |
Surgical navigation systems |
For example, a biopsy needle (A61B 10/0041) attached to an ultrasound probe (A61B 8/4455), wherein movement of the needle is tracked by the probe, would be classified here.
This place covers:
Detection of tumours, calculi, blood vessels, nodules for anatomical localization (e.g. detection of arteries as a support to Trans-cranial Doppler ultrasound) or diagnosis (evaluation of tumour size) purposes.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Locating particular structures in or on the body in general | |
Processing for extracting a physiological parameter |
This place covers:
Pregnancy detection, foetal ultrasound monitoring in general (e.g. foetal imaging or foetal heart rate determination).
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Foetal pulse or heart rate determination in general | |
Pregnancy and labour monitoring | |
Foetal pulse or heart rate determination using (ultra/infra) sonic waves |
This place covers:
Includes both quantitative analysis of bone material and visualization of bone structure.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Bone monitoring in general | |
Bone diagnosis using radiation | |
Measuring interfaces by ultrasound |
This place covers:
Includes both functional (e.g. heart-related physiological parameters) and anatomical (e.g. visualization of heart structure) analysis of the heart.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Electrocardiography | |
X-ray heart imaging | |
Retrospective matching to a physiological signal | |
Acquisition triggered by a physiological signal |
Documents relating to heart rate (A61B 8/02) and / or blood output monitoring (A61B 8/065) should be classified here only if they describe other features pertaining to heart diagnosis. The same applies to documents relating to blood vessels analysis (A61B 8/0891).
As the heart is a permanently moving organ, diagnostic devices or methods are often adapted to take into account the dynamic aspects. In particular, retrospective (A61B 8/5284) or prospective (A61B 8/543) synchronization to a physiological signal may be used to obtain motion-free images. M-mode (A61B 8/486) or Doppler signals (A61B 8/488) may be used to visualize motion.
This place covers:
Mainly related to the structural diagnosis of blood vessels (since blood flow assessment is dealt with in A61B 8/06).
This place does not cover:
Measuring blood flow |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Locating blood vessels | |
Radiation imaging using contrast agents | |
X-ray blood vessels imaging | |
Use of ultrasound contrast agents, e.g. microbubbles |
Documents relating to heart, brain or blood flow analysis should be classified here only if they describe other features pertaining to blood vessels diagnosis.
Blood vessels diagnosis is often performed using Doppler signals (A61B 8/488), due to the high accuracy of this technique to visualize blood moving inside the vessels.
A typical example of blood vessel diagnosis is compression ultrasonography, wherein venous compression (A61B 8/403) is applied and B-mode images are acquired to detect and locate (A61B 8/085) deep vein thrombosis.
This place covers:
Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Medical endoscopes | |
Details of catheter construction | |
Wireless probes | |
Catheters per se |
This place covers:
Acquisition of a plurality of slices or planes (e.g. B-modes or C-mode images) for reconstruction of 2D or 3D images.
This place does not cover:
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Tomography for radiation diagnosis | |
Acquisition of a 3D volume of data |
This place covers:
Tomography based on the measurement of waves reflected from the inspected structures, e.g. B-mode or C-mode images.
This place covers:
Simultaneous acquisition of a plurality of planes.
[US2009082674]
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Using several separate transducers or probes | |
Using a specific transducer arrangement |
This place covers:
Tomography based on the measurement of attenuation of waves transmitted or diffracted through the inspected structures.
[Jin and Wang, "Correction of the effects of acoustic heterogeneity on thermoacoustic tomography using transmission tomography", Proceedings of SPIE Vol.6086 (2006) 60860W-1 - 60860W-5, XP002447465]
This place covers:
Any means for supporting (e.g. tables, beds) or positioning (e.g. support position control, movement restraining devices) the patient, including immobilising part of the patient body.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Positioning of patients in radiation diagnosis devices |
This place covers:
[WO2012036106]
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Patient supports using compression means in radiation diagnosis devices | |
Diagnosis of breasts | |
Diagnosis of blood vessels |
This place covers:
[WO2012053518]
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Patient supports for imaging suspended breasts using radiation | |
Ultrasonic mammography |
This place covers:
Any means for positioning and / or determining the position of the probe with respect to the patient.
This place does not cover:
Particular shape of the probe for better grip | |
Details of transducer steering |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Supports, positioning and alignment in fixed situation for ultrasound inspection of materials | |
Supports, positioning and alignment in moving situation for ultrasound inspection of materials |
This place covers:
Any means for positioning the probe on the patient
[US2004087851]
This place covers:
Articulated arm (including sliding, pivoting) for holding the probe. May be provided with position encoders.
This place does not cover:
Catheter with a probe at the tip |
This place covers:
Attachment of the probe with a strap, belt, cuff, brace. Probes mounted in a fitting attached to a strap.
This place covers:
Adhesive patch for attaching the probe to the skin surface. May be combined with a swivelling/pivoting mount to allow change in probe position.
This place covers:
Any means for determining the position of the probe with respect to the patient or to an external reference, e.g. imaging or therapy system. Typically involves the use of a position and/or movement sensing unit provided either on/in the probe (A61B 8/4254) or outside the probe (A61B 8/4263).
[WO2012018851]
Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:
Determination of probe position or applied pressure used to compress the tissue in sonoelastography |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Radiation devices for locating probes | |
Locating instruments by ultrasound | |
Determining the quality of coupling between the probe and the tissue | |
Surgical navigation systems |
This place covers:
Any kind of sensor within or attached to the ultrasound probe, providing information on the current position of the probe (e.g. accelerometer, coils sensing external magnetic fields, GPS-type position sensor).
This place does not cover:
Position encoders part of an articulated arm | |
Sensing the position of the probe from an external sensor |
Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:
Intracavitary probe positioning |
This place covers:
Any kind of probe position tracking means not attached to or part of the probe, e.g. tracking LED markers on the probe, tracking the probe position with a camera, probe emitting ultrasound signal for localisation purpose.
Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:
Intracavitary probe positioning |
This place covers:
Any means for facilitating, regulating or monitoring the quality of coupling between the transducer and the tissue.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Methods and devices for transmitting, directing or conducting sound in general |
This place covers:
Any means used as interface between the transducer and the tissue, e.g. coupling pad, special conformable shape of the probe, fluid filled reservoir. The mere application of a layer of conducting gel between the probe and the skin does not require a classification in A61B 8/4281, unless specific details of this application are described, e.g. gel containment structure on surface of the probe or particular gel mixture having specific viscosity.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Probe holders |
This place covers:
Any means for monitoring the quality of coupling between the transducer and the tissue. Also for the purpose of triggering/initiating image acquisition or for monitoring applied pressure in elastic imaging (A61B 8/485).
This place does not cover:
Measuring the position of the probe per se |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Sonoelastography |
This place covers:
Structural and mechanical features of the ultrasound device specially adapted for diagnostic use.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Constructional features of devices for short-range imaging with acoustic waves |
This place covers:
Apparatus mounted on casters or rollers, often resembling a cart / trolley and comprising a sonic probe. May include battery supply, telemetry means and display.
[US2012/0108965]
This place covers:
Modular construction of the device allowing parts to be exchanged or replaced either for mounting different types of components of for simpler disassembling and reassembling.
[EP1935343]
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Modular devices for short-range imaging with acoustic waves |
This place covers:
Constructional arrangements for facilitating the combined use of different imaging modalities including translation from one device to the other or integration of different modalities in one device. At least one modality relates to ultrasound imaging.
[US2011/0295115: Combination of gamma-ray detector (112) and ultrasound probe (103)]
This place does not cover:
Using several separate ultrasound transducers or probes |
This place covers:
Any means for protecting the probe from outside environment, e.g. hygienic cover.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Sanitary sheaths for endoscopes |
This place covers:
[US2012083693]
This place covers:
Docking unit or station for power or data transfer, either for connecting the probe or the monitoring unit
This place covers:
Any means for identifying the diagnostic apparatus or component parts thereof, e.g. replaceable components. Includes barcodes, memory chips or RFIDs.
This place covers:
Constructional details of sonic diagnostic devices relating to the probe itself.
This place covers:
Particular construction of catheter devices, e.g. balloons, pigtails, basket.
[US2003208119]
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Use of catheters for ultrasound diagnosis | |
Catheters per se |
This place covers:
Any constructional related to the specific design of the external probe shape for a particular purpose, e.g. special grip, attachment for auxiliary devices, connectors.
[EP1935343]
This place covers:
Probes or catheters provided with a mechanical scanning mechanism allowing to move the transducer with respect to the probe housing, e.g. for beam steering.
[WO2010013175]
This place does not cover:
Electrical steering mechanisms |
Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:
Intra-cavitary probes with motor driven transducer elements |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Dynamic transducer configuration in devices for short-range imaging with acoustic waves |
This place covers:
Probes comprising a scanning mechanism involving a deflection of the probe or part of the probe. Typically used by intracavitary probes (A61B 8/12).
[US2009264759]
This place covers:
Probes comprising wireless data and/or power transmission means. Includes pill-like cameras
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Details of data transmission | |
Wireless probes for inspecting or analysing materials |
This place covers:
Simultaneous use of multiple probes or transducers in similar or different modes for scanning of one or a plurality of patient body parts.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Using separate transducers for transmission and reception in devices for short-range imaging with acoustic waves |
This place covers:
Specific details or configuration of the transducer adapted for medical imaging application, e.g. particular transducer shape
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Static transducer configuration in short-range imaging systems |
This place covers:
Use of phased array transducers for electrical steering of the sound beam.
This place covers:
Particular arrangement of the transducer elements for facilitating the diagnostic technique, e.g. annular array on intracavitary probes (A61B 8/12) or T-shaped arrangement allowing to scan perpendicular planes simultaneously (A61B 8/145).
[WO2012127737]
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Arrangements of transducers in generation of mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic or ultrasonic frequency | |
Devices for short-range imaging using particular transducer elements arrangements |
This place covers:
Ultrasound diagnostic devices comprising input and / or output means structurally or functionally designed for allowing a specific interaction with the device user.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
ICT specially adapted for the operation of medical equipment or devices |
Documents should be classified in these subgroups only if:
- they explicitly relate to ultrasound diagnosis devices AND
- they relate to details of the user interface.
This place covers:
Displays with special properties not covered by any of the subgroups.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Displays for electrocardiography | |
Displays in magnetic or electric diagnostics | |
Displays for radiation diagnostic |
Touch screens should be classified here and as special input means (A61B 8/467).
This place covers:
Construction or arrangement of display. Also for goggle-like or head up displays. Supports for display.
[WO2010012314]
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Display arrangements for sonar systems |
This place covers:
Combination of images, e.g. side-by-side, superimposed.
Combination of images and other data type, e.g. ECG waveforms or alphanumeric information.
[EP2415401]
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Processing means adapted for combining images | |
Composite display in devices for short-range imaging with acoustic waves |
This place covers:
[EP0833266]
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
3D imaging and stereoscopic displays in devices for short-range imaging with acoustic waves | |
3D image rendering per se |
This place covers:
Both constructional (e.g. touch screen, trackball) and functional aspects (e.g. specific purpose) of input means.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Particular user interfaces in devices for short-range imaging with acoustic waves |
This place covers:
All types of message recording associated with ultrasound imaging, e.g. annotation on image, sound recording.
This place covers:
Operator selection of region of interest or specific organs to be imaged, e.g. by touch screen, keyboard or switch. Also for definition of ROI after image analysis.
This place covers:
Use of substance, typically introduced into the body, which presents echogenic properties and can therefore be identified and / or tracked by the diagnostic device. Also for surgical instruments coated with echogenic materials to allow them to be tracked (A61B 8/0841).
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Diagnosis of blood vessels | |
Echographic preparations; ultrasound imaging preparation | |
Analysis of echo signal exploiting properties of a contrast enhancer in devices for short-range imaging with acoustic waves |
This place covers:
Direct acquisition of a 3 dimensional image, e.g. a combination of B-mode and C-mode images.
[Smith et al., "Feasibility study: Real-time 3-D ultrasound imaging of the brain", Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology 30(10) (2004)1365-1371, XP004872070]
This place covers:
Imaging elastic properties (e.g. strain, elastic modulus, stiffness) of tissue by exciting the tissue (by direct mechanical means or ultrasonic radiation force) and detecting the resulting displacement, motion or deformation.
[EP1541090]
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Determining or monitoring contact between transducer and tissue | |
Extracting elastic properties in devices for short-range imaging with acoustic waves |
Detection of the effects of tissue excitation can be performed by Doppler measurement (A61B 8/488) or pulse-echo methods. Resultant information is usually displayed as images (called elastograms), representing the spatial distribution of strains, shear waves, elastic moduli or tissue stiffness. Elastograms are often fused with B-mode images (A61B 8/5246) to facilitate identification of the anatomical structures to which they relate.
This place covers:
Motion-mode ultrasound wherein pulses are emitted in quick succession along the same path to visualize the spatial variation (e.g. movement) of a reflecting structure as a function of time. May be directly acquired or reconstructed from arbitrary line (straight, curved or polygonal) defined by a user on a B-mode image.
[EP1679038]
This place covers:
Ultrasound imaging technique using the wavelength (or frequency) shift of ultrasound waves reflected from moving structures. Typically used for the diagnosis of dynamic structures function, e.g. heart movement or blood flow.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
For measuring pulse or heart rate | |
For measuring blood flow | |
For heart diagnosis | |
For blood vessels diagnosis |
Often fused with B-mode images (A61B 8/5246) to facilitate identification of the anatomical structures to which Doppler signals relate.
This place covers:
Ultrasound diagnosis devices involving any kind of data or image processing for enhancement purposes, e.g. artefacts reduction of resolution improvement.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Image processing per se |
Documents should be classified in these subgroups only if:
- they explicitly relate to ultrasound diagnosis devices AND
- they relate to details of data or image processing.
Image processing alone should not be classified in A61B 8/00, except when it consists in straightforward steps (e.g. thresholding, filtering) directed to an explicit diagnostic application.
This place covers:
Pre-processing of data output from sensor to derive data usable for diagnostic purpose, e.g. filtering, phase modification.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
2D [Two Dimensional] image generation |
This place covers:
Any kind of post-acquisition image processing
This place covers:
Acquired data is used to derive a particular diagnostic index, e.g. tumour size.
This place does not cover:
Algorithms for biomedical image analysis |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
ICT specially adapted for computer-aided diagnosis |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Ultrasound diagnosis devices adapted to display 3D data |
This place covers:
Means for combining images of one or several imaging modalities, e.g. merging of contiguous sub-images to obtain a larger image or multi-modality image registration.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Determination of transform parameters for the alignment of images, i.e. image registration |
This place covers:
Combining images of the patient obtained by a diagnostic technique classified under A61B 8/00.
This place covers:
Compilation of multiple views acquired at different angles.
[Rohling, PhD Thesis : 3D Freehand Ultrasound: Reconstruction and spatial compounding]
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Spatial compounding for short range imaging systems |
This place covers:
[Wein et al., "Automatic CT-ultrasound registration for diagnostic imaging and image-guided intervention", Medical Image Analysis, Volume 12, Issue 5, October 2008, Pages 577-585,]
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Elimination of unwanted signals in devices for short-range imaging using acoustic waves | |
Image enhancement or restoration | |
Determining parameters from multiple pictures |
This place covers:
Data or image processing for artefact reduction wherein the artefacts are caused by motion.
This place covers:
Arranging or processing an image or a plurality of images after acquisition for synchronization purpose. Includes synchronization based on an independently acquired signal (e.g. ECG) or on a feature derived from the image(s).
This place does not cover:
Synchronizing the ultrasound measurement to a physiological event | |
Retrospective scan-line arrangements in devices for short-range imaging using acoustic waves |
This place covers:
Processing of data using non measured data, such as patient name and age, or image identification. Non measured data can be typically found in the header of a digital image file (e.g. a DICOM header).
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of patient-related medical or healthcare data |
This place covers:
Ultrasound diagnosis devices comprising means for adapting the operation of the device during acquisition.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
ICT specially adapted for the operation of medical equipment or devices |
This place covers:
Acquisition control wherein a signal of physiological origin (heart rate, breathing rate) is used to initiate acquisition.
This place does not cover:
Retrospective matching to a physiological signal |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Synchronization techniques in devices for short-range imaging using acoustic waves |
This place covers:
Any means for controlling or assessing the temperature of the diagnosis device, e.g. cooling means for preventing skin burn
This place covers:
Ultrasound diagnosis devices comprising:
- means for transmitting or receiving data to or from an external device or between components of the device, e.g. image transmission to a remote physician workstation for diagnosis; or
- means for supplying power to any component of the device, e.g. between stationary and moving parts.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Docking units for ultrasound devices | |
Wireless diagnostic ultrasound probes |
This place covers:
Transmission of diagnostic image data via a network, e.g. from a diagnostic device to a server for archiving.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of patient-related medical or healthcare data |
This place covers:
Any calibration related features or methods, including phantoms.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Means for monitoring or calibrating in devices for short-range imaging using acoustic waves |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
ICT specially adapted for the remote operation of medical equipment or devices |
This place covers:
Automatic setup of data acquisition parameters (diagnostic protocol) using patient specific information, e.g. weight, height and/or diagnostic specific information.
This place covers:
Methods or devices for calibration where a reference object (phantom) is used to determine particular properties of the diagnosis device.
[US2008139933]
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Calibration phantoms for radiation diagnosis devices | |
Models for medical purposes |
This place covers:
Any device used for tapping on a surface of a body area in order to determine the underlying structure condition, e.g. reflex hammer.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Percussion or vibration massage |
In this place, the following terms or expressions are used with the meaning indicated:
Pleximeter | Plate to be struck in mediate percussion, generally by a reflex hammer |
This place does not cover:
Determining the level of anaesthesia by measuring a physiological parameter, e.g. EEG, EMG |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Detection of movement |
This place covers:
Instruments or methods for taking body samples for diagnostic purposes. Examples of such instruments and their uses include, but are not limited to:
- biopsy devices;
- devices for taking cell samples;
- devices for taking fluid samples (except blood samples A61B 5/15); and
- devices to acquire samples for detection of breast cancer.
Other methods or instruments for diagnosis include, but are not limited to:
- for vaccination diagnosis;
- sex determination;
- ovulation-period determination; and
- throat striking implements.
This place does not cover:
Devices for taking samples of blood |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Surgical instruments in general | |
Surgical cutting instruments | |
Swabs | |
Containers for laboratory use | |
Containers in general | |
Containers for enzymology or microbiology | |
Preparing specimens for investigation | |
Menstruation tables |
The breakdown indexing codes and orthogonal indexing codes are to be used for classifying the invention information (in addition to the invention symbols) in case the invention is insufficiently classified by an invention information symbol. They are also to be used for classifying the additional information.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Ovulation determination for animals | |
Menstruation tables |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Anal receptacles |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Mammography by transillumination | |
Mammography by X-rays | |
Mammography by c ultrasonic means |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Devices for receiving spittle |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Artificial insemination | |
For animals | |
Genital receptacles for the male member | |
Massage of the genitals |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Measuring sweat production |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Measuring urological functions | |
Genital receptacles | |
Urinals for bed-ridden persons |
This place does not cover:
Devices for taking faeces samples | |
Devices for taking samples of body liquids |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Preservation of excised living parts of the human or animal body | |
Containers for retaining a material to be analysed | |
Containers in general | |
Apparatus for microbiology | |
Containers for enzymology or microbiology | |
Swab-sampler being part of enzymology or microbiology container |
This place does not cover:
Devices for taking faeces samples | |
Devices for taking samples of body liquids |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Surgical Instruments | |
Surgical cutting instruments with sample retaining means | |
Needle location or guiding means | |
Accessories for Surgery and Diagnosis | |
Samplers for enzymology or microbiology | |
Sampling or preparing biological specimens |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Minimally invasive operation on prostate: |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Trocars for bone | |
Filters for solid matter |
This place covers:
devices with a sample notch, which may be, e.g. on an inner stylet or on an outer cannula
This place does not cover:
Instruments for taking bone, bone marrow or cartilage samples | |
Instruments with means for severing sample |
This place covers:
devices used in or near the uterus, includes devices for cervix
This place does not cover:
Devices for taking samples of body liquids |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Gynecological or obstetrical instruments |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Endoscopes per se | |
General surgery devices to be introduced in the working channel of an endoscope | |
Catheters per se |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
General surgical forceps |
This place covers:
Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:
This place does not cover:
Stomatoscopes when combined with illuminating and viewing instruments | |
Saliva removers with mouth props, tongue guards, tongue depressors or cheek spreaders |
This place covers:
Instruments or appliances used in connection with autopsy.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
similar devices for medical purposes, see the relevant groups for such devices, e.g.
Similar devices for surgical purposes | |
Preservation of bodies of humans or animals | |
Operating tables | |
Autopsy tables |
This place does not cover:
Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body | |
Dental tools | |
Eye surgery | |
Ear surgery |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
The use of the CPC indexing codes (2000-series symbols which include both breakdown and orthogonal symbols) for classifying the additional information is mandatory in this field.
The breakdown and the orthogonal symbols of A61B 17/00 are also used for documents classified in the main trunk of A61B 18/00 to index relevant aspects for which no suitable symbol is available under A61B 18/00, A61B 2018/00005 or A61B 2218/00.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Bioabsorbable prostheses |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Surgical navigation systems for tracking or guiding surgical instruments | |
Surgical systems with images on a monitor during operations |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Implements for squeezing-off ulcers or the like with an instrument channel | |
Surgical forceps with releasable heads | |
Cannulas used as instrument channel for multiple instruments | |
Suction or pumping devices for medical purposes |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Special tools for insertion or extraction of endoprosthetic joints or of accessories thereof |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Implements for squeezing-off ulcers or the like with an instrument channel, e.g. for replacing one instrument by the other |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Surgical adhesives | |
Two-component delivery syringes |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Surgical instruments with a roughened portion for gripping |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Elastic sutures, e.g. stretchable |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Prostheses using shape memory or superelastic materials, e.g. nitinol |
This place covers:
Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
With illuminating arrangements | |
Devices for opening or enlarging the visual field, e.g. of a tube of the body | |
Device for performing tracheotomy | |
Drainage appliances for wounds | |
Dilators |
This place does not cover:
For abdominal wall lifters | |
Suturing instruments for use in minimally invasive surgery, e.g. endoscopic surgery | |
For ligaturing or otherwise compressing tubular parts of the body | |
For applying or removing clamps or clips | |
Forceps for minimally invasive surgery | |
Endoscopic cutting instruments in general |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
For minimally invasive surgery in general |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Endoscopic heart surgery | |
Endoscopic access devices, i.e. trocars |
This place covers:
Illustrative examples of subject matter classified in this place:
1.
2.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Fixation of trocars to inner organ or inner body tissue |
This place does not cover:
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
For intervertebral joint distraction by acting on anchors embedded in vertebrae | |
For restoring the shape of collapsed bones by injecting cement into them | |
For restoring the shape of collapsed bones by expanding devices inside them |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Suture materials |
This place covers:
See patent # US2004138707
This place does not cover:
Surgical staples for bones | |
Fixation devices for tendons or ligaments |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Purse-string suturing |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Internal fixation devices for osteosynthesis, e.g. bone plates, screws | |
Dowels for connecting prosthetic parts |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Internal fixation devices for osteosynthesis, e.g. bone plates, screws | |
Rivets for connecting prosthetic parts |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Instruments for applying suture clamps, clips or locks |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Instruments for removing suture clamps, clips or locks |
This place covers:
Intended to encompass "large" barbs, e.g. ribs going around at least 1/2 of the diameter on the anchor
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
For "thin" barbs (seen in a transversal cross section) |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Means for attaching suture to needle by means of a suture-receiving lateral eyelet machined in the needle |
This place covers:
Rigid barbs
This place covers:
Slotted shaft, i.e. distal part
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Threaded staples |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Coil staples |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Coil staples |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
For passage of suture |
This place covers:
Includes caps or covers pressed inside or outside the body anchor. It does also includes snap fit (e.g. connection by tab and recess)
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Increasing friction between anchor and suture; hence if ribs are present to increase snug fit between an additional element and the anchor only this class is given |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Barbed sutures |
This place covers:
Triangular barbs on the suture which lock in a hole of the anchor or biased locking means in the hole of the anchor locking on protrusions of the suture
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Means for tensioning the suture as such |
This place does not cover:
Surgical cutting instruments |
This place does not cover:
Shuttle needle with sharp tips at both ends | |
MIS ligaturing |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
J-shaped needles |
This place does not cover:
Reshaping the heart with bags, strips, bands |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Cushions encircling the heart | |
Blood pumps |
This place covers:
Illustrative examples of subject matter classified in this place:
1.
2a.
2b.
3a.
3b.
This place does not cover:
Guides for drills, pins or wire (bone) | |
Guides for puncturing needles |
This place does not cover:
Suturing instruments for use in minimally invasive surgery, e.g. endoscopic surgery | |
Other holders for needles or sutures | |
Surgical forceps | |
Forceps | |
Surgical pincettes |
This place does not cover:
Suture anchors | |
Wound clamps or clips | |
Ligaturing clamps or clips | |
Clamps comprising opposed elements which grasp one vertebra between them |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Surgical instruments, devices or methods for applying suture anchors | |
Surgical instruments, devices or methods for applying wound clamps | |
Surgical instruments, devices or methods for applying ligaturing clamps or clips |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Surgical instruments, devices or methods for removing suture anchors | |
Surgical instruments, devices or methods for removing wound clamps | |
Surgical instruments, devices or methods for removing ligaturing clamps or clips |
This place covers:
See patent # US3878848
This place does not cover:
Blunt suture needles | |
Other devices for protecting against accidental cutting or pricking |
This place does not cover:
Reinforcement for staple lines |
This place covers:
Essentially flexible elements.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of int