EP0928158A4 - Systeme diagnostiquant l'impuissance masculine a l'aide d'ultrasons - Google Patents

Systeme diagnostiquant l'impuissance masculine a l'aide d'ultrasons

Info

Publication number
EP0928158A4
EP0928158A4 EP97935249A EP97935249A EP0928158A4 EP 0928158 A4 EP0928158 A4 EP 0928158A4 EP 97935249 A EP97935249 A EP 97935249A EP 97935249 A EP97935249 A EP 97935249A EP 0928158 A4 EP0928158 A4 EP 0928158A4
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
transducer
penis
housing
velocity
blood flow
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP97935249A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0928158A1 (fr
Inventor
Claire T Hovland
Jerome H Abrams
Edward J Wons
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
UroMetrics Inc
Original Assignee
UroMetrics Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by UroMetrics Inc filed Critical UroMetrics Inc
Publication of EP0928158A1 publication Critical patent/EP0928158A1/fr
Publication of EP0928158A4 publication Critical patent/EP0928158A4/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B8/00—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B8/00—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
    • A61B8/42—Details of probe positioning or probe attachment to the patient
    • A61B8/4209—Details of probe positioning or probe attachment to the patient by using holders, e.g. positioning frames
    • A61B8/4227—Details of probe positioning or probe attachment to the patient by using holders, e.g. positioning frames characterised by straps, belts, cuffs or braces
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B8/00—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
    • A61B8/06—Measuring blood flow

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an apparatus and method for diagnosing erectile disfunction, and more particularly, for diagnosing vasculogenic erectile disfunction by using Doppler frequency shift to measure penile
  • venal outflow i.e. corporal venous leakage
  • these abnormal blood flow characteristics to and from the cavernosal arteries can be caused by a number of factors, for example atherosclerotic vascular disease, traumatic arterial occlusive disease, or defective venoocclusive mechanisms.
  • duplex ultrasonography By measuring blood velocity in the cavernosal arteries, duplex ultrasonography has been used successfully to diagnose inadequate arterial inflow and excessive outflow.
  • a transducer emits ultrasound energy and a receiver receives ultrasound energy reflected from the blood.
  • Electronic circuitry measures frequency differences between the transmitted and received ultrasound energy, to calculate blood velocity.
  • angle of incidence the angle between the direction of transmitted /received ultrasound waves and the blood flow path.
  • this angle hereinafter called the angle of incidence or Doppler angle
  • Doppler angle the angle between the direction of transmitted /received ultrasound waves and the blood flow path.
  • selection and precise maintenance of this angle of incidence are difficult.
  • Many ultrasound devices suitable for measuring penile blood flow are handheld. An important limitation of handheld devices is that the angle of incidence varies unacceptably from reading to reading over time, or even during a
  • the urologist or other medical professional takes an initial cavernosal artery flow velocity measurement.
  • papaverine or another suitable vasodilating agent is injected or transurethrally administered to induce erectile response.
  • Further ultrasonographic examination follows, with a series of velocity measurements being taken over time after the vasodilator is introduced and after subsequent self-stimulation by the patient.
  • the urologist measures peak systolic and end diastolic velocities before injection and at 5, 10, and 30 minutes after application of the vasodilating agent.
  • Normal peak systolic velocity is considered by some medical professionals to be about 25 cm/sec.
  • resistance index is calculated as the difference between the peak systolic and end diastolic velocities divided by the peak systolic velocity, or
  • a resistance index approaching or equal to about 1 is considered to be indicative of a normal result.
  • an apparatus for diagnosing male impotence includes at least one transducer for transmitting /receiving ultrasound or other suitable
  • a transducer housing supports the transducer in a substantially constant orientation with respect to the penis, substantially fixing the angle of incidence, that is, the angle between the transmitted /received ultrasound or other energy and the blood velocity vector.
  • a fixing device is mechanically coupled to the transducer housing and at least partially surrounds the penis, to hold the transducer housing substantially steady and in place during an impotence diagnostic procedure.
  • the fixing device includes a pressure balloon supported by a disposable housing, optimizing support of
  • an elastic strap is used to achieve this purpose.
  • an adhesive tape mounts the transducer housing on the top surface of the penis.
  • the transducer or transducers are movably mounted on the
  • transducer housing to allow lateral adjustment of the direction of ultrasound transmission.
  • the transducers are fixed within the housing.
  • Using multiple transducers allows simultaneous measurement, or at least immediately sequential measurement, of penile blood flow in both cavernosal arteries.
  • a method of diagnosing male impotence includes positioning at least one transducer over the penis to transmit energy, such as ultrasound energy, into the cavernosal arteries.
  • the transducer is preferably supported by a housing, either movable or fixed.
  • the housing is secured to the penis with a fixing device, such as a pressure balloon, elastic strap, tape, or equivalent.
  • a fixing device such as a pressure balloon, elastic strap, tape, or equivalent.
  • blood velocity in the cavernosal arteries is measured continuously, preferably before, during and after administration of a vasodilating agent.
  • the continuous measurement data is saved to disk and /or continuously displayed on e.g. a monitor screen.
  • the transducers can also be used to generate signals
  • Embodiments of the invention provide significant advantages in that they are office-based, relatively inexpensive, easy to use, relatively independent of the operator, accurate over a wide range of velocities, and able to make reproducible measurements to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment over time.
  • Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an impotence diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention
  • Fig. 2 is a side view of the Fig. 1 apparatus
  • Fig. 3 is an upper perspective view of an impotence diagnostic apparatus according to an alternative embodiment of the invention
  • Fig. 4 is a side view of the Fig. 3 apparatus
  • Fig. 5 is a lower perspective view of the Fig. 3 apparatus
  • Fig. 6 is a side view of an impotence diagnostic device according to an alternative embodiment of the invention
  • Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the Fig. 6 apparatus
  • Fig. 8 is a top view of a transducer housing of an impotence diagnostic apparatus according to an alternative embodiment of the invention
  • Fig. 9 is an end view of the Fig. 8 apparatus
  • Fig. 10 is a top view of a transducer pair according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • Fig. 11 is a top view of a transducer housing according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • Fig. 12 is a side view of the Fig. 10 transducer pair
  • Fig. 13 is a side view of the Fig. 11 transducer housing
  • Fig. 14 is a perspective view of an alternative transducer housing embodiment of the invention.
  • Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a transducer embodiment of the invention
  • Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of an impotence diagnostic apparatus
  • Figs. 17-18 are views showing areas of ultrasonographic beam intersection, according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • one of the principal advantages according to embodiments of the invention is that the elements used to transmit /receive energy to detect Doppler frequency shift, e.g. ultrasonic transducers according to one embodiment, are substantially fixed in position with respect to the penis and to the cavernosal arteries.
  • innovation in positioning defines and stabilizes the angle of incidence of the energy on the blood flow path in the cavernosal arteries, allows precise velocity measurements and, consequently, permits more accurate diagnosis by the urologist or other medical professional. Additionally, velocity measurements can be taken continuously, over an extended period of time, eliminating uncertainty regarding the timing of velocity measurements.
  • Embodiments according to the invention can be used to measure blood flow in a number of different areas and parts of the body. Flow can be measured in blood vessels of the arms, legs, fingers, neck, or other areas, for example. Thus, while preferred embodiments of the invention will be
  • Figs. 1-2 illustrate an impotence diagnostic
  • Probe 10 can be used as part of a larger impotence diagnostic system, as will be described.
  • Probe 10 includes transducer housing 20 for supporting at least one
  • transducer such as transducers 30, 32, at a substantially fixed angle of incidence.
  • transducers 30, 32 transmit ultrasound energy, but any other transmit /receive scheme known to be functional in a Doppler-shift detection environment can be used, for example, other sonar-type or radar schemes.
  • Transducers 30, 32 are set at respective angles with respect to the penis, to create a known angular orientation with respect to the blood flowing in the cavernosal arteries, that is, a known angle of incidence.
  • transducers 30, 32 connect transducers 30, 32 to electronics (not shown) that direct the transmission and reception of the ultrasound signals, and calculate and display Doppler frequency shift, blood velocity measurements, and /or other data.
  • each transducer 30, 32 is a continuous wave, split-D transmitter/ receiver.
  • Each transducer is effectively split into two separated sides, with one side continuously transmitting and the other side continuously receiving.
  • the split-D configuration is particularly advantageous, because it eliminates many of the transmitter-receiver angular alignments and other adjustments necessary with otherwise separated transmitter/receiver pairs.
  • Transducers 30, 32 can also be used in what is known as an A mode,
  • the changing diameter of the cavernosal arteries can be measured and displayed, as can the diameter of the penis itself to reflect changing penile tumescence.
  • Visual confirmation of vessel location is also provided. Measuring and displaying these values in conjunction with blood velocity values over time provides the urologist
  • the A-mode measurement can also be used for accurate alignment of the ultrasound (or other) beam with respect to the cavernosal artery.
  • transducer types and configurations are possible.
  • Single-transducer embodiments are contemplated, for example pulse- wave piezoelectric devices in which a transmit mode is followed by a rest mode, and then a reception mode for receiving the reflected energy.
  • Two transducers 30, 32 are illustrated in Fig. 1, one for each cavernosal artery. Using two transducers allows measurement, display and comparison of blood flow velocity in both arteries, either sequentially
  • Continuous peak systolic and end diastolic velocities, as well as accelerations, can be measured /calculated and displayed with respect to both arteries.
  • a single transducer or more than two transducers also can be used, to measure flow in various vessels at various locations.
  • an apparatus according to the invention also can be used to take measurements with respect to the urinary tract.
  • Transducers 30, 32 preferably are off-the-shelf components available on the open market from companies such as Blatek, Inc., of State College,
  • Such ultrasound transducers typically have concave lenses in front, which focus the sound waves at the desired depth, here, in this case, the depth of the cavernosal artery.
  • Supplemental lens(es) may also be used to bend the ultrasound
  • the supplemental lens(es) are disposed in the air gap that otherwise would be created between the transducer and the patient's body, reducing the amount of gel or other acoustic filler material needed there.
  • the difference in the speed of sound between the lens(es) and the patient's tissues affects the amount of bend in the ultrasound beam as it passes into the tissues.
  • the supplemental lens(es) allow the angle between the housing of the transducer and the tissues to be
  • an acoustic filler material is desirable for use
  • One such material suitable for use according to the invention is a non-invasive hydrogel skin pad from LecTec Corporation, Minnetonka,
  • skin pad 38 includes film material 40 surrounded by border 45. According to a preferred embodiment, both the top and bottom sides of film 40 and border 45 are sticky, to securely adhere to the surface of the penis. Pad 38 preferably is a disposable, single-use
  • the fixing device comprises disposable lower housing 50, which is secured to transducer housing 20 in a manner to be described.
  • Disposable lower housing 50 includes two upstanding sidewalls 55, between which is supported disposable pressure balloon 60.
  • Pressure balloon 60 receives the patient's penis and conforms to its shape, expanding along the base of housing 50 and even up sidewalls 55 as needed.
  • pressure balloon 60 maintains the penis in substantially constant pressure contact with transducers 30, 32, via film 40.
  • Balloon 60 holds the penis in position as it grows, such that side-to-side shifting is substantially prevented. A substantially fixed relationship between the penis and transducers 30, 32 thus is maintained.
  • balloon 60 has slots on opposite side
  • balloon 60 is merely slipped into position over sidewalls 55 for a secure and steady fit on lower housing 50.
  • Balloon 60 preferably forms a substantial U-shape against the base of housing 50, riding up sidewalls 55, to center and comfortably hold the penis within housing 50. Balloon 60 maintains substantially constant pressure between the transducers and the penis, without occluding blood
  • balloon 60 includes balloon fill valve 63 and constant pressure relief valve 67, to maintain a constant, desired pressure in balloon 60.
  • valves 63, 67 need not be used, to eliminate the number of parts associated with balloon 60 and the associated increased complexity and cost.
  • lower housing 50, pad 38 and transducer housing 20 are connected together by linking portions 70 of sidewalls 55.
  • Linking portions 70 include central recesses 73 and opposite tapered portions 77, permitting easy insertion into and retainment within
  • transducer housing 20 corresponding slots (93, shown in Fig. 3) through transducer housing 20.
  • Linking portions 70 preferably are one piece with sidewalls 55.
  • transducer housing 20 and /or sidewalls 55 of lower housing 50 can include structure providing vertical adjustability with respect to
  • This structure can take the form of a toothed section extending toward housing 20 on or near sidewalls 55, for example.
  • transducer housing 20 is supported by transducer housing 20 and matingly engages the toothed section associated with sidewalls 55.
  • This structure locks lower housing 50 in a desired position with respect to transducer housing 20, yet allows easy adjustability.
  • Housings 20, 50 and link members 70 preferably are formed of injection-molded plastic, but of course other suitable materials, such as nylon or various polymers or metals, for example, also can be used.
  • Figs. 3-5 show an alternative probe embodiment 10', in which the fixing device for securing transducer housing 20 in place comprises strap 90, such as an elastic, paper, and/or cloth type strap, optionally with e.g. Velcro, tape or other type fastening devices for achieving a snug fit around the penis. Ends 97 of strap 90 pass through slots 93 in transducer housing 20, allowing easy adjustment into frictional engagement with the penis.
  • strap 90 such as an elastic, paper, and/or cloth type strap, optionally with e.g. Velcro, tape or other type fastening devices for achieving a snug fit around the penis.
  • Ends 97 of strap 90 pass through slots 93 in transducer housing 20, allowing easy adjustment into frictional engagement with the penis.
  • strap 90 according to this embodiment is potentially constrictive and may not be as comfortable for the patient as the previously described embodiment, it has the advantage of being simple to adjust and simple to manufacture. It also is disposable, like housing 50 of the previous
  • Pad 38 is also useable in connection with this embodiment, but is not illustrated to simplify the drawings.
  • transducer housing 20 For example, a double-sided transducer housing 20, or a similar transducer support, are contemplated.
  • a double-sided transducer housing 20 For example, a double-sided transducer housing 20, or a similar transducer support, are contemplated.
  • a double-sided transducer housing 20 For example, a double-sided transducer housing 20, or a similar transducer support, are contemplated.
  • a double-sided transducer housing 20 For example, a double-sided
  • adhesive tape can be applied to the top side of the penis, without necessarily extending to the underside of the penis, to hold the transducers
  • transducer housing 20 can include a central hinge.
  • the two pivoting legs of housing 20 thus created permit the transducers to be positioned as desired, for example at 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock positions, around the upper circumference of the penis.
  • the angle of incidence remains fixed at e.g. 60°.
  • Figs. 6-7 show an alternative diagnostic probe 100, which includes a transducer housing 20 that is similar or identical to the previous embodiments. Probe 100, however, additionally includes spring
  • Spring mechanism 110 to urge lower housing 50 into engagement with the penis, as will now be described.
  • Spring mechanism 110 includes compression springs 130, connected to upstanding ends 120 of lower housing 50 via
  • Springs 130 bias connecting piece 140 and upstanding ends 120 vertically upward, urging lower housing 50 towards transducer housing 20 to compress the penis therebetween.
  • Springs 130 (as well as strap 90 of the previous illustrated embodiment) are of course governed by Hooke's law; thus the pressure between the transducer and the penis changes depending on the size of the penis and consequent displacement of springs 130.
  • Figs. 8-9 show an alternative transducer housing embodiment.
  • Transducer housing 170 defines an open frame and includes longitudinally extending grooves 180, into which fit corresponding tongue members 190 of individual transducers 200. Transducers 200 thus are slidable within transducer housing 170 into a desired position with respect
  • each cavernosal artery as needed, e.g. to adjust to a particular patient's anatomy.
  • the individual transducers are laterally adjustable, while the housing maintains the angle of incidence substantially constant at about 60°, or another desired angle.
  • Transducers 205 are supported by transducer housing 210, which includes longitudinally extending rails 215.
  • Transducers 205 include respective subhousings 220 with substantially rigid but bendable fingers 225, which carry riders 230 for slidably engaging rails 215. Fingers 225 can be squeezed
  • rails 215 and riders 230 are formed with a series of mating ridges
  • Transducer housing 210 also includes slots 213 for receiving upstanding sidewalls 55 as shown in previous figures, for example.
  • Housing 210 and subhousing 220 can be made of a plastic-type material or the like.
  • Transducer housing 210 includes a central bend 240 that is substantially
  • Central bend 240 positions transducers 205 at about 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock on the penis, avoiding interference with the dorsal blood vessels and also reducing the potential "teeter-totter” effect present with a straight transducer housing 210.
  • the angle of incidence remains fixed at e.g. 60°.
  • Transducers 205 also preferably include arrows or similar markings 245 to indicate proper orientation of transducer housing 210 with respect to the patient.
  • Transducer housing 210 can be positioned, for example, such that arrows 245 point away from the patient.
  • transducers 205 include gap 250 for accommodating gel 255 or similar acoustically
  • Gap 250 should be completely filled with gel 255, to prevent air bubbles which block transmission of ultrasound signals.
  • Gel 255 can be applied before transducer 205 is inserted into transducer housing 210, or afterwards.
  • Fig. 16 shows an alternative diagnostic probe embodiment 260
  • Probe 260 is of relatively simple construction, with one or two elastic straps 265 secured together at ends 270 by a tightening and securement device 280. Straps 265 hold transducers 290, which according to one embodiment are transmit transducers, in a desired, substantially fixed position on the top surface of penis 300 relative to cavernosal arteries 310. Elastic straps 265 also hold transducers 320, e.g. receive transducers, in a substantially fixed position on the lower surface of penis 300. According to one embodiment, penis 300 is wrapped with a somewhat sticky cloth or cloth-like material
  • Elastic bands 265 provide compression and expansion as needed to accommodate the changing size of the penis.
  • straps 265 can be used to hold just two transducers, or even a single transducer, instead of the four separate transducers illustrated in Fig. 16.
  • this embodiment is of simple and low-cost construction.
  • Figs. 17-18 show transmit and receive transducer paths 330, 340, associated with transmit and receive transducers 290, 320 of Fig. 16, for two angles of incidence: 60 degrees and 72 degrees, respectively.
  • Paths 330, 340 define intersection regions 350, which vary in size and positioning depending upon the angle of incidence, and which are positioned to intersect the cavernosal artery in which blood flow velocity is being
  • the angle of incidence depicted in Fig. 17, 60 degrees is preferred. As angle of incidence increases, Doppler shifting effect diminishes, to the point where at 90 degrees, there is zero Doppler shift. As the angle of incidence decreases, on the other hand, the sonographic or other energy must travel through tissue for a greater distance before hitting the intended target area. That travel is highly attenuative, and signal loss ultimately occurs. 60 degrees has been found to be a preferable angle of incidence to minimize these disadvantages. As indicated above, the electronics associated with the chosen probe embodiment perform a wide variety of desired calculations and display graphical representations of a wide variety of variables, as chosen by the
  • Control electronics components useable according to the invention can be purchased from a variety of companies.
  • the velocity displays can be correlated with electrocardiogram and /or pulse oximetry readings to depict variations in blood velocity with respect to heartbeat. Penile diameter readings can also be displayed and correlated.
  • the displayed graphical information can be in a number of different formats on the display screen. For example, a spectral distribution
  • graphical mode displays a gray scale that represents all of the Doppler frequencies. The greater the shift in frequency, the greater the distance from the baseline on the display screen.
  • a mean frequency mode the statistical mean of the Doppler frequencies is displayed, for example as a
  • the mode frequency graphical mode displays the single frequency that occurs most often during a sample, again as a colored line, for example.
  • the spectral distribution, maximum frequency and mean frequency displays can be used simultaneously to determine signal quality.
  • a maximum gray-scale (spectral distribution) signal should be displayed. If the signal is of a good quality, the maximum frequency display and the mean frequency display should follow the wave form displayed by the spectral distribution. The mean frequency should be lower than the maximum frequency, and the distance between the two should be relatively constant.
  • the values in parenthesis are measurement errors calculated by adding worst case error values for hydrophone, measurement, calculation and position uncertainties, using the "sum of squares" method.
  • tissue attenuation is taken into account. Tissue attenuation is estimated at 0.3 dB / cm x MHz. Attenuation is calculated for the focal depth, i.e. the point of highest ultrasound intensity (Z sp ). The spatial peak
  • I SPTA temporal average intensity
  • aerated intensity It is the distance from the transducer surface at which the peak value for the derated intensity occurred.
  • EBD Entrance beam dimensions The dimensions of the ultrasound beam at the surface of the transducer.
  • Transducers have a "split-D" configuration; transmitting and receiving elements each have the form of a half-circle.
  • Numbers represent diameter and radius of the half-circle.
  • border 45 can also be applied separately instead of in a one-piece pad. Further, as referenced earlier, embodiments of the invention have application to other areas of the body and other diagnostic procedures.

Abstract

L'invention porte sur un appareil servant à diagnostiquer l'impuissance masculine en mesurant la vitesse du sang dans une artère caverneuse du pénis et comportant: un émetteur/récepteur (30, 32) émettant et recevant de l'énergie et captant l'effet Doppler correspondant pour effectuer la mesure de vitesse du sang; un boîtier (20) abritant l'émetteur/récepteur (30,32) et le maintenant dans une orientation sensiblement constante par rapport au pénis pendant que l'émetteur/récepteur effectue la mesure; et un dispositif de fixation (50) relié mécaniquement au susdit boîtier (20) et le maintenant en place par rapport au pénis pour rendre sensiblement constante l'orientation angulaire de l'un des émetteurs/récepteurs (30, 32 au moins par rapport à l'artère caverneuse pendant le processus de diagnostic de l'impuissance. L'invention porte également sur des procédés associés.
EP97935249A 1996-08-09 1997-08-01 Systeme diagnostiquant l'impuissance masculine a l'aide d'ultrasons Withdrawn EP0928158A4 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US2395996P 1996-08-09 1996-08-09
US23959P 1996-08-09
US4136197P 1997-03-21 1997-03-21
US41361P 1997-03-21
PCT/US1997/013537 WO1998006333A1 (fr) 1996-08-09 1997-08-01 Systeme diagnostiquant l'impuissance masculine a l'aide d'ultrasons

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0928158A1 EP0928158A1 (fr) 1999-07-14
EP0928158A4 true EP0928158A4 (fr) 1999-12-08

Family

ID=26697851

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP97935249A Withdrawn EP0928158A4 (fr) 1996-08-09 1997-08-01 Systeme diagnostiquant l'impuissance masculine a l'aide d'ultrasons

Country Status (7)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0928158A4 (fr)
JP (1) JP2000516117A (fr)
KR (1) KR20000029894A (fr)
AU (1) AU3823597A (fr)
CA (1) CA2262789A1 (fr)
TW (1) TW388706B (fr)
WO (1) WO1998006333A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1054626A1 (fr) 1998-01-13 2000-11-29 Urometrics, Inc. Procede et dispositif de surveillance de l'excitation sexuelle chez la femme
JP4482285B2 (ja) * 2003-03-28 2010-06-16 セイコーインスツル株式会社 超音波診断装置
KR101599252B1 (ko) * 2013-12-31 2016-03-07 광주과학기술원 발기부전 진단 및 치료를 위한 장치
JP2022511200A (ja) * 2018-06-11 2022-01-31 ジェイン，アブヒナフ 勃起不全を診断および管理するためのシステムおよび装置

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1992009962A1 (fr) * 1990-11-30 1992-06-11 Schwartz Alan N Dispositif et procede de detection de la fonction erectile

Family Cites Families (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR1601372A (fr) * 1968-12-31 1970-08-17
CA1135827A (fr) 1978-12-04 1982-11-16 Rainer Fehr Methode de mesure de vitesses de debit en mesurant la difference de phase entre signaux doppler
JPS5836528A (ja) 1981-08-28 1983-03-03 株式会社東芝 超音波パルスドツプラ血流測定装置
US4722347A (en) 1985-01-15 1988-02-02 Applied Biometrics, Inc. Apparatus for measuring cardiac output
US5205292A (en) 1991-06-03 1993-04-27 Applied Biometric, Inc. Removable implanted device
US5565466A (en) * 1993-08-13 1996-10-15 Zonagen, Inc. Methods for modulating the human sexual response
US5409005A (en) * 1993-10-07 1995-04-25 Medasonics, Inc. Transcranial doppler probe wheel and track/bar fixation assembly
US5482039A (en) 1994-03-25 1996-01-09 Vivus, Inc. Process for diagnosing erectile dysfunction, and related methods of treatment

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1992009962A1 (fr) * 1990-11-30 1992-06-11 Schwartz Alan N Dispositif et procede de detection de la fonction erectile

Non-Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
H.S. BASSIOUNY ET AL.: "Penile Duplex Sonography in the Diagnosis of Venogenic Impotence", JOURNAL OF VASCULAR SURGERY, vol. 13, no. 1, January 1991 (1991-01-01), ST. LOUIS (US), pages 75 - 83, XP002118521 *
J.P. QUAM ET AL.: "Duplex and Color Doppler Sonographic Evaluation of Vasculogenic Impotence", AMERICAN JOURNAL OF ROENTGENOLOGY, vol. 153, December 1989 (1989-12-01), New Orleans (US), pages 1141 - 1147, XP002118520 *
See also references of WO9806333A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO1998006333A1 (fr) 1998-02-19
AU3823597A (en) 1998-03-06
CA2262789A1 (fr) 1998-02-19
KR20000029894A (ko) 2000-05-25
TW388706B (en) 2000-05-01
JP2000516117A (ja) 2000-12-05
EP0928158A1 (fr) 1999-07-14

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6251076B1 (en) Male impotence diagnostic ultrasound system
US8308644B2 (en) Instantaneous ultrasonic measurement of bladder volume
US6471655B1 (en) Method and apparatus for the noninvasive determination of arterial blood pressure
Jensen Estimation of blood velocities using ultrasound: a signal processing approach
US5503156A (en) Noninvasive pulse transducer for simultaneously measuring pulse pressure and velocity
AU767312B2 (en) Measurement of capillary related interstitial fluid using ultrasound methods and devices
US6261233B1 (en) Method and device for a blood velocity determination
US7938780B2 (en) Ultrasonic method and apparatus for measuring intracranial contents volume change
JPH01170445A (ja) 変換器
AU9026098A (en) Multi-site ultrasound methods and devices, particularly for measurement of fluid regulation
US6730034B1 (en) Ultrasonic methods and devices for measurement of body fat
Beach 1975–2000: a quarter century of ultrasound technology
EP0928158A1 (fr) Systeme diagnostiquant l'impuissance masculine a l'aide d'ultrasons
Berry et al. Capabilities and limitations of pulsed Doppler sonography in carotid imaging
Marich et al. An improved medical ultrasonic imaging system for scanning peripheral anatomy
JP2823848B2 (ja) 非接触身長測定装置
Xu Local measurement of the pulse wave velocity using Doppler ultrasound
JP2001079002A (ja) 超音波診断装置
JP3378941B2 (ja) 位置自動追尾型超音波血流計測装置
CN117918886A (zh) 一种基于超声波的血压监测装置、系统及方法
Linear et al. Ultrasound Imaging and Doppler
Merks Instantaneous ultrasonic assessment of urinary bladder volume
Raju et al. Common carotid artery flow velocity measurements in the newborn period with pulsed Doppler technique
Fitzgerald Doppler ultrasound arterial scanning
JP2004057532A (ja) 血流像の表示方法とその表示装置

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19990303

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB IE IT LI NL PT SE

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Free format text: 6A 61B 8/06 A, 6A 61B 5/103 B

A4 Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched

Effective date: 19991025

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A4

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB IE IT LI NL PT SE

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20030218

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN

18D Application deemed to be withdrawn

Effective date: 20030701