Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for localizing an object in space, such as a gallstone in a human, using stereo imaging and ultrasound imaging. The localization system is described in connection with a dry table shock wave lithotripter, and uses a conventional ultrasound imaging system but wherein the ultrasound transducer has been modified to enable its location in space to be readily determined automatically. This is accomplished by providing a hood fixed to this transducer, the hood having a plurality of reference points which may be in the form of light sources such as LEDs. This hood is imaged by head and foot video cameras.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 15, 1988
Date of Patent:
January 30, 1990
Assignee:
Medstone International, Inc.
Inventors:
Freeman H. Rose, Charles D. McGregor, Prabodh Mathur