Patents Assigned to Verathon, Inc.
  • Patent number: 11957319
    Abstract: An endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) bronchoscope is configured as a single-use (e.g., disposable) device. The bronchoscope includes an insertion tube having a proximal section adjacent the handle and a distal tip. An ultrasound transducer assembly is located at the distal tip. The ultrasound transducer assembly includes an ultrasound transducer array, transmit-and-receive circuitry for the ultrasound transducer array, and a flexible interconnection between the ultrasound transducer array and the transmit-and-receive circuitry. The insertion tube further includes an imaging lumen including one or more power cables and one or more communication wires that extend from the ultrasound transducer assembly through the proximal section and a working channel that is separate from the imaging lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: VERATHON INC.
    Inventors: Kendall R. Waters, Moira Galvin
  • Patent number: 11944488
    Abstract: A track-based scanning system uses an ultrasound probe that is mechanically guided through incremental scans over an area of interest. The scanning system can be configured for different patient applications using interchangeable track stands. Two-dimensional scan data and probe position information are fed back to a base unit for processing and assembly of a three-dimensional (3D) shape model. 3D abdominal aorta segmentation and other type of analysis may be performed based on a 3D vascular shape model and an intensity model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: VERATHON INC.
    Inventors: Fuxing Yang, Jeremiah DeHaan
  • Patent number: 11911220
    Abstract: A system includes a number of transducers configured to transmit ultrasound signals directed to a target blood vessel and receive echo information associated with the transmitted ultrasound signals. The system also includes a processing device configured to process the echo information, generate ultrasound images of the blood vessel at a number of locations and generate an estimated diameter of the blood vessel at the locations. The processing device is also configured to output image information associated with the blood vessel and output a maximum estimated diameter of the blood vessel or the estimated diameters at the number of locations based on the image information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Verathon Inc.
    Inventors: Monali Padwal, Joon Hwan Choi, Nasser Saber, Fuxing Yang
  • Patent number: 11883008
    Abstract: A video data cable for use with a video medical device comprising an image capture device includes a processor; data storage; logic to identify the video medical device; logic to determine which of the video medical device or the data cable have a most up-to-date set of image capture settings based on the identified video medical device; logic to transmit the most up-to-date set of image capture settings to the video medical device when it is determined that the data cable includes the most up-to-date set of image capture settings; and logic to receive the most up-to-date set of image capture settings to the video medical device when it is determined that the data cable includes the most up-to-date set of image capture settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Verathon Inc.
    Inventors: Reza Ahmadian Yazdi, Daniel Roodnick, Willie Mah, Xiaoping Liu, Rohan Sidhu
  • Patent number: 11826200
    Abstract: A system may include an ultrasound probe and a controller unit configured to communicate with the ultrasound probe. The controller unit may be further configured to select an aiming mode for the ultrasound probe; select a first aiming mode plane, scanning mode, or imaging mode; select at least one additional aiming mode plane, scanning mode, or imaging mode; toggle between obtaining and displaying ultrasound images associated with the first aiming mode plane, scanning mode, or imaging mode and obtaining and displaying ultrasound images associated with the at least one additional aiming mode plane, scanning mode, or imaging mode; receive a selection of a three-dimensional (3D) scan mode; and perform a 3D scan using the ultrasound probe, in response to receiving the selection of the 3D scan mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Verathon Inc.
    Inventors: Joon Hwan Choi, Fuxing Yang
  • Patent number: 11800971
    Abstract: An endoscope system, comprises an endoscope device that includes a handle, a shaft projecting from the handle, a flexible tip coupled to a distal portion of the shaft, and a pair of pull wires extending from the handle portion through the shaft portion and coupled to the flexible tip. The handle portion includes a control wheel assembly coupled to the pair of pull wires. The handle includes a control lever coupled to the control wheel assembly. Manipulation of the control lever causes rotation of the control wheel assembly, which then causes deflection of the flexible tip via the pull wires. The control wheel assembly comprises at least two control wheels. Each of the at least two control wheels are capable of independent rotation to provide accurate tensioning of the pair of pull wires during assembly of the endoscope system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: Verathon Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Leong, Reza Yazdi, Matthew Pryl, Bernard Lambrechts, Rohan Sidhu, Yongkook Kim
  • Patent number: 11684344
    Abstract: A system includes a probe configured to transmit ultrasound signals directed to a target blood vessel and receive echo information associated with the transmitted ultrasound signals. The system also includes at least one processing device configured to process the received echo information and generating a three-dimensional ultrasound image of the target blood vessel; obtain a three-dimensional vascular model corresponding to the target blood vessel; identify a best-fit of the three-dimensional vascular model onto the three-dimensional target image; store the best fit of the three-dimensional vascular model as a segmentation result; and calculate, based on the segmentation result, measurements for the target blood vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: VERATHON INC.
    Inventor: Fuxing Yang
  • Patent number: 11647990
    Abstract: A system may include an ultrasound probe and a controller unit configured to obtain a baseline ultrasound image of a patient's breast area using the ultrasound probe and to obtain a follow-up ultrasound image of the patient's breast area using the ultrasound probe. The controller unit may further be configured to use one or more machine learning models to compare the baseline ultrasound image with the follow-up ultrasound image; detect a change in a morphology or integrity of the patient's breast area based on the comparison of the baseline ultrasound image with the follow-up ultrasound image; and generate a recommendation for a medical intervention based on the detected change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Verathon Inc.
    Inventors: Monali Padwal, Kendall R. Waters, Joon Hwan Choi, Fuxing Yang
  • Patent number: 11596381
    Abstract: A system may include an ultrasound probe and a controller unit configured to communicate with the ultrasound probe. The controller unit may be further configured to transmit ultrasound signals using the ultrasound probe toward an area of interest in a patient's body, wherein the ultrasound signals include a fundamental frequency signal and at least one harmonic frequency signal; receive echo signals from the area of interest based on the transmitted ultrasound signals; obtain a fundamental frequency echo signal and at least one harmonic frequency echo signal from the received echo signals; and generate a visual representation of the area of interest based on the obtained fundamental frequency echo signal and the obtained at least one harmonic frequency echo signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Verathon Inc.
    Inventors: Joon Hwan Choi, Fuxing Yang
  • Patent number: 11564656
    Abstract: A system includes an ultrasound probe comprising an ultrasound transducer, a first motor configured to rotate the ultrasound transducer around a horizontal axis to scan a plane, and a second motor configured to rotate the ultrasound transducer around a vertical axis to move to a different plane. The system further includes a controller unit configured to select a number of scan planes for an interlacing scan to scan a volume of an area of interest in a patient's body using the ultrasound probe; select an interlacing factor for the interlacing scan; divide the scan planes into groups of scan planes based on the interlacing factor; and perform the interlacing scan by controlling the first motor and the second motor, wherein the first motor moves in a first direction for at least some of the scan planes and in a second direction for other ones of the scan planes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Verathon Inc.
    Inventors: Joon Hwan Choi, Fuxing Yang
  • Patent number: 11536395
    Abstract: A cable clip for use with a medical instrument system comprises a base member; a first prong projecting from the base member; and a second prong projecting from the base member. The first prong and the second prong project in a spaced, parallel manner relative to each other and the first prong is offset from the second prong in at least two dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: VERATHON INC.
    Inventors: Hugh Leung, Karen Langman, Daniel Roodnick
  • Patent number: 11464490
    Abstract: A method for providing real-time feedback and semantic-rich guidance on ultrasound image quality is performed by a processor in an ultrasound system. The method includes receiving an ultrasound image and classifying the ultrasound image into one or more categories based on image features. The classifying creates a classified image. The method also includes determining whether the classified image provides an acceptable representation of a target organ. In response to determining that the classified image does not provide an acceptable representation of the target organ, the method includes selecting operator guidance corresponding to the one or more category; presenting via a display and/or audible sound, the selected operator guidance; and receiving additional ultrasound images. The method further includes calculating a result based on the classified image in response to determining that the classified image provides an acceptable representation of the target organ.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Verathon Inc.
    Inventors: Si Luo, Dave Scott
  • Patent number: 11389139
    Abstract: A method for providing artifact detection and visualization during ultrasound image collection is performed by a processor in an ultrasound system. The method includes receiving ultrasound image data from an ultrasound probe, detecting areas with artifacts in the ultrasound image data, classifying the areas with artifacts into one of a plurality of available artifact classes, generating an indication of the areas with artifact for an ultrasound-based image, wherein the indications include a designation of the artifact class, and presenting to an operator the ultrasound-based image and the indication of the areas with artifacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: VERATHON INC.
    Inventors: Fuxing Yang, Joon Hwan Choi
  • Patent number: 11363978
    Abstract: A bladder monitoring system includes a scanning system and a wearable bladder monitoring device (or patch). The scanning system obtains scan data that shows a bladder in a patient and identifies, based on the scan data, a placement location on the patient for the wearable bladder monitoring device. The scanning system indicates the placement location to a user; and identifies customization settings for one or more sensors of the wearable bladder monitoring device to enable the one or more sensors to detect extents of the bladder when the wearable bladder monitoring device is attached at the placement location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: Verathon Inc.
    Inventors: Fuxing Yang, Joon Hwan Choi, Si Luo, Dave Scott, Kendall R. Waters
  • Patent number: 11278259
    Abstract: A system includes a probe configured to transmit ultrasound signals to a target blood vessel, and receive echo information associated with the transmitted ultrasound signals. The system may also include at least one processing device configured process the received echo information and generate an ultrasound image of the blood vessel and identify a seed position within the blood vessel based on the ultrasound image. The at least one processing device may further generate an estimated contour for a lumen of the blood vessel based on pixel intensity values associated with the ultrasound image, generate an estimated contour for the blood vessel using the pixel intensity values, determine whether a thrombus exists within the blood vessel and output image information illustrating the estimated contours of the lumen and the blood vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Verathon Inc.
    Inventors: Fuxing Yang, Joon Hwan Choi
  • Patent number: 11147491
    Abstract: A system includes at least one wearable device configured to monitor a bladder volume of a user associated with the at least one wearable device, monitor moisture associated with the user, and transmit information regarding the bladder volume and moisture. The system also includes a display device configured to receive the information regarding the bladder volume and moisture from the at least one wearable device, and display information to the user based on the received information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Verathon Inc.
    Inventors: Kendall R. Waters, Si Luo, Joon Hwan Choi
  • Patent number: 10993704
    Abstract: A method for calibrating an ultrasound probe includes receiving, from the ultrasound probe, data of a target within a test fixture, wherein the target includes a repetitive pattern along two axes; generating a first ultrasound image of the target; and identifying distortion of the target in the first ultrasound image. The method also includes estimating, based on identifying the distortion, offset parameter values for one or more of three angular errors within the ultrasound probe; generating a second ultrasound image of the target using the offset parameter values; identifying corrected distortion of the target in the second ultrasound image; and storing the offset parameter values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Verathon Inc.
    Inventor: Joon Hwan Choi
  • Patent number: 10949976
    Abstract: A method for determining a contour of an organ in an ultrasound image is performed by a processor in a base unit. The method includes detecting an organ within the ultrasound image; obtaining a centroid position for the organ; extending a set of radial lines from the centroid position beyond an expected organ boundary; determining cost values at candidate nodes on each radial line, of the set of radial lines, by applying costs along gradient vectors that are normal to a contour between adjacent nodes on different radial lines; and selecting a final organ boundary contour based on a cost function analysis of paths through the candidate nodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Verathon Inc.
    Inventors: Joon Hwan Choi, Fuxing Yang
  • Patent number: 10820792
    Abstract: A video laryngoscope system, comprising a laryngoscope blade coupled to a video monitor via a data cable. At least one of the video monitor or the data cable comprise logic to: identify the laryngoscope blade; determine which of the laryngoscope blade, the video monitor, and the data cable have a most up-to-date set of image capture settings based on the identified laryngoscope blade; and transmit the most up-to-date set of image capture settings to the laryngoscope blade for use in capturing intra-airway images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: VERATHON INC.
    Inventors: Reza Ahmadian Yazdi, Daniel Roodnick, Willie Mah, Xiaoping Liu, Rohan Sidhu
  • Patent number: 10285668
    Abstract: Embodiments include systems and or methods directed to ultrasound calibration, real-time C-mode approaches, calibration using a plate target, a ball-and-socket scan mechanism, a spherical spiral path scan mechanism, and a wireless disposable laryngoscope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Verathon Inc.
    Inventors: Si Luo, Joon Hwan Choi, Stephen Dudycha, Adam Scott Garrison, Craig E. Nelson, Matthew Caprio, Andrew Yum