Tetrad Corporation

John E Shishilla

Joseph V Ranalletta

Dennis Raymond Dietz

Lawrence J Busse

Clyde G Oakley

The invention relates to a medical ultrasonic imaging probe, such as may be used in laparoscopic surgery. A probe is provided having both forward viewing and side viewing ultrasonic capabilities. An apparatus is provided for manipulating and orienting video ultrasound images on a video monitor according to the position of the probe. A probe is also provided having both an ultrasonic device and a surgical tool, such as an electrocautery hook for excising and/or cauterizing tissue, that can be closely monitored by the ultrasonic device. Also provided is an ultrasonic probe having lumens for placing ultrasonically transmissive medium adjacent to ultrasonic transducers. A removable, rigid sheath is provided to fit over a laparoscopic probe. Removable sheath that includes a lumen for transmission of surgical tools and the like, an inner chamber containing ultrasonically transmissive medium and sealed with a breakable membrane, a balloon that can be inflated with ultrasonically transmissive medium, and lumens for injecting ultrasonically transmissive medium in the vicinity of a probe's ultrasonic device of a probe inserted into the sheath are disclosed.

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Aurora, CO, United States of America

John E Shishilla