CIVCO Engineer Craig Cermak Awarded Patent for Innovative Ultrasound Tracking Device
KALONA, Iowa, USA, – CIVCO Senior Design Engineer Craig Cermak was recently awarded United States Patent Number 7,926,776, entitled “Bracket for mounting at least one position detection sensor on an ultrasonic probe.” Cermak has been with CIVCO for 20 years and has been awarded several other patents with the company; he has additional patent applications currently in the review process.
Cermak’s most recent patent is implemented into the GE VNAV (volume navigation) brackets released by CIVCO last year, and it allows electromagnetic tracking (EMT) sensors to be attached to an ultrasound probe. This key innovation enabled CIVCO to develop the eTRAX Needle Tracking System. “The concept was to merge ultrasonography with other imaging modalities, such as CT, via EM tracking,” said Cermak. “By use of the patented attachment method electromagnetic trackers are positioned on the ultrasound probe allowing ultrasound images to be merged in real time with pre-acquired data from other imaging modalities. This enhanced imaging method can allow for improved diagnosis and treatment.”
CIVCO strives to continuously build up its portfolio of intellectual property. This invention was designed throughout 2009 and the patent was issued in May of 2011. Patent applications can typically take anywhere from 2 to 6 years to process in the US.
About CIVCO
CIVCO Medical Solutions has over 30 years of experience and offers cutting-edge medical technology to a diverse group of medical professionals. The Multi-Modality Imaging (MMI) unit designs and manufactures accessories for use in diagnostic and therapeutic imaging and interventional procedures, with a strong focus on ultrasound. MMI’s products range from infection control products including a wide range of ultrasound and CT covers to device guidance, positioning and electromagnetic needle tracking. CIVCO’s Radiation Oncology division designs and manufactures products for radiation oncology treatment, including basic patient positioning equipment as well as high technology robotic motion management and advanced patient positioning for SBRT. CIVCO strives to offer patients and clinicians the newest and best technology available to improve patient care.
Corporate information is available at www.CIVCO.com.
For further information please contact:
Liz Etchells
Marketing Communications Specialist
CIVCO Medical Solutions
Tel: 319-248-6551
liz.etchells@civco.com
COPYRIGHT © 2011. CIVCO AND eTRAX ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF CIVCO MEDICAL SOLUTIONS. ALL PRODUCTS MAY NOT BE LICENSED IN ACCORDANCE WITH CANADIAN LAW. 2011C-2559.
