AU2001277972A1 - Probe tip - Google Patents
Probe tipInfo
- Publication number
- AU2001277972A1 AU2001277972A1 AU2001277972A AU7797201A AU2001277972A1 AU 2001277972 A1 AU2001277972 A1 AU 2001277972A1 AU 2001277972 A AU2001277972 A AU 2001277972A AU 7797201 A AU7797201 A AU 7797201A AU 2001277972 A1 AU2001277972 A1 AU 2001277972A1
- Authority
- AU
- Australia
- Prior art keywords
- inches
- probe
- ultrasound
- scan
- preferred
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000000523 sample Substances 0.000 title claims description 46
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920002678 cellulose Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000001913 cellulose Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 claims 2
- 238000002604 ultrasonography Methods 0.000 description 22
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 15
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 10
- 238000007654 immersion Methods 0.000 description 6
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000000499 gel Substances 0.000 description 5
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 4
- 244000052769 pathogen Species 0.000 description 3
- 230000004323 axial length Effects 0.000 description 2
- 210000004087 cornea Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 206010002091 Anaesthesia Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 208000002177 Cataract Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 208000024304 Choroidal Effusions Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 206010028980 Neoplasm Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000037005 anaesthesia Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000002159 anterior chamber Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000013078 crystal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 201000010099 disease Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 208000037265 diseases, disorders, signs and symptoms Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002207 retinal effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001356 surgical procedure Methods 0.000 description 1
- 210000001835 viscera Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000012800 visualization Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- 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
- A61B8/4272—Details of probe positioning or probe attachment to the patient involving the acoustic interface between the transducer and the tissue
- A61B8/4281—Details of probe positioning or probe attachment to the patient involving the acoustic interface between the transducer and the tissue characterised by sound-transmitting media or devices for coupling the transducer to the tissue
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B8/00—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
- A61B8/10—Eye inspection
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
- G01N21/17—Systems in which incident light is modified in accordance with the properties of the material investigated
- G01N21/25—Colour; Spectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands
- G01N21/31—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry
- G01N21/35—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light
- G01N21/3581—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light using far infrared light; using Terahertz radiation
Landscapes
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Molecular Biology (AREA)
- Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
- Pathology (AREA)
- Radiology & Medical Imaging (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
- Medical Informatics (AREA)
- Biophysics (AREA)
- Surgery (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Ultra Sonic Daignosis Equipment (AREA)
- Transducers For Ultrasonic Waves (AREA)
- Surgical Instruments (AREA)
Description
PROBE TIP
This invention relates to ultrasonic devices and more particularly to ultrasound diagnostic probes tips used in ophthalmology.
Background of the Invention
Many devices use ultrasound energy to construct images of internal organs to help diagnose and treat diseases and other medical conditions. In ophthalmology, for example, both A-Scan and B-Scan ultrasound diagnostic devices are used.
As best seen in FIG. 5, A-Scan biometry uses a relatively small probe and measures the distances between, and thicknesses of, various structures within the eye, such as lens thickness (L), anterior chamber depth (AC), posterior chamber depth (V) and overall axial length (AL). These measurements are useful in determining the required power of the artificial intraocular lens which is implanted during cataract surgery.
As best seen in FIG. 6, B-Scan ultrasound uses a larger probe having an internal motor that wobbles the ultrasound crystal contained within the handpiece. B-Scan ultrasound creates a real time image of the eye and is used to detect the presence of retinal or choroidal detachments, artifacts in the vitreous, tumors or foreign bodies in the eye or to view the posterior segment of the eye when visualization is obscured. B- Scan ultrasound will also make the same measurements made by A-Scan ultrasound.
Measurements using either A-Scan or B-Scan probes are usually performed using the contact method, during which the operative end of the probe is placed in contact with the cornea of the eye under anesthesia. A special ultrasound fluid or gel is used to couple acoustically the probe with the lid or cornea of the eye. This acoustic coupling fluid can make it difficult to align the probe properly, and the gel may irritate the eye tissue. To prevent the spread of pathogens, the probe needs to be cleaned between uses, a difficult and time-consuming step. Even when the probe is cleaned adequately to minimize the spread of any pathogens, the fluid used to clean the probe can irritate eye tissue. In addition, the contact method may not provide precise measurements due to corneal depression resulting from probe contact. The contact method is preferred by most operators, however, because it is easy to perform compared to the immersion method.
A second technique used to make A-Scan or B-Scan measurements is the immersion technique. With the immersion technique, the eye is anesthetized and small cup is placed on the eye. The cup is then filled with an acoustic coupling fluid and the probe is inserted into the cup. The immersion technique is considered to be 5 more accurate that the contact method because the probe does not contact and partially depress the eye. The immersion technique, however, is difficult to perform and time consuming and requires that the patient be laying down. In addition, bubbles in the coupling fluid can cause inaccuracies in the measurements.
Accordingly, a need continues to exist for a simple, safe, accurate and reliable o ultrasound coupling device.
Brief Summary of the Invention
The present invention improves upon prior art methods by providing a soft, s partially solidified, water-based ultrasound conductive cap sided and shaped to fit over the operative end of an ultrasound probe. The thickness of the cap may be varied to change the focal point during B-Scan biometry.
It is accordingly an objective of the present invention to provide an ultrasound conductive cap for ultrasound probes. o It is a further objective of the present invention to provide an ultrasound conductive cap that reduces or eliminates the need for an acoustic gel.
Still another objective of the present invention is to provide an ultrasound conductive cap that allows for more accurate ultrasound measurements.
Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide an ultrasound 5 conductive cap that helps prevent the spread of pathogens.
Yet another objective of the present invention is to allow for a biometry procedure that is simple and faster than the contact method and with the precision of the immersion method.
Other objectives, features and advantages of the present invention will become o apparent with reference to the drawings, and the following description of the drawings and claims.
Brief Description of the Drawings
FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the probe cap of the present invention useful with an A-Scan ultrasound probe. FIG. 2 is a cross-section view of the probe cap of the present invention taken along line 2-2 in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the probe cap of the present invention useful with an B-Scan ultrasound probe.
FIG. 4 is a cross-section view of the probe cap of the present invention taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 a schematic representation of the cap illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 being used to take a measurement of an eye.
FIG. 6 a schematic representation of the cap illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 being used to take a measurement of an eye. '
Detailed Description of the Invention
As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 4, probe tip 10 and 10' of the present invention are generally cup-shaped in cross-section, with wall 12 and 12' and end cap 14 and 14', end caps 14 or 14' closing off one end of wall 12 or 12', respectively. Tip 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 , 2 and 5 is suitable for use with an A-Scan probe and tip 10' illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3 and 6 is suitable for use with a B-Scan probe. Tips 10 and 10' are preferably made of a water-based gel such as a cross-linked cellulose derivative, but any suitable material may be used. Suitable gels are commercially available for sources such as Pharmaceutical Innovations, Inc., Newark, New Jersey.
As best see in FIGS. 1 , 2 and 5 tip 10 suitable for use on an A-Scan probe may be of any suitable inner and outer diameter, but will generally have an inner radius R, of between 0.15 inches and 0.70 inches, with approximately 0.25 inches being preferred, and an outer radius R0 of between 0.25 inches and 0.85 inches, with approximately 0.45 inches being preferred. Wall 12 may be of any suitable height Wh necessary to hold tip 10 on probe 16, but will generally be between 0.10 inches and 0.80 inches high, with approximately 0.40 inches being preferred. To assist in the installation of tip 10 on probe 16, vent hole 18 may be provided having a diameter D
of between 0.01 inches and 0.10 inches, with 0.05 inches being preferred. End cap 14 may have any suitable thickness ECt, but preferably is between 0.10 and 0.40 inches thick, with approximately 0.12 inches being preferred. End cap 14 also preferably is formed with a curved shape to fit probe 16 and eye 20 securely with minimal rocking and good acoustic contact, with an inner radius R2 of between 0.75 inches and 1 .25 inches with approximately 0.90 inches being preferred and an outer radius R3 of between 0.60 inches and 1.40 inches, with approximately 1 .00 inches being preferred. Wall 12 and end cap 14 are preferably joined by internal radius R4 which is preferably between 0.01 inches and 0.05 inches, with 0.03 inches being preferred and external radius R5 which is preferably between 0.05 inches and 0.1 5 inches, with 0.10 inches being preferred.
As best see in FIGS. 3, 4 and 6 tip 10' suitable for use on an B-Scan probe may be of any suitable inner and outer diameter, but will generally have an inner radius R of between 0.50 inches and 1 .50 inches, with approximately 0.70 inches being s preferred, and an outer radius R0' of between 0.85 inches and 1 .70 inches, with approximately 0.90 inches being preferred. Wall 12' may be of any suitable height Wh' necessary to hold tip 10' on probe 22, but will generally be between 0.20 inches and 0.80 inches high, with approximately 0.25 inches being preferred. To assist in the installation of tip 10' on probe 22, vent hole 18' may be provided having a diameter D' 0 of between 0.01 inches and 0.10 inches, with 0.05 inches being preferred, located a distance W1 from end cap 14' of between 0.01 inches and 0.10 inches, with 0.05 inches being preferred, from end cap 14'. End cap 14' may have any suitable thickness ECt, but preferably is between 0.10 and 0.40 inches thick, with approximately 0.12 inches being preferred. End cap 14 also preferably is formed with flat internal face 1 5 and 5 curved outer face 1 7 with and an outer radius R3' of between 0.60 inches and 1.40 inches, with approximately 1 .00 inches being preferred. Wall 12' and end cap 14' are preferably joined by internal radius R4' which is preferably between 0.03 inches and 0.07 inches, with 0.05 inches being preferred and external radius R5' which is preferably between 0.10 inches and 0.30 inches, with 0.20 inches being preferred. o One skilled in the art will recognize that the dimensions discussed above may be increased or decreased as required for the probe selected.
In use, as best seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, tip 10 or 10' may be place on the end of A- Scan probe 16 or B-Scan probe 22, respectively and used to make ultrasound
measurements of eye 20 or 20'. Tips 10 and 10' may be shipped individually, or may be shipped in a multiple egg carton-like container (not shown).
While the probe tips of the present invention has been described with reference to ophthalmic ultrasound probes, the present invention may also be useful when used in combination with phased array cardiology probes, linear array, curved array and annual array radiology probes
While certain embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these descriptions are given for purposes of illustration and explanation. Variations, changes, modifications and departures from the systems and methods disclosed above may be adopted without departure from the scope or spirit of the present invention.
Claims (5)
- I claim: 1 . A probe tip, comprising: a) a circumferential wall; and b) an end cap closing off an end of the wall,wherein the wall and the end cap are sized and shaped to fit on an end of a probe and the tip is made from a water-based, ultrasonically conductive material.
- 2. The probe tip of claim 1 wherein the water-based ultrasonically conductive material is a cross-linked cellulose derivative.
- 3. The probe tip of claim 1 wherein the end cap is sized and shaped to fit on the end of the probe with minimal rocking and good acoustic contact.
- 4. The probe tip of claim 1 wherein the wall contains a vent hole.
- 5. The probe tip of claim 2 wherein the gel is a cross-linked cellulose derivative.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US62533900A | 2000-07-25 | 2000-07-25 | |
US09625339 | 2000-07-25 | ||
PCT/US2001/023192 WO2002007590A2 (en) | 2000-07-25 | 2001-07-23 | Probe tip |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
AU2001277972A1 true AU2001277972A1 (en) | 2002-02-05 |
Family
ID=24505606
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
AU2001277972A Abandoned AU2001277972A1 (en) | 2000-07-25 | 2001-07-23 | Probe tip |
Country Status (8)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1303217A2 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2004504091A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2001277972A1 (en) |
BR (1) | BR0112687A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2412577A1 (en) |
IL (1) | IL153850A0 (en) |
MX (1) | MXPA03000022A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2002007590A2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7178530B2 (en) * | 2002-10-25 | 2007-02-20 | Rines Robert H | Method of ameliorating vision-inhibiting effects of cataracts and the like |
JP4895748B2 (en) | 2006-09-29 | 2012-03-14 | 株式会社ニデック | Ophthalmic ultrasound system |
US20140257108A1 (en) * | 2013-02-15 | 2014-09-11 | G. Chad MORGAN | Preconfigured ultrasound conductive medium |
US9050053B2 (en) | 2013-02-15 | 2015-06-09 | Naimco, Inc. | Ultrasound device with cavity for conductive medium |
Family Cites Families (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE3133434A1 (en) * | 1981-08-24 | 1983-03-10 | Gilbert 07041 Millburn N.J. Buchalter | Contact medium and method for attaching a transducer to a patient |
JPS61146234A (en) * | 1984-12-20 | 1986-07-03 | ダイセル化学工業株式会社 | Catalytic substance for ultrasonic diagnosis |
US4966953A (en) * | 1988-06-02 | 1990-10-30 | Takiron Co., Ltd. | Liquid segment polyurethane gel and couplers for ultrasonic diagnostic probe comprising the same |
EP0413028B1 (en) * | 1988-08-30 | 1995-07-12 | Fujitsu Limited | Acoustic coupler |
US5579769A (en) * | 1992-12-02 | 1996-12-03 | Shiseido Company, Ltd. | Coupling medium for probe of ultrasonograph |
FR2791249B1 (en) * | 1999-03-25 | 2001-06-15 | Edap Technomed | COUPLING MEDIUM FOR POWER ULTRASOUND |
-
2001
- 2001-07-23 BR BR0112687-3A patent/BR0112687A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2001-07-23 JP JP2002513335A patent/JP2004504091A/en active Pending
- 2001-07-23 MX MXPA03000022A patent/MXPA03000022A/en unknown
- 2001-07-23 AU AU2001277972A patent/AU2001277972A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2001-07-23 IL IL15385001A patent/IL153850A0/en unknown
- 2001-07-23 CA CA002412577A patent/CA2412577A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2001-07-23 EP EP01955922A patent/EP1303217A2/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2001-07-23 WO PCT/US2001/023192 patent/WO2002007590A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
IL153850A0 (en) | 2003-07-31 |
EP1303217A2 (en) | 2003-04-23 |
CA2412577A1 (en) | 2002-01-31 |
WO2002007590A3 (en) | 2002-05-23 |
BR0112687A (en) | 2003-07-29 |
WO2002007590A2 (en) | 2002-01-31 |
MXPA03000022A (en) | 2004-09-13 |
JP2004504091A (en) | 2004-02-12 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
MK4 | Application lapsed section 142(2)(d) - no continuation fee paid for the application |