DE102019116157A1 - Support device for an ultrasound probe - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a support device for guiding an ultrasound unit. It is the object of the invention to provide a device which minimizes the disadvantages of free-hand guidance and enables reproducible ultrasound recordings for the creation of a volume data set. The support device according to the invention has a base (2), a rotation unit (3), with at least one guide element (6) being provided on the base (2) for movably receiving the rotation unit (3), the rotation unit (3) being moveable on the base (2) and the rotation unit (3) comprises a receptacle (9) for an ultrasound probe. The invention enables a standardized recording method for tomographic ultrasound recordings.

Description

The invention relates to a support device with a receptacle for an ultrasound probe for the guided creation of image files for tomographic ultrasound recordings.

Among the known imaging methods such as ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance tomography (MRT), the ultrasound method is characterized, among other things, by its portability, cost efficiency and ease of use. In connection with an integrated or external position determination system with a position sensor unit or tracking unit, the so-called tracking, and a suitable reconstruction algorithm of a computing unit, a volume data set can also be generated and visualized from individual ultrasound images.

In the case of examinations with ultrasound, the image data are usually collected freehand; the user guides the ultrasound unit, in particular the ultrasound head or the ultrasound probe, without any other aids over the areas to be examined or over the target structure. This method of data acquisition regularly leads to limitations or artifacts in the subsequent generation of a volume data set, the tomographic ultrasound scan (TUS). For example, individual ultrasound slice recordings can overlap, excessive pressure with the ultrasound head can lead to deformation of the target structure, or too great a distance between the slices and / or changes in the angular position of the ultrasound unit can lead to incorrect representations of the volume data set.

It is therefore desirable to have a device that minimizes the aforementioned disadvantages of free-hand guidance and enables reproducible ultrasound recordings for the creation of a volume data set. The device should also be easy to handle and use, inexpensive and compatible with the largest possible number of known ultrasound units. It is therefore the object of the invention to provide such a device.

This object is achieved by a support device having the features of claim 1.

Advantageous refinements are each the subject matter of the dependent claims. It should be pointed out that the features listed individually in the claims can also be combined with one another in any desired and technologically meaningful manner and thus show further embodiments of the invention.

The support device according to the invention comprises a base and a rotary unit arranged movably on the base.

The base is preferably made of a dimensionally stable material, for example a plastic such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The material should be so stable that, on the one hand, it maintains its shape during the image acquisition, but on the other hand, the rigidity of the support device does not make it unnecessarily difficult. The person skilled in the art selects a suitable material according to the respective requirements.

The base is around the object to be examined, for example the neck, head, abdomen, one of the limbs or around another object, such as e.g. a phantom, placeable. For use in the TUS and with regard to the reproducibility of the image data, a base that is as circular as possible is advantageous. However, examination objects are conceivable in which a more elliptical cross-section or a partially elliptical cross-section — for any partial angular sections — of the base is desirable. The person skilled in the art selects a cross section suitable for the respective application.

The further shape of the base also depends on the planned use. Formations of the base are conceivable in which the base is more hollow-cylindrical, that is to say with a higher wall, in order to enable, for example, better attachment to the examination subject. Formations are also conceivable in which the base is more ring-shaped, that is to say with only a minimal wall.

The base has circumferential guide elements, preferably in the form of guide rails, for movably receiving the rotary unit. The rotation unit can preferably be moved through 360 ° along the guide elements and around the base, so it can be moved completely around the examination subject. However, embodiments are also conceivable in which the rotation unit is provided to be movable by any other angular sections along the guide elements and around the base, for example by up to 90 °, by up to 180 ° or by up to 270 °.

The guide elements are preferably provided at a first end of the base, in the case of a support device for receiving the neck, for example on the upper edge of the base. The guide elements are preferably provided in the form of rail elements encircling the base. The rail elements are preferably provided on both sides, both on the inside and on the outside of the base, i.e. both on the side of the base that faces the examination subject, as well as on the side facing away from the examination object. The rail elements can, for example, be provided with a T-profile or a single or multiple U-profile for receiving corresponding projections of the rotation unit. They can be provided in one piece as part of the base or be connected to the base as a single part or parts.

Guide elements arranged on one side, for example between the upper and lower edge, are also conceivable and can be advantageous in certain embodiments of the support device, but guide elements on both sides are preferred due to their greater stability.

The base can be provided with an uninterrupted wall. The support device is then put on by pulling it over the object to be examined.

In order to facilitate the application of the base to an examination object, a recess can optionally be provided in the wall of the base. The recess preferably extends over the entire height of the base so that it is open at this point and forms a gap. The shape of the gap can be adapted to the respective needs. It is thus conceivable that the ends of the base delimiting the gap lie parallel to one another or form an angle to one another or have some other irregular shape. The gap-shaped recess is provided at least partially closable. The person skilled in the art selects the width of the recess according to the respective purpose of the support device.

In order to simplify opening and closing - that is to say the application and removal of the support device on the examination object - additional means can be provided in order to be able to fold open the support device, for example. For this purpose, hinges are also conceivable, for example, this area being different from the area in which the gap-shaped opening is provided.

The optional at least partial closure of the recess takes place by means of one or more closing elements, for example clamps, clasps or a bridge element, which can be inserted into the recess. The closure of the recess must not hinder the mobility of the rotation unit. Accordingly, in the case of a bridge element, for example, a continuation of the guide elements must also be provided on the bridge element.

A bridge element is preferred as the closing element, since, even with a very rigid material of the base, it enables a large recess which is advantageous for easy application of the support device. The support device can thus easily be put on and removed and locked with the bridge element without any significant deformation of the base or additional means such as hinges. The bridge element and also the other closing elements close the cutout at least in the region of the guide elements in order to enable the rotation element to move freely along the guide elements.

An opening is only provided if it is not possible to place it directly on the examination object, i.e. H. a closed basic structure is also conceivable. If there is a lock, the movement of the rotation unit must not be hindered.

Fastening means and, if necessary, additional supporting means can be provided for fixing and adapting the support device to the respective examination object.

Fastening means can include, for example, belts, buckles, clamps, quick release devices or other fastening means. The fastening means can be provided on any part of the support device, for example on the base or also on the support elements, the mobility of the rotary unit not being impaired thereby.

Support means can in particular represent extensions that extend from the base and align the base, for example, against the back and / or the chest of the patient. The support means can be made in one piece with the base, but they can also be made as separate parts and attached to the base. Furthermore, it is conceivable to attach the base to another support structure, such as a table, chair, wall, etc., for example via the existing support means or via additional fixing means. The support means can have adjustment means for adjusting the distance between the support device and the examination subject, with the adjustment being able to take place, for example, by means of threaded or locking elements.

The support means and fastening means are preferably provided at a second end of the base.

The rotation unit comprises a receptacle for receiving an ultrasound head or an ultrasound probe or for receiving a corresponding adapter for an ultrasound head or an ultrasound probe. In addition, the rotation unit includes the guide elements of the base complementary projections or recesses, so that the rotary unit can be moved to the guide elements of the base. The rotation unit can preferably be moved along a defined orbit around the central axis of the base by an angle of rotation.

The receptacle for an ultrasound head or an ultrasound probe or a corresponding adapter for an ultrasound head or an ultrasound probe is preferably arranged at an angle of 90 ° to the rotation unit or to the wall of the base, so that the ultrasound probe is always at a right angle to the rotation unit or the base. to the wall of the base is held. In other words, the ultrasound probe is preferably oriented perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the base.

Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the angle between the receptacle and the rotation unit or the wall of the base can be adjusted and / or fixed by means of appropriate setting elements and / or fixing devices. The adjustable angle is preferably in a range between 30 ° and 150 °, more preferably in a range between 60 ° and 120 ° and in particular in a range between 80 ° and 100 °.

The fixed angle setting prevents the image content from overlapping during image acquisition. In connection with an optional internal or external position sensor or tracking unit, this reduces artifact phenomena in the reconstructed volume.

It is important that the rotation unit can be moved as easily and uniformly as possible for the quality of the data obtained by the ultrasound. Correspondingly, the curvature of the rotation unit follows the curvature of the base or the guide elements of the base, so that the rotation unit can be moved around the base by 360 ° or any other angular section along the guide elements, for example by up to 90 °, by up to 180 ° or by up to 270 °.

With regard to the design of the guide elements of the base and the complementary projections or recesses of the rotary unit, simple solutions are to be preferred for reasons of handling and for reasons of cost. As a rule, a good adaptation of the corresponding parts to one another is sufficient to achieve the required easy and uniform movability. However, it is also conceivable that further elements are provided in order to facilitate or improve the movability, such as wheels, rollers, ball bearings, etc., which can be provided between the rotation unit and the base, preferably fixed on the rotation unit.

The rotation unit and the receptacle are preferably made of a material that does not have a disruptive influence on the ultrasound imaging. Suitable materials are various plastics, such as PMMA, for example. However, it is also conceivable to produce the rotation unit and / or the receptacle using a 3D printing process, which enables particularly light constructions.

The support device can optionally include a tracking system with which the position of the rotation unit and, accordingly, the receptacle or the ultrasound unit along the base can be determined. The tracking system is preferably integrated into the base as an internal tracking system and connected to a processing unit via an interface. It is conceivable here to arrange a number of sensors that are suitable for detecting the position of the rotation unit, such as proximity sensors, pressure sensors, photo sensors, etc.

In addition to an internal tracking system, external tracking systems are also conceivable, which therefore record the position of the rotation unit from outside.

With the optional tracking system, duplicate recordings in the volume reconstruction of different slices can advantageously be avoided by precisely determining the position of the rotation unit.

The receptacle is preferably mounted in a radially displaceable manner on corresponding receptacle elements in the rotation unit. Locking elements for fixing the receptacle can be provided. The receiving elements enable a radial alignment of the receptacle and thus the ultrasound head or the ultrasound probe. If necessary, the ultrasound head or the ultrasound probe are introduced into the receptacle via a corresponding adapter, or the receptacle itself functions as an adapter. The receiving elements are preferably provided as simple rail elements with radial alignment. It would also be conceivable to have receiving elements in the form of a thread or in some other form which would allow a radial alignment of the receiving element and thus of the ultrasonic head or the ultrasonic probe or a corresponding adapter for an ultrasound head or an ultrasound probe.

The optional locking elements enable the holder to be locked in the desired position on the rotation unit. The locking elements in particular prevent a change in the angle of the ultrasound head or the ultrasound probe or a corresponding adapter for an ultrasound head or an ultrasound probe within the receptacle in the direction of the central axis of rotation during data acquisition. However, the possibility of translating the ultrasound head or the ultrasound probe or a corresponding adapter for an ultrasound head is optionally retained in order to allow adaptation to the surface of the examination object.

The person skilled in the art selects the type of locking elements according to the respective requirements. Suitable locking elements include, for example, snap-in elements, clamps, quick releases, etc.

The support device according to the invention has the advantage over the prior art that standardized and reproducible recording methods are possible and can be established with the aid of this device. In particular, the definable distance between the ultrasound unit and the examination subject and the defined guidance of the ultrasound unit minimize artifacts that are based on excessive pressure on the target structure or a varying distance from the target structure. In this way, significantly improved volume data can be created that enable a better assessment and an improved comparison of the target structures.

The secure attachment of the support device and the guidance of the rotation unit also enable reliable data acquisition both in the upright and in the lying position of the examination object.

The invention and the technical environment are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. It should be pointed out that the figures show a particularly preferred embodiment variant of the invention. However, the invention is not limited to the embodiment variant shown. In particular, as far as it is technically sensible, the invention comprises any combination of the technical features that are listed in the claims or described in the description as being relevant to the invention.

• 1 Eine bevorzugte Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Stützvorrichtung in perspektivischer Ansicht
• 2 Die bevorzugte Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Stützvorrichtung in Aufsicht
• 3 Die bevorzugte Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Stützvorrichtung in einer ersten Seitenansicht
• 4 Die bevorzugte Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Stützvorrichtung in einer zweiten um 90° gegenüber 3 gedrehten Seitenansicht

Show it:

• 1 A preferred embodiment of the support device according to the invention in a perspective view
• 2 The preferred embodiment of the support device according to the invention in plan view
• 3 The preferred embodiment of the support device according to the invention in a first side view
• 4th The preferred embodiment of the support device according to the invention in a second by 90 ° opposite 3 rotated side view

1 shows a preferred embodiment of the support device according to the invention 1 for TUS examinations, here for examinations on the neck, for example, with a base 2 and a rotating unit 3 . The base 2 is essentially ring-shaped and circular. The base points in front 2 a recess 4A for easy application of the support device 1 around the object to be examined. The recess 4A is with a bridge element 4th lockable

The base 2 comprises guide elements at its upper edge 6th in the form of a recess lying on the outside and on the inside at a corresponding point, which in cross section has a profile on the inside and outside grooves. The guiding elements 6th sit accordingly on the bridge element 4th away. In these indentations of the base 2 or the bridge element 4th grip projections of the rotating element 3 a. The element of rotation 3 can thus along the guide elements 6th can be moved by 360 ° or by any other angular segments around the examination object.

The rotation unit 3 also includes a recording 9 for an ultrasound unit or a corresponding adapter. This recording is translatory in the direction of the center of the support device 1 movable on receiving elements 5 in the rotation unit 3 stored.

In contrast to the usual freehand method, the image acquisition is with the support device according to the invention 1 very easily reproducible and less prone to artifacts, since the ultrasound unit, that is to say the ultrasound probe or the ultrasound head, is at defined distances from the examination subject along the guide elements 6th can be performed.

The support device 1 can either be attached directly to the examination object or to other means such as chairs, wall brackets or patient beds. The aim of the fixation is the relative movement between the support device 1 and to minimize the examination subject. There are therefore no fluctuations in the image distance and artifacts due to, for example, different levels of pressure on the target structure or an irregular distance from the target structure.

In the illustrated embodiment, the support device comprises 1 a tracking system 10 with which the position of the rotary unit 3 along the base 2 can be determined. The tracking system 10 is in the base 2 integrated and via an interface 11 with a computing unit 12 connected.

With the optional tracking system 10 can be determined by precisely determining the position of the rotation unit 3 Avoid duplicate exposures in the volume reconstruction of different slices.

At the bottom, the base includes fasteners 7th on which any conceivable support or connection elements to the body of the examiner can be fixed. The support element 8th supports the support device 1 towards the patient's body. In the illustrated embodiment of a support device 1 for an examination, for example on the patient's neck, the rear support element is used 8th intended for support against the back to promote stability.

The fasteners 7th serve to releasably fix the support device 1 on the examination subject. For this purpose, straps can be passed through the fastening elements in the embodiment shown 7th drawn and either crosswise or parallel to the corresponding front fastening elements 7th guided and tightened.

The recording 9 is intended for an ultrasound head or an ultrasound probe or a corresponding adapter. The recording 9 is along the receiving elements 5 translationally displaceable and by the rotation unit 3 radially displaceable.

2 shows the preferred embodiment of the support device 1 in a top view. The base 2 is ring-shaped with an integrated tracking system 10 , the sensors 10A of which are arranged at regular intervals. The ultrasound head A. the one in the recording 9 arranged ultrasound probe B. protrudes into the interior of the support device 1 . The recess 4A is through a bridge element 4th locked.

Alternative to the integrated tracking system shown 10 With sensors 10A, embodiments with an external position determination or tracking unit are also conceivable. A corresponding device for receiving such an external position determination or tracking unit can, for example, be attached to the receptacle 9 or the rotation unit 3 be provided (not shown).

3 shows the preferred embodiment of the support device 1 in a first side view. The ultrasound probe B. is about receiving elements 5 movable in the recording 9 arranged. The rear support member 8th is used to fix the support device 1 intended.

4th shows the preferred embodiment of the support device 1 in a second side view, the opposite 3 rotated by 90 °. The support device 1 includes fasteners 7th preferably at the bottom of the base 2 are provided and for example have the shape of eyelets. The fasteners 7th serve to establish the basis 2 For example, on the examination subject using straps or similar means that can be pulled through the eyelets in the present case. The recording 9 with the ultrasound probe B. is in the rotation unit 9 arranged, taking inclusion 9 or ultrasound probe B. and the rotating unit 3 preferably at a right angle ( α ) are arranged to each other. The ultrasound probe B. is preferably in the recording 9 fixable, the recording 9 per se, however, the rotation unit is preferably within the 3 along the receiving elements 5 Radially movable to make necessary distance corrections between the ultrasound head A. and to be able to balance the examination object.

List of reference symbols

1

Support device

2

Base

3

Rotation element

4th

Bridge element (4A recess)

5

Receiving element

6th

Guide element

7th

Fastener

8th

Support element

9

admission

10

Tracking system (position sensor unit, 10A sensors)

11

Interface (between tracking system and processing unit)

12

Arithmetic unit

A.

Ultrasound head

B.

Ultrasound probe

α

angle

Claims (10)

Support device for guiding an ultrasound unit with a base (2) and a rotation unit (3), wherein - the base (2) is essentially annular or hollow-cylindrical; - At least one guide element (6) for movably receiving the rotary unit (3) is provided on the base (2); - the rotation unit (3) is movably arranged on the base (2); and - the rotation unit (3) comprises a receptacle (9) for an ultrasound probe. Device according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the support device (1) comprises an external or internal position determination unit (10). Device according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that at least one fastening element (7) is provided on the base (2). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one support element (8) is provided on the base (2). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a recess (4A) is provided on the base (2). Device according to Claim 5 , characterized in that the recess (4A) can be closed with a bridge element (4). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotation unit (3) can be moved by any angular section along the at least one guide element (6) on the base (2). Device according to Claim 7 , characterized in that the rotation unit (3) can be moved through 360 ° along the at least one guide element (6) on the base (2). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receptacle (9) for an ultrasonic probe is arranged at an angle (a) of 90 ° to the rotation unit or to the base. Device according to one of the Claims 1 to 8th , characterized in that the angle (α) between the receptacle (9) and the rotation unit (3) or the base (4) can be adjusted and / or fixed by means of appropriate adjustment elements and / or fixing devices.

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