EP0059785B1 - Ultrasound applicator - Google Patents

Ultrasound applicator Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0059785B1
EP0059785B1 EP81108433A EP81108433A EP0059785B1 EP 0059785 B1 EP0059785 B1 EP 0059785B1 EP 81108433 A EP81108433 A EP 81108433A EP 81108433 A EP81108433 A EP 81108433A EP 0059785 B1 EP0059785 B1 EP 0059785B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
liquid
ultrasonic
bag
applicator according
clamping element
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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.)
Expired
Application number
EP81108433A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0059785A1 (en
Inventor
Johann Beyer
Walter Derndinger
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Siemens AG
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Siemens AG
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Siemens AG filed Critical Siemens AG
Priority to AT81108433T priority Critical patent/ATE11609T1/en
Publication of EP0059785A1 publication Critical patent/EP0059785A1/en
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Publication of EP0059785B1 publication Critical patent/EP0059785B1/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10K—SOUND-PRODUCING DEVICES; METHODS OR DEVICES FOR PROTECTING AGAINST, OR FOR DAMPING, NOISE OR OTHER ACOUSTIC WAVES IN GENERAL; ACOUSTICS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G10K11/00—Methods or devices for transmitting, conducting or directing sound in general; Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general
    • G10K11/02—Mechanical acoustic impedances; Impedance matching, e.g. by horns; Acoustic resonators

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an ultrasound applicator according to the features of the preamble of claim 1.
  • the organs of interest for ultrasound scanning e.g. B. kidneys, thyroid, liver, heart or in women also the female breast, at quite different depths. This means that these organs do not always have the optimal position with regard to the focus of the scanning ultrasound lobe. In principle, this applies to all ultrasound applicators with direct coupling to the body surface only via a coupling gel.
  • Such applicators are e.g. B. normal compound scanners, mechanical sector scanners and in particular also ultrasound arrays in any training, as z. B. in the article "Real-time sonography with the linear array scanner Multison 400 by V. Zurinski and R. Haerten in the magazine" E-lectromedica 46 (1978) No. 4, on pages 141 to 148 are described .
  • ultrasound applicators are also known in which the vibrating elements are coupled to the body via a water flow path.
  • the device known from the brochure «VIDO S ON 735 SM Ultrasound Real-Time Tomograph with water inlet section DATA E 441 from 1979 without special measures does not allow the distance of the vibrating elements from the body surface within the water inlet section to be varied
  • ultrasound is possible -Array of DE-PS 2529112 such a change in distance possible.
  • the latter ultrasound applicator is specifically a sector scanner that scans line by line due to the curved design of the ultrasound array in a sector.
  • a displacement device is provided which enables a change in the distance between the curved array and the coupling point on the body within the water flow path.
  • the object of the invention is to design an ultrasound applicator according to the preamble of claim 1 in such a way that it can be easily and quickly adjusted to different depth sensing in the sense of the above explanations.
  • the invention makes it possible for the ultrasound head to be preceded by a liquid bag (with, for example, water or an oil which conducts the ultrasound well or the like), which elastically changes the distance between sound-generating vibrating elements of the ultrasound head and the body surface, which in turn changes the scanning depth becomes.
  • a liquid bag with, for example, water or an oil which conducts the ultrasound well or the like
  • the fluid sack is easy to assemble and can be dismantled just as quickly if you scan from areas close to the skin (e.g. thyroid, kidneys, female breast) to scan deeper organs (e.g. liver, intestine or even heart) should be switched. In the latter case, direct coupling is then carried out again with the omission of the liquid bag.
  • the dimensions of the liquid sack can be changed by inflating it to different extents, so that this enables a further depth variation when using such a sack.
  • the ultrasound array is designated as 1 as an ultrasound applicator.
  • the ultrasound array has a connection 2 for an electrical signal and power supply cable.
  • the actual ultrasound head is labeled 2.
  • a liquid bag 4 is connected upstream of the ultrasound head 2 with the transducer elements 3.
  • the latter consists of a sleeve 5 made of stretchable material, e.g. B. natural rubber, which is filled with a liquid that conducts ultrasound well, in particular water or a corresponding oil. In the present case, water is used as the filling material, which is also specially prepared against fungal attack by a special agent.
  • the liquid bag 4 is clamped to the ultrasound head 2 of the array 1 by means of a simple clamping part 7, which has the shape shown in FIG.
  • the clamping part from z. B. resilient plastic material, e.g. B.
  • the water bag itself can have different dimensions corresponding to different application conditions. With one and the same array, the dimensions of the liquid sack can be changed within certain limits by means of water inflation of different strengths, so that this enables a further depth variation when using such a sack.
  • the rail 12 is arranged in each case inside the liquid sack 4, as is the case for. B. is indicated in Figures 1 and 2.
  • the fluid bag 4 connected upstream of the transducer elements 3 of the transducer serves as an elastic spacer; depending on its dimensions, it varies the depth at which the focus of the scanning lobe of the ultrasound head 2 comes to rest.
  • organs in the area close to the skin can be scanned. If switching to lower organs is to be carried out on scanning, the sack 4 is removed again and the ultrasound head 2 with the transducer elements 3 is coupled directly (only via the coupling gel) to the body surface.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Ultra Sonic Daignosis Equipment (AREA)
  • Surgical Instruments (AREA)

Abstract

In an exemplary embodiment an ultrasonic head comprises at least one transducer element which, possibly via a liquid precursory path, transmits ultrasonic signals and receives echo signals. It is the object of the disclosure to design the applicator such that it is simply and rapidly adjustable to variable depth scanning. In accordance with the disclosure this object is achieved in that the liquid precursory path has the form of a sack, containing the liquid, which sack is capable of being coupled with the transducer element or elements on the ultrasonic head in the manner of a spacer by a readily detachable mounting arrangement.

Description

Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf einen Ultraschallapplikator gemäß den Merkmalen des Oberbegriffs des Anspruchs 1.The invention relates to an ultrasound applicator according to the features of the preamble of claim 1.

Im menschlichen Körper liegen die für eine Ultraschallabtastung interessanten Organe, wie z. B. Nieren, Schilddrüse, Leber, Herz bzw. bei Frauen auch die weibliche Brust, in recht unterschiedlichen Tiefen. Damit weisen diese Organe nicht immer optimale Lage bezüglich des Fokus der abtastenden Ultraschallkeule auf. Dies gilt im Prinzip für alle Ultraschallapplikatoren mit Direktankopplung an der Körperoberfläche lediglich über ein Ankoppelgel. Solche Applikatoren sind z. B. normale Compound-Scanner, mechanische Sektorabtaster und insbesondere auch UItraschall-Arrays in beliebiger Ausbildung, wie sie z. B. in dem Aufsatz « Real-Time-Sonographie mit dem Linear-Array-Scanner Multison 400 von V. Zurinski und R. Haerten in der Zeitschrift « E-lectromedica 46 (1978) Heft 4, auf den Seiten 141 bis 148 beschrieben sind. Darüber hinaus sind aber auch noch solche Ultraschallapplikatoren bekannt, bei denen die Schwingerelemente über eine Wasservorlaufstrecke am Körper angekoppelt werden. Während jedoch das aus dem Prospekt « VIDOSON 735 SM Ultraschall-Real-Time-Tomograph mit Wasservorlaufstrecke DATA E 441 aus dem Jahre 1979 vorbekannte Gerät ohne besondere Maßnahmen keine Variation des Abstandes der Schwingerelemente von der Körperoberfläche innerhalb der Wasservorlaufstrecke ermöglicht, ist beim Ultraschall-Array der DE-PS 2529112 eine solche Abstandsänderung möglich. Bei letztgenanntem Ultraschallapplikator handelt es sich speziell um einen Sektor-Scanner, der aufgrund der gekrümmten Auslegung des Ultraschall-Arrays in einem Sektor zeilenweise abtastet. Es ist eine Verschiebeeinrichtung vorgesehen, die innerhalb der Wasservorlaufstrecke eine Veränderung des Abstandes zwischen gekrümmtem Array und Ankoppelstelle am Körper ermöglicht. Hierdurch kann die Spitze des Sektorfeldes im Innern des Körpers unter gleichzeitiger Verschiebung des gesamten Sektorfeldes in gewissem Maße geändert werden. Die Lösung der DE-PS 25 29 112 läßt sich einerseits aber bestenfalls nur auf reine Sektorabtastung anwenden. Sie ist andererseits auch relativ kompliziert, weil ein Ultraschallkopf mit Schwingerelementen innerhalb eines Wasserbades im Gehäuse des Ultraschallapplikators angeordnet und verschoben werden muß. Wünschenswert ist eine technisch sehr viel einfachere und zudem auch universell auf jegliche Art von Ultraschallapplikatoren gemäß Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1 anwendbare Lösung.The organs of interest for ultrasound scanning, e.g. B. kidneys, thyroid, liver, heart or in women also the female breast, at quite different depths. This means that these organs do not always have the optimal position with regard to the focus of the scanning ultrasound lobe. In principle, this applies to all ultrasound applicators with direct coupling to the body surface only via a coupling gel. Such applicators are e.g. B. normal compound scanners, mechanical sector scanners and in particular also ultrasound arrays in any training, as z. B. in the article "Real-time sonography with the linear array scanner Multison 400 by V. Zurinski and R. Haerten in the magazine" E-lectromedica 46 (1978) No. 4, on pages 141 to 148 are described . In addition, however, ultrasound applicators are also known in which the vibrating elements are coupled to the body via a water flow path. However, while the device known from the brochure «VIDO S ON 735 SM Ultrasound Real-Time Tomograph with water inlet section DATA E 441 from 1979 without special measures does not allow the distance of the vibrating elements from the body surface within the water inlet section to be varied, ultrasound is possible -Array of DE-PS 2529112 such a change in distance possible. The latter ultrasound applicator is specifically a sector scanner that scans line by line due to the curved design of the ultrasound array in a sector. A displacement device is provided which enables a change in the distance between the curved array and the coupling point on the body within the water flow path. In this way, the tip of the sector field inside the body can be changed to a certain extent while simultaneously shifting the entire sector field. The solution of DE-PS 25 29 112 can be used on the one hand at best only on pure sector scanning. On the other hand, it is also relatively complicated because an ultrasound head with oscillating elements has to be arranged and displaced within a water bath in the housing of the ultrasound applicator. What is desirable is a technically much simpler solution and also universally applicable to any type of ultrasonic applicator according to the preamble of claim 1.

Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es, einen Ultraschallapplikator gemäß Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1 dahingehend auszubilden, daß er im Sinne vorstehender Ausführungen einfach und rasch auf unterschiedliche Tiefenabtastung einstellbar ist.The object of the invention is to design an ultrasound applicator according to the preamble of claim 1 in such a way that it can be easily and quickly adjusted to different depth sensing in the sense of the above explanations.

Die Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß gelöst durch die Merkmale des kennzeichnenden Teils des Anspruchs 1.The object is achieved according to the invention by the features of the characterizing part of claim 1.

Die Erfindung ermöglicht es, daß dem Ultraschallkopf ein Flüssigkeitssack (mit z. B. Wasser oder einem den Ultraschall gut leitenden Öl od. dgl.) vorgeschaltet wird, der den Abstand zwischen schallerzeugenden Schwingerelementen des Ultraschallkopfes und Körperoberfläche elastisch verändert, wodurch wiederum die Abtasttiefe geändert wird. Der Flüssigkeitssack ist in einfachster Weise zu montieren und er kann ebenso rasch wieder demontiert werden, wenn von der Abtastung hautnaher Bereiche (z. B. Schilddrüse, Nieren, weibliche Brust) auf Abtastung von tiefer liegenden Organen (z. B. Leber, Darm oder gar Herz) umgeschaltet werden soll. In letzterem Falle erfolgt dann wieder unter Weglassung des Flüssigkeitssackes Direktankopplung. In bevorzugter Ausbildung der Erfindung kann der Flüssigkeitssack durch unterschiedlich starke Aufblasung in seinen Abmessungen änderbar sein, so daß hierdurch eine weitere Tiefenvariation bei Anwendung eines solchen Sackes ermöglicht wird.The invention makes it possible for the ultrasound head to be preceded by a liquid bag (with, for example, water or an oil which conducts the ultrasound well or the like), which elastically changes the distance between sound-generating vibrating elements of the ultrasound head and the body surface, which in turn changes the scanning depth becomes. The fluid sack is easy to assemble and can be dismantled just as quickly if you scan from areas close to the skin (e.g. thyroid, kidneys, female breast) to scan deeper organs (e.g. liver, intestine or even heart) should be switched. In the latter case, direct coupling is then carried out again with the omission of the liquid bag. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the dimensions of the liquid sack can be changed by inflating it to different extents, so that this enables a further depth variation when using such a sack.

Weitere Vorteile und Einzelheiten der Erfindung ergeben sich aus der nachfolgenden Beschreibung eines Ausführungsbeispiels anhand der Zeichnung in Verbindung mit den Unteransprüchen.Further advantages and details of the invention emerge from the following description of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the drawing in conjunction with the subclaims.

Es zeigen :

  • Figur 1 einen Ultraschallapplikator gemäß der Erfindung in Ausbildung als Ultraschall-Array mit dem Schallkopf vorgeschaltetem Flüssigkeitssack in Seitenansicht,
  • Figur 2 den Applikator der Figur 1 in Frontansicht,
  • Figur 3 ein Einlageelement für den Flüssigkeitssack.
Show it :
  • FIG. 1 shows an ultrasound applicator according to the invention in the form of an ultrasound array with a fluid bag upstream of the transducer,
  • FIG. 2 shows the applicator of FIG. 1 in a front view,
  • Figure 3 shows an insert element for the liquid bag.

In den Figuren 1 und 2 ist das Ultraschall-Array als Ultraschallapplikator mit 1 bezeichnet. Das Ultraschall-Array weist dabei einen Anschluß 2 für ein elektrisches Signal- und Energieversorgungskabel auf. Der eigentliche Ultraschallkopf ist mit 2 bezeichnet. Er umfaßt applikationsseitig eine Vielzahl von nebeneinander angeordneten Wandlerelementen 3.In FIGS. 1 and 2, the ultrasound array is designated as 1 as an ultrasound applicator. The ultrasound array has a connection 2 for an electrical signal and power supply cable. The actual ultrasound head is labeled 2. On the application side, it comprises a large number of transducer elements 3 arranged next to one another.

Dem Ultraschallkopf 2 mit den Wandlerelementen 3 ist ein Flüssigkeitssack 4 vorgeschaltet. Letzterer besteht aus einer Hülle 5 aus dehnbarem Material, z. B. Naturkautschuk, die mit einer den Ultraschall gut leitenden Flüssigkeit, insbesondere Wasser oder einem entsprechenden Öl, gefüllt ist. Im vorliegenden Falle dient als Füllmaterial Wasser, das mit einem besonderen Mittel auch noch speziell gegen Pilzbefall präpariert ist. Der Flüssigkeitssack 4 wird mittels eines einfachen Klemmteiles 7, das die in der Figur 1 dargestellte Form hat, am Ultraschallkopf 2 des Arrays 1 angeklemmt. Das Klemmteil aus z. B. federndem Kunststoffmaterial, z. B. aus Hart-PVC (Astralon-T-UL), weist zu diesem Zweck zwei Schnappkeile 8 und 9 auf, die bei Applikation des Flüssigkeitssackes samt Klemmteil am Array in je einen Schultersteg 10 bzw. 11 am Umfang des Arrays einrasten. Der Flüssigkeitssack kann also einerseits rasch montiert werden ; er kann vom Array aber auch ebenso einfach und rasch wieder abgenommen werden, dadurch, daß das Klemmteil mit seinen Schnappkeilen 8, 9 von den Schulterstegen 10, 11 des Arrays abgezogen wird.A liquid bag 4 is connected upstream of the ultrasound head 2 with the transducer elements 3. The latter consists of a sleeve 5 made of stretchable material, e.g. B. natural rubber, which is filled with a liquid that conducts ultrasound well, in particular water or a corresponding oil. In the present case, water is used as the filling material, which is also specially prepared against fungal attack by a special agent. The liquid bag 4 is clamped to the ultrasound head 2 of the array 1 by means of a simple clamping part 7, which has the shape shown in FIG. The clamping part from z. B. resilient plastic material, e.g. B. made of hard PVC (Astralon-T-UL), has two for this purpose Snap wedges 8 and 9 which, when the liquid bag is applied, together with the clamping part on the array, snap into a shoulder web 10 or 11 on the circumference of the array. The liquid sack can therefore be quickly installed on the one hand; it can also be removed from the array just as easily and quickly, in that the clamping part with its snap wedges 8, 9 is pulled off the shoulder webs 10, 11 of the array.

Der Wassersack selbst kann unterschiedlichen Anwendungsbedingungen entsprechend unterschiedliche Abmessungen aufweisen. Bei ein und demselben Array kann der Flüssigkeitssack durch entsprechend unterschiedlich starke Wasseraufblasung in seinen Abmessungen in gewissen Grenzen änderbar sein, so daß hierdurch eine weitere Tiefen-variation bei Anwendung eines solchen Sackes ermöglicht wird. Zur Einlagerung des jeweiligen Sackes 4 in das Klemmteil 7 dient eine Schiene 12, z. B. ebenfalls aus Kunststoff, die die in der Figur 3 dargestellte Form aufweist. Die Schiene 12 ist dabei jeweils in Innern des Flüssigkeitssackes 4 angeordnet, so wie dies z. B. in den Figuren 1 und 2 angedeutet ist.The water bag itself can have different dimensions corresponding to different application conditions. With one and the same array, the dimensions of the liquid sack can be changed within certain limits by means of water inflation of different strengths, so that this enables a further depth variation when using such a sack. For the storage of the respective sack 4 in the clamping part 7, a rail 12, z. B. also made of plastic, which has the shape shown in Figure 3. The rail 12 is arranged in each case inside the liquid sack 4, as is the case for. B. is indicated in Figures 1 and 2.

Der den Wandlerelementen 3 des Schallkopfes vorgeschaltete Flüssigkeitssack 4 dient als elastisches Abstandsstück ; er variiert je nach seinen Abmessungen die Tiefe, in der der Fokus der Abtastkeule des Ultraschallkopfes 2 zum Liegen kommt. Bei vorgeschaltetem Flüssigkeitssack 4 lassen sich also vor allem Organe in hautnahem Bereich abtasten. Soll auf Abtastung von tiefer liegenden Organen umgeschaltet werden, so wird der Sack 4 wieder entfernt und der Ultraschallkopf 2 mit den Wandlerelementen 3 direkt (lediglich über das Koppelgel) an der Körperoberfläche angekoppelt.The fluid bag 4 connected upstream of the transducer elements 3 of the transducer serves as an elastic spacer; depending on its dimensions, it varies the depth at which the focus of the scanning lobe of the ultrasound head 2 comes to rest. When the fluid bag 4 is connected upstream, organs in the area close to the skin can be scanned. If switching to lower organs is to be carried out on scanning, the sack 4 is removed again and the ultrasound head 2 with the transducer elements 3 is coupled directly (only via the coupling gel) to the body surface.

Claims (7)

1. An ultrasonic applicator having an ultrasonic head with at least one vibrator element which, if necessary, transmits ultrasonic signals and receives echo signals through a liquid preliminary path, characterised in that the liquid preliminary path is in the form of a closed bag (4) which contains a liquid (6) and has a wall on all sides made of a stretchable material, where the bag (4) can be easily detachably connected to the vibrator element(s) (3) on the ultrasonic head (2) in the manner of a spacing piece by means of a fastening means (7).
2. An ultrasonic applicator according to Claim 1, characterised in that the liquid bag (4) can be changed in its dimensions by variably powerful inflation by the liquid.
3. An ultrasonic applicator according to Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that for elastic coupling and spacing adjustment, the liquid bag (4) comprises an envelope (5) which is made of a stretchable material, e. g. natural rubber, and into which the liquid (6), e. g. water, is filled.
4. An ultrasonic applicator according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterised in that a clamping element serves as an easily detachable securing means (7) for securing the liquid bag (4) to the ultrasonic head (2), which clamping element comprises at least two snap-action wedges (8, 9) which during mounting of the liquid bag (4), together with the clamping element (7), on the ultrasonic head (2), respectively engage into a shoulder flange (10, 11) on the periphery of the ultrasonic head.
5. An ultrasonic applicator according to Claim 4, characterised in that the clamping element is made of a resilient synthetic resin material, e. g. from hard PVC (Astralon-T-UL).
6. An ultrasonic applicator according to Claim 4 or 5, characterised in that a rail (12), which, for example, is also made of synthetic resin and which is arranged inside the liquid sack (4), serves for inserting the particular liquid bag (4) into the clamping element (7).
7. An ultrasonic applicator according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the securing means (7) comprises a clamping member which is arranged on the ultrasonic head (2) and in which the bag (4) can be supported by means of a rail (12) which is arranged inside the bag (4).
EP81108433A 1981-03-10 1981-10-16 Ultrasound applicator Expired EP0059785B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT81108433T ATE11609T1 (en) 1981-03-10 1981-10-16 ULTRASOUND APPLICATOR.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19813109040 DE3109040A1 (en) 1981-03-10 1981-03-10 ULTRASONIC APPLICATOR
DE3109040 1981-03-10

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0059785A1 EP0059785A1 (en) 1982-09-15
EP0059785B1 true EP0059785B1 (en) 1985-01-30

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Family Applications (1)

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EP81108433A Expired EP0059785B1 (en) 1981-03-10 1981-10-16 Ultrasound applicator

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US4483343A (en)
EP (1) EP0059785B1 (en)
JP (1) JPS57160447A (en)
AT (1) ATE11609T1 (en)
DE (2) DE3109040A1 (en)

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ATE11609T1 (en) 1985-02-15
EP0059785A1 (en) 1982-09-15
US4483343A (en) 1984-11-20
DE3109040A1 (en) 1982-09-30
DE3168666D1 (en) 1985-03-14
JPS57160447A (en) 1982-10-02

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