ES1282069U - ECOGRAPHIC PROBE HOLDING DEVICE (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

A device for holding ultrasound probes, flexible and adaptable to the user, consisting of a belt manufactured with straps and external fixators that surround the abdominal-pelvic area that comprises: a. Two main straps (1 and 2) that surround the abdominal-pelvic area with openings in which external fixators are inserted. b. Three secondary straps (3, 4 and 5). c. Four external probe fixers made of a thermoplastic material that have two housings for fixing each probe joined together by velcro. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

DESCRIPTION

ECOGRAPHIC PROBE HOLDING DEVICE

TECHNICAL SECTOR

The ultrasound probe clamping device consists of a belt with external fixators that allows the clamping of four ultrasound probes in the abdomino-pelvic region, thus allowing the visualization of four muscle groups simultaneously. Its use is indicated, fundamentally, to the biosanitary research sector. Otherwise, it could also be useful in clinical practice as feedback to both the therapist and the patient.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In different fields of biosanitary research, probe holding devices have been developed whose objective has been to offer stability during the performance of different tasks with different objectives, mainly in the field of cardiology.

Various authors have designed external probe fixators for different areas of the body depending on the objectives of their studies. Most of them have been designed to facilitate medical tests that require great precision and attention from the healthcare provider, such as echocardiograms, nerve blocks, central venous punctures, transcranial Doppler, etc. In the studies of musculoskeletal ultrasound evaluation, in the field of physiotherapy, there are not so many external fixators designed, which show many differences between them in terms of design and applicability.

The following are some external fixators used for ultrasound probes:

- Sjoerdsma et al (2020), A demonstration of high field of-view stability in hands-free echocardiography. Cardiovasc Ultrasound, developed an external fixator to perform electrocardiograms.

- Heres HM et al. (2019), Image acquisition stability of fixated musculoskeletal sonography in an exercise setting: a quantitative analysis and comparison with freehand acquisition, used a probe fixator to place it orthogonally in relation to the left thigh during the full exercise.

- Osaka Y et al. (2019), A laser mount probe holder facilitates fixation of the optimized ultrasound image and needle alignment in-plane to the ultrasound beam during ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve block. through anesthesia.

- Salden OAE et al. (2018), How I do it: feasibility of a new ultrasound probe fixator to facilitate high quality stress echocardiography. Cardiovasc Ultrasound, designed an external fixator to perform electrocardiograms.

- Ueshima H et al. (2016), Probe's fixation during ultrasoundguided Central Venous puncture by using the echosupport, shows probe fixation during a central venous puncture.

- Wong AY et al. (2013), Reliability of 2 ultrasonic imaging analysis methods in quantifying lumbar multifidus thickness, used an ultrasound probe fixator that managed to block the position of the probe when the ultrasound image was optimal. - Masuda K. et al. (2011), Development of support system to handle ultrasound probe by coordinated motion with medical robot, shows a robotic system for handling ultrasound probes.

- Hong JM et al. (2009), Simultaneous vasomotor reactivity testing in the middle cerebral and basilar artery with suboccipital probe fixation device, designed an external fixator to perform transcranial Doppler monitoring.

- Bunce SM et al. (2004), Measurement of abdominal muscle thickness using M-mode ultrasound imaging during functional activities, shows the development of a hands-free device to hold the transducer to the subject during gait.

- Michel E et al. (1997), Adaptive multipurpose probe fixation device for use on newborns, shows an external fixator for a transfontanellar duplex Doppler probe.

It should be noted several studies that use external fixators, one for the evaluation of the quadriceps, another for the evaluation of the abdominal musculature and another the paravertebral musculature, although only the study by Bunce SM et al (2004), 'Measurement of abdominal muscle thickness using M-mode ultrasound imaging during functional activities', uses two external fixators to monitor the gait and assess the behavior of two muscles simultaneously.

Most studies have evaluated muscle groups in isolation in subjects with low back pain and without low back pain. In the latest research on this issue, it is concluded that not only the morphological situation of the musculature and its activation seem to be important in isolation, but also the coordination between the muscle groups that make up the CORE. That is why the need arises for studies that evaluate muscle behavior in a synergistic way. Due to this gap in research, the present invention model is presented.

On the other hand, the inventions US2019053784A1, Ultrasound transducer holder, and US6261231B1, Hands-free ultrasound probe holder, show different supports for ultrasound probes.

Although there are different types of supports or external fixators for ultrasound probes, solutions with a high degree of similarity with the present invention have not been found.

EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

The device described here proposes a way of measuring the behavior of the CORE musculature, thus allowing a complete analysis of it in different situations since it enables the visualization of the activity, synergy and morphology of the abdomino-pelvic musculature in a situation of simultaneous activation, being a new health technology that could be incorporated both in the clinic and in research.

The device consists of a belt made with straps and external fasteners that surround the user's abdominal-pelvic area, being flexible and adaptable to the user. It has two main straps, three secondary straps and four external fixators, each consisting of two shells joined together by velcro, which allows simultaneous visualization of the ultrasound areas of the respiratory diaphragm, the lateral abdominal wall, the multifid musculature and the pelvic floor musculature.

The device offers the following advantages:

- It answers the research question about which muscle groups could be involved to a greater or lesser extent in nonspecific low back pain and what is the behavior between them.

- Analysis of the fundamental pillars of the CORE that allows to make a more precise diagnosis for this pathology.

- New form of technical support for probes, which allows non-invasive visual analysis of muscle behavior through the use of ultrasound.

- It is simple, cost-effective, safe, efficient, portable, easy to use.

- It is a tool adaptable to each patient according to their complexion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To complement the description that is being made and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, a set of drawings and images is attached as an integral part of said description where, with an illustrative and non-limiting nature, it has been represented the following:

■ Figure 1. Shows a front view of the ultrasound probe clamping device.

■ Figure 2. Shows a sagittal view of the ultrasound probe clamping device.

■ Figure 3. Shows a rear view of the ultrasound probe clamping device.

■ Figure 4. Shows the diaphragm probe fixator (6).

■ Figure 5. Shows the lateral abdominal wall probe fixator (7)

■ Figure 6. Shows the multifid probe fixator (8).

■ Figure 7. Shows the pelvic floor probe fixator (9).

Figures references:

1. Upper main girth (80x10 cm).

1.1. Opening for the incorporation of the external fixator of the diaphragm probe.

1.2. Opening for the incorporation of the external fixator of the lateral abdominal wall probe.

1.3. Opening for the incorporation of the external fixator of the multifid probe.

2. Lower main girth (80x10 cm).

2.1. Opening for the incorporation of the external fixator of the pelvic floor probe.

3. Secondary upper support strap (80x3cm).

4. Secondary medium support strap (80x3cm).

5. Secondary lower support strap (80x3cm).

6. External fixator of the diaphragmatic probe.

6.1. Upper casing for closing the external fixator of the diaphragmatic probe.

6.2 Lower casing to support the diaphragmatic probe (45 °).

6.3 Obliquity wedge (45 °).

6.4. Union Velcro.

6.5. Pads

7. External fixator of the lateral abdominal wall probe.

7.1 Closing housings of the external fixator of the probe to the lateral abdominal wall.

7.2. Velcro for joining the shells of the external fixator of the lateral abdominal wall.

7.3 Pads.

8. External fixator of lumbar multifidus probe.

8.1. Locking shells for the external fixator of the lumbar multifidus probe.

8.2. Velcro for attachment of the shells of the lumbar multifidus external fixator.

8.3. Pads

9. External fixator for pelvic floor probe.

9.1. Cranial 45 ° obliquity closure shell.

9.2. Closing housing with 135 ° camber flow.

9.3. 45 ° wedge and velcro.

9.4. Velcro for attachment of the shells of the external pelvic floor fixator.

9.5. Pad.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

The device for holding ultrasound probes is a tool that consists of a belt made of straps and external fixators that surround the abdominal-pelvic area, being flexible and adaptable to the patient depending on their complexion. The straps give elasticity and adaptability, while the external fixators give stability and support to the probe. The combination of both results in a device that offers freedom of movement to the subject as well as a stable ultrasound image during the same.

As can be seen in Figure 2, the device consists of two main straps (1 and 2), each measuring 10 cm, that surround the subject's abdomino-pelvic area with openings into which the external fixators are inserted. The main girth (1), consists of 3 openings for three muscle groups (respiratory diaphragm (1.1), lateral abdominal wall (1.2) and multifid musculature (1.3)). The main strap 2, consists of an opening where the external fixator of the probe that will correspond to the pelvic floor is incorporated.

The main straps (1 and 2) (Figure 2) are reinforced by 3 secondary straps (3, 4 and 5) (Figures 1, 2, 3) each 3 cm thick and 10 cm long. Two of the secondary straps (3 and 4) serve to give obliquity and support to the external fixator corresponding to the respiratory diaphragm probe, in order to improve the vision of the hemicupula of each subject. The secondary strap (5) serves to oblique and reinforce the corresponding external fixator to the pelvic floor probe in order to improve the vision of each subject's bladder.

The external fixings of the probes that are incorporated in the openings of the main straps are made of a thermoplastic material (2.5 mm micro-perforated Orfitlight) molded at 80 ° depending on the shape and size of the probe to be used (linear or convex) and the size of the muscle group (wider or narrower base of support and the obliquity of the fixator). Two housings are manufactured for each fixator of each probe, which will be joined together by velcro for easy opening and closing (inserting or removing the probe, turning the probe on or off, cleaning and disinfecting the probe).

The external fixator of the diaphragm probe (Figure 4) is the only external support that attaches to the strap without having the possibility of being removed due to the complexity of the fixator design.

This piece consists of three parts:

- A "U" shaped casing (6.1) made up of three sections. Two identical sections measuring 12x6 cm joined by a section measuring 12x2 cm. This casing embraces the probe on its longitudinal axis and supports the probe on the Support - A support (6.2) is a square with 45 ° inclination and 2 cm thick with 2 cm side edges to stabilize the probe.

- A 45 ° wedge (6.3) that maintains the inclination of the support.

The external fixator that corresponds to the muscles of the abdominal wall (Figure 5) consists of two shells (7.1) at 90 ° that surround the ultrasound probe inside. Both housings are joined by a velcro that facilitates the assembly and disassembly of the device (7.2). These housings consist of pads (7.3) in the lower part to avoid excessive friction with the skin and avoid possible irritation of the skin.

The external fixator that corresponds to the multifid musculature (Figure 6) consists of two shells (8.1), with a 90 ° molded base, which surround the ultrasound probe inside. Both housings are joined by a velcro that facilitates the assembly and disassembly of the device (8.2). These housings consist of pads in the lower part (8.3) to avoid excessive friction with the skin and avoid possible irritation of the skin.

The external fixator that corresponds to the pelvic floor probe (9) (Figure 7) is the only external support that is fixed to the main strap 2 without having the possibility of being removed due to to the complexity of the fixator design. It consists of two shells (9.1, 9.2) that are joined by means of two velcro fasteners (9.4) wrapping the pelvic floor probe. One of the housings (9.1) has a 45 ° slant towards cranial for optimization of the bladder image. To achieve the required obliquity, a 5 cm high and 10 cm wide isosceles wedge (9.3) was incorporated, attached to the base of the casing 9.2, which has a caudad obliquity of 135 °.

The device for holding ultrasound probes, object of the present invention, is manufactured with the appropriate materials for its elements and components; with elastic straps, low-density thermoplastic, velcro and pads of some non-woven textile material.

Claims (11)

1. A device for holding ultrasound probes, flexible and adaptable to the user, consisting of a belt manufactured with straps and external fixators that surround the abdominal-pelvic area that comprises: to. Two main straps (1 and 2) that surround the abdominal-pelvic area with openings in which external fixators are inserted. b. Three secondary straps (3, 4 and 5). c. Four external probe fixers made of a thermoplastic material that have two housings for the fixation of each probe joined together by velcro. 2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the main strap (1), 10 cm in length, consists of three openings where the external fixators of the probes that correspond to the muscle groups of the respiratory diaphragm (1.1) are incorporated , the lateral abdominal wall (1.2) and the multifid musculature (1.3). 3. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the main strap (2) consists of an opening where the external fixator of the pelvic floor probe is incorporated. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the main straps (1 and 2) are reinforced by three secondary straps (3, 4 and 5) each 3 cm thick and 10 cm long. 5. The device, according to claims 1 and 4, characterized in that the secondary straps (3 and 4) give obliquity and support to the external fixator of the respiratory diaphragm probe (1.1), and the secondary strap (5) gives obliquity and reinforcement to the external fixator of the pelvic floor probe. 6. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the external fixators of the probes are composed of two shells for each fixator joined by velcro that are incorporated into the openings of the main straps (1 and 2) and made of a thermoplastic material molded at 80 ° depending on the shape and size of the probe to be used, linear or convex, and the muscle group. 7. The device, according to claims 1 and 6, characterized in that the external fixator of the respiratory diaphragm probe (1.1) consists of three parts: to. A U-shaped casing (6.1) made up of two sections measuring 12x6 cm joined by a 12x2 cm section. This housing embraces the probe on its longitudinal axis and supports the probe on the holder. b. A bracket (6.2) in the shape of a square with 45 ° inclination and 2 cm thick with 2 cm side edges that stabilize the probe. c. 45 ° wedge (6.3) that maintains the inclination of the support. 8. The device, according to claims 1 and 6, characterized by incorporating an external fixator that corresponds to the muscles of the abdominal wall formed by two shells (7.1) at 90 ° that house the ultrasound probe inside, joined by a velcro and with pads of some non-woven textile material in its lower part. 9. The device according to claims 1 and 6, characterized by incorporating an external fixator that corresponds to the multifid musculature formed by two shells (8.1) with a 90 ° molded base that surround the ultrasound probe, joined by a velcro and with pads of some non-woven textile material in its lower part. 10. The device, according to claims 1 and 6, characterized by incorporating an external fixator that corresponds to the pelvic floor muscles fixed to the main strap (2) formed by two shells (9.1 and 9.2) that are joined by two Velcro wrapping the probe, the casing (9.1) having an obliqueness of 45 ° towards cranial that optimizes the image of the bladder. The device according to claim 1, characterized by simultaneously allowing the visualization of the ultrasound areas of the respiratory diaphragm (1.1), the lateral abdominal wall (1.2), the multifid muscles (1.3) and the pelvic floor muscles.