WO2000040153A1 - Damping cushion for ultrasound probes - Google Patents
Damping cushion for ultrasound probes Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2000040153A1 WO2000040153A1 PCT/IB1999/002107 IB9902107W WO0040153A1 WO 2000040153 A1 WO2000040153 A1 WO 2000040153A1 IB 9902107 W IB9902107 W IB 9902107W WO 0040153 A1 WO0040153 A1 WO 0040153A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- probe
- base member
- base
- intermediary
- cushion
- Prior art date
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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
Definitions
- the present invention generally relates to ultrasound probes and in particular to ultrasound probe and handle housings and cushions for use with ultrasound probes.
- Ultrasonic diagnostic imaging probes generally have been used in the past to image anatomical structures within the body. Ultrasonic probes have been used in the past during non-invasive procedures (such as trans-thoracic probes), during invasive procedures (such as trans-esophageal echocardiography (TEE) probes and trans- vaginal probes), and during surgical procedures (i.e., intraoperative probes). When using ultrasonic probes, it is important that the hand of the physician using the probe not obscure the site being examined. While the probe is imaging, for example, a physician must be able to accurately determine and maintain the position of the probe while looking at a monitor displaying the information obtained from the probe.
- TEE trans-esophageal echocardiography
- Past intraoperative ultrasound probes have provided, for example in U.S. Patent No. 5,381,795 to Nordgren et al, an intraoperative ultrasound probe having a transducer section and an angled handle section that form an obtuse angle with respect to one another. The shape of the handle was used in an attempt to permit the physician to grasp the probe without blocking the physician's view of the surgical site.
- Surgical procedures in which intraoperative probes have been used include vascular surgery and transplant surgery. During vascular surgery, ultrasonic imaging probes can be used to image and diagnose the interior of carotid arteries. In transplant surgery, intraoperative ultrasonic probes can be used to verify successful attachment and function of renal arteries. Intraoperative ultrasound probes are preferably small and as easy to manipulate as surgical instruments.
- Past TEE probes have provided, for example in U.S. Patent. No. 5,351,691 to Brommersma, a flexible tube having at one end a probe head.
- the flexible end part is connected to a housing to allow a probe head to be bent forwards or backwards.
- an ultrasound probe may be placed directly on a heart during open heart surgery.
- the pulsation of the heart applies forces to the ultrasound probe which cause the probe to move up and down and/or side to side and therefore adversely affect the quality of the ultrasound images obtained.
- the images may be adversely affected because returning ultrasound waves may miss the probe altogether (thereby producing no image) or return when the probe is at a different angle or orientation than when the ultrasound wave was sent (thereby causing an incorrect image to be produced).
- ultrasound images are adversely affected by the lack of an effective acoustic coupling due to the fixed (usually flat) transducer or probe surface and the curved or irregular shape of an anatomic structure, such as a heart, artery or other organ (especially during intraoperative examination).
- an anatomic structure such as a heart, artery or other organ
- a flat probe is placed against the curved or irregular surface of an anatomic structure, only a portion of the probe actually contacts the anatomic structure. When this occurs, air is located between the non-contacting portion of the probe surface and the anatomic structure.
- Ultrasonic waves travel at different speeds in air than in the anatomic structure. Because of the different speeds at which ultrasonic waves travel, the ultrasonic waves refract (i.e., bend sharply) when they enter and leave the anatomic structure.
- the returning ultrasound waves may either appear to emanate from an incorrect location or miss the probe altogether.
- the existence of various, unpredictable air pockets between the probe and anatomic structure may be referred to as the lack of an effective acoustic coupling.
- a smaller number of air pockets between the probe surface and anatomic structure corresponds to a more effective acoustic coupling.
- Organ deformation occurs because past ultrasound probes placed a rigid probe surface against the soft organ tissue.
- a probe user may firmly press the probe against the anatomic structure sought to be imaged. This deformation adversely affects ultrasound image quality because an anatomic structure sought to be imaged may be deformed to an unnatural shape or the velocity of blood flow may be altered due to deformation.
- the alteration of blood flow may be a particular problem where blood flow pattern and/or velocity are sought to be imaged.
- Past ultrasound technology has not presented an ultrasonic probe that can avoid the aforementioned problems of organ movement during intraoperative ultrasound examination, the lack of an effective acoustic coupling, and deformation.
- an ultrasonic probe in an exemplary embodiment of the invention, includes a base member and an ultrasonic transducer housed by the base member.
- the probe also includes an intermediary damping member secured to the base member.
- the damping member includes an interior cavity for receiving an acoustic coupling fluid.
- the probe may optionally be secured to a flexible intermediary buffer.
- a coupling member is secured to the base member.
- the coupling member includes an interior cavity for receiving an acoustic coupling fluid.
- the coupling member also includes a malleable contacting surface for contacting an anatomical structure during use.
- An alternative embodiment of the invention includes a transducer housing, an ultrasonic transducer mounted in the housing, and a flexible cushioned pad directly secured to a periphery of the transducer housing.
- Another alternative embodiment includes a pliable damping member defining an interior for retaining a fluid and structure for secured the damping member to an ultrasonic probe.
- Figure 1 is a perspective view of a probe and handle housing according to a particular embodiment of the present invention.
- Figure 1 A is a side view of the probe and handle housing, showing the base and first stem portion diagrammatically.
- Figure IB is a top plan of the probe and handle housing.
- Figure 1C is a perspective view of the probe and handle housing base.
- Figure 2 is a perspective view of the planes in which the axes of the probe and handle housing base, first stem portion, and second stem portion reside.
- Figure 3 is a perspective view of the planes in which the axes of the first and second stem portions reside.
- Figure 4 is a top plan of the probe and handle housing according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
- Figure 5 is a perspective view of the probe and handle housing.
- Figure 6 is a top view of the probe and handle housing being implemented intraoperatively according to a particular embodiment of the present invention.
- Figure 7 is a top plan of the probe handle with the probe base shown schematically.
- Figure 8 is a side view of the cushion and probe and handle housing base with the probe stem shown schematically.
- Figure 9 is a perspective view of an ultrasonic probe and cushion.
- Figure 10 is a side view of an ultrasonic probe and cushion removably attached to the probe, with the probe shown schematically in part.
- Figure 11 is a front view of an ultrasonic probe and cushion removably attached to the probe, with the probe shown schematically in part.
- Figure 12 is a front view of the ultrasonic probe and cushion according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
- Figure 13 is a side view of an ultrasonic probe and cushion according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
- Figure 14 is a side view of an ultrasonic probe and cushion according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
- Figure 15 is a side view of a cushion and peel-away cover according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
- Figure 16 is a side view of a cushion according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
- Figure 17 is a cross-section of a cushion attached to a probe base member according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
- Figures 18 and 19 are cross-sections of a probe base member according to alternative embodiments of the present invention.
- Figure 1 illustrates an ultrasonic probe and handle housing 100.
- the housing includes a base 102 and a stem extending from the base for handling the probe.
- the stem includes a first stem portion 104 and a second stem portion 106.
- a probe cable 107 extends from the second stem portion 106.
- Figure 1A illustrates a view of the base 102 and first stem portion 104 of the housing 100. The longitudinal axis of the base 108, the longitudinal axis of the first stem portion 110, and the inclined angle 112 at which the two axes intersect are also shown.
- FIG. IB a top view of the probe and handle housing 100 is presented.
- the longitudinal axis along which the first stem portion extends 110, the longitudinal axis along which the second stem portion extends 114, and the angle 116 at which the axes intersect are shown.
- a base 102 is provided for use with ultrasonic imaging technology.
- the lower surface of the probe is rectangular in shape, although this is not required.
- the first stem portion 104 extends from the base 102.
- the first stem portion 104 may extend from the base 102 in one of several methods such as, for example, the stem portion 104 may be affixed to the base 102 or the stem portion 104 and base 102 may be integrally molded.
- the first stem portion 104 may extend from the base 102 at any portion of the base 102, including at the center of the upper face of the base 102.
- a second stem portion 106 is merged with the first stem portion 104, preferably to the section of the first stem portion opposite the section of the first stem portion that extends from the base 102.
- the second stem portion 106 may be merged with the first stem portion 104 using one of several methods such as, for example, the second stem portion 106 may be affixed to the first stem portion 104 or the first and second stem portions 104, 106 may be integrally molded.
- the first and second stem portions 104, 106 are rigid.
- the stem portions 104, 106 may be made of, for example, a hard plastic. If the probe housing is suited for use, for example, as an intraoperative probe housing, the housing 100 should be suitable for use in a sterile environment, such as in an operating room during surgery.
- the first stem portion 104 in this embodiment extends from the base 102 so that the first stem portion 104 extends along a longitudinal axis 110.
- the longitudinal axis 110 of the first stem portion 104 preferably forms an inclined angle 112 with respect to the longitudinal axis 108 of the base, as shown in Figure 1A.
- This relationship between the longitudinal axes of the base 108 and first stem portion 110 permits, for example, the front portion of the base 102 to extend under a portion of unincised skin during an operation, as shown in Figure 6.
- a physician may therefore obtain ultrasonic image information about anatomical structures above which the skin has not been cut.
- This relationship also permits the physician using the probe to be able to more accurately determine the position of the probe relative to the anatomical structure being monitored since the stem portions 104, 106 form a handle for the physician to hold onto the probe during usage. As a result, the physician is able to maintain an accurate sense of direction of the ultrasound beam and its relative position to the anatomical structure the physician is imaging.
- the probe handle were to extend from the base at a perpendicular angle (i.e., vertically with respect to the base), the physician's fingers would be more likely to get in the way of the physician's line of sight to the portion of the body being monitored.
- the second stem portion 106 is, in the illustrated embodiment, merged with the first stem portion 104 so that the second stem portion 106 extends along a longitudinal axis 114.
- the longitudinal axis 114 of the second stem portion preferably forms an inclined angle 116 with respect to the longitudinal axis 110 of the first stem portion, as shown in Figure IB.
- This relationship between the first and second stem portions 104, 106 permits the physician using the probe to more accurately determine the position of the probe relative to the anatomical structure being monitored than if only a first stem portion were present.
- the inclined angle 116 permits the physician to accurately maintain the orientation of the probe while viewing, for example, a monitor displaying an output from the probe.
- Figure 1C presents the base 102 of the housing 100, including the longitudinal axis of the base 108, the lateral axis of the base 118, and the plane 120 in which the longitudinal and lateral axes may reside.
- Figure 2 illustrates the inclined plane 200 in which the first and second stem portions 104, 106 may reside.
- Figure 3 presents the planes in which the axes of the base 120, first stem portion 300, and second stem portion 302 may reside.
- the base 102 may be constructed such that the lateral 118 and longitudinal 108 axes of the base reside in a first plane 120.
- the first stem axis 104 extends from the base in a second plane 300, shown in Figure 3, that is substantially perpendicular to the first plane 120, in which the axes of the base 108, 118 reside.
- This perpendicular relationship between the planes 120, 300 permits the probe to be used in a manner that will cause minimal agitation, including tearing, to an incised portion of the tissue during, for example, intraoperative use, as can be seen from Figure 6.
- the second stem portion 106 resides in a third plane 302 that forms an inclined angle 304 with the first plane and an inclined angle 306 with the second plane, as shown in Figure 3. That is, the second stem portion 106 preferably extends, at least in part, laterally away from the second plane 300 while it extends, at least in part, vertically away from the base 102 of the probe.
- the first and second stem portions 104, 106 lie in an inclined plane 200 with respect to the plane 120 in which the longitudinal and lateral axis of the base reside.
- the inclined plane 200 intersects the first plane 120 along a line 202 parallel to the lateral axis of the base. That is, the first and second stem portions 104, 106 in this embodiment gradually move away from the base at a constant, inclined angle 202, even after the transition from the first stem portion 104 to the second stem portion 106 (shown by angle 116).
- Figures 4 and 5 those Figures present a probe and handle housing 400 including a base 102 and a handle 402 according to another embodiment of the invention.
- the illustrated base 102 is elongated and has longitudinal 108 and lateral 118 axes.
- the handle 402 of the housing 400 has a proximal end 404 and a distal end 406.
- the proximal end 404 of the handle is coupled to the base 102.
- the distal end 406 of the handle extends away from the base 102 in a lateral direction with respect to the longitudinal axis 108 of the base.
- the handle 402 is curvilinear in shape and, in fact, forms a continuous curvilinear profile.
- this shape permits the physician to be able to more accurately determine where the probe is positioned relative to the anatomical structure being imaged. Specifically, if the physician grips the handle 402 near the distal end 406, the physician may have an unobstructed view of the proximal end 404 of the handle and, more importantly, of the base 102 of the probe. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment of Figure 5, the handle 402 has a substantially hollow interior 500.
- the substantially hollow interior 500 permits, for example, the multifilament cable shown in Figure 5 to lead to a connector suitable for connecting the probe to an ultrasonic diagnostic system which drives the transducer of the probe and receives ultrasonic echo signals from the transducer.
- the probe cable 107 shown in Figure 1 may be provided, for example, to contain the multifilament cable.
- the distal end 406 of the handle extends away from the base 102 at an inclined angle with respect to the base 102.
- this shape permits the physician to more easily grip the handle 402 of the probe without agitating or interfering with the incised area of the patient.
- the probe may also be formed such that the proximal end 404 of the handle extends away from the base 102 at an inclined angle with respect to the base.
- both the proximal 404 and distal 406 ends extend away from the base at an inclined angle. This preferred structure permits as short of a handle 402 as possible while still allowing the physician to properly grip the handle 402 without obstructing the physician's view of the probe.
- the longitudinal and lateral axes 108, 118 of the base reside in a first plane 120.
- the proximal end 404 initially extends from the base 102 in a second plane 300 that is approximately perpendicular to the first plane, as shown in Figure 3.
- this illustrated structure permits the handle to extend from the probe in a manner causing minimal agitation of the incised area of the patient, similarly to the embodiment shown in Figure 6.
- the distal end 406 of the handle lies in an inclined plane that intersects the first plane along a line of intersection that is parallel to the lateral axis of the base; for example, the inclined plane 200 shown in Figure 2.
- the handle 402 may be formed by multiple handle portions, such as the first 700 and second 702 handle portions of Figure 7, that intersect at an obtuse angle 704.
- a handle 402 according to the present invention may be partially curved in shape and partially straight.
- a cushion 800 may be removably affixed to the base 102, as shown in Figure 8.
- the cushion 800 may be adapted to contain a fluid 802.
- the fluid 802 contained within the cushion 800 may be composed of a material having a similar sound velocity to anatomical tissue, thereby permitting the ultrasound probe to obtain a better image of the anatomical structure sought to be imaged.
- Other purposes for the cushion 800 of the present invention will be further discussed below.
- the cushion 800 provides acts as a "pillow" because it provides a damping effect between a pulsing anatomical structure and the probe.
- the pulsing may be caused by, for example, blood pulsation.
- the cushion 800 improves the acoustic coupling between a fixed (usually flat) surface of a probe and an often curved and/or irregularly shaped anatomical structure, such as a heart, artery, or other organ.
- the cushion 800, with the fluid 802 contained therein, is preferably pliable so that the damping and coupling can be effected.
- the cushion 800 shown in Figure 8 is balloon-shaped, having a neck portion 804 and a bag portion 806. Although this shape is not required, when the cushion 800 is so shaped, the neck portion 804 may be removably affixed to the base. In the illustrated embodiment of Figure 8, the inner perimeter of the neck portion 804 receives the lower surface of the base 102. Preferably, a substantially fluid- impermeable seal is formed where the neck portion 804 is removably affixed to the base 102. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, it is the bag portion 806 of the cushion 800 that is adapted to contain a fluid 802.
- the handle may also be constructed so that it does not have a substantially hollow interior.
- the probe cable 107 may exit the handle closer to the base 102 than illustrated in Figure 1.
- the probe cable 107 may exit the base 102 separately from the handle (not pictured).
- the handle may also be removably affixed to the base 102, so that the handle can be detached from the base 102.
- the handle may be formed such that it is flexible and bendable to a user desired shape.
- Figure 9 illustrates a perspective view of an ultrasonic probe 900 having a base member 902 with an undersurface 903 which houses an ultrasonic transducer 1702 (as illustrated in Figure 17), and a pliable cushion 904 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
- the base member 902 is elongated and includes four sidewalls 905.
- the sidewalls 905 include a groove 906 extending horizontally around the perimeter of the base member 902.
- the groove 906 is located at an intermediate section of the base member 902, for example approximately one- half way between the undersurface 903 and the top of the base member 902.
- the perimeter of the illustrated sidewalls 905 is substantially rectangular in shape.
- Figure 10 discloses a side view of the probe 900 and cushion 904.
- Figure 11 discloses a front view of the probe 900.
- the groove 906 may be a square groove, formed at right angles with respect to the probe base member sidewalls 905.
- the illustrated cushion 904 or pad includes a flexible bag portion 908, a neck portion 910, and includes an interior cavity 911.
- the cushion 904 includes an elastic member, for example an elastic band 912 as shown in Figure 9, attached to the neck portion 910 of the cushion 904.
- the cushion 904 shown in Figure 9 also includes an undersurface 913 and an aperture 914 through the neck portion 910.
- Figure 9 also illustrates an optional fluid receptacle 916 and an inner surface 918 of the cushion 904.
- the cushion 904 is filled with a fluid, for example through the aperture 914.
- the cushion 904 may be filled through a resealable fluid receptacle 916 which may allow a needle or similar object to penetrate the cushion 904 to fill the cushion 904 with an acoustic coupling fluid 802.
- the cushion 904 may be filled with a fluid 802 through a tunnel 1002, in the base member 902 and/or other portions of the probe 900, having a receptacle 1004 at one end of the tunnel 1002 for insertion of a fluid, as shown in Figure 10.
- the base member 902 includes on its undersurface 903 an aperture 1006 at the opposite end of the tunnel 1002 for transmitting a fluid 802 to the cushion 904.
- the cushion 904 may be manufactured and shipped containing the fluid 802 and having a peel-away cover 1502 that may be removed prior to use to permit the pad 904 to be secured to the base member 902, as shown in Figure 15.
- the pad 904 is secured to the base member 902 by placing the transducer of the probe 900 through the aperture 914 in contact with the fluid.
- the elastic band 912 is inserted into the groove 906, as shown in Figures 10 and 17.
- the cushion 904 may be secured to the base member 902 by alternate means, for example by tying, clamping or strapping the cushion 904 to the base member 902.
- the cushion 904 is strapped to the probe 900 by one or more straps 1302.
- the cushion 904 may also be equipped with an additional device for maintaining a fluid-impermeable seal with the base member 902.
- the cushion 904 may be made from an elastic material and the cushion 904 may be secured to the probe 900 simply by stretching the neck portion 910 of the pad 904 around the base member 902, as shown in Figure 8.
- the sidewalls 905 of the base member 902 may be shaped to form a trapezoid, step or other structure for securing the cushion 902 to the probe 900.
- Figure 18 illustrates a trapezoidal shaped base member 1802, which includes an upper cross-section V and a lower long cross-section 3 to assist in retaining a cushion 904 to the base member 902.
- Figure 19 illustrates a square step 1902 along the base of the sidewall 902 to assist in retaining a cushion 904 to the base member 902.
- the cushion 904 may be made of any one or more of a number of pliable materials.
- the material should be able to retain a fluid and be able to stretch to fit around the perimeter of the base member.
- the material preferably has acoustical qualities such that it does not substantially interfere with the transmitted and received ultrasonic waves.
- Exemplary materials include latex, vinyl, nitrile and ELASTYREN®.
- ELASTYREN® is a substitute for latex for those who are allergic to latex and is manufactured by ECI Medical Technologies, Inc. in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, Canada.
- the cushion 904 may be removably affixed to the base, as shown in Figures 8, 10 and 11.
- a fluid compartment 908 is created between the bottom surface 903 of the base member 902 and the inner surface 918 of the cushion 904.
- the cushion 904 may envelop the entire base member 902 and a portion of the stem, as shown in Figure 14.
- the cushion 904 may be secured to the probe stem by using a strap 1402, for example a VELCRO® strap.
- the fluid contained within the cushion 904 is composed of a material having a similar sound velocity to anatomical tissue (or at least a sound velocity that does not adversely affect the ultrasonic waves). This permits the ultrasound probe 900 to obtain a better image of the anatomical structure sought to be imaged.
- the illusfrated cushion 904 can be filled with sterile water or a gel.
- Sterile water is preferred because the preferred cushion 904, when filled immediately prior to usage, does not need to be shipped and stored while containing a fluid (and therefore is not susceptible to evaporation).
- the use of water instead of gel is beneficial because water has a sound velocity that is more similar to anatomical tissue than are gels.
- the cushion 904 acts as a pillow or cushion to dampen forces and motion external to the probe, such as during intraoperative use.
- Such external forces may include pulsing anatomical structures, for example the heart, other organs or other tissue related to the pressure side of the blood system.
- External forces or motion may also include motion during muscle activation.
- the cushion 904 also improves the acoustical coupling between a fixed surface of the base member 902 and an often curved and/or irregularly shaped anatomical structure, such as a heart, artery, or other organ. Specifically, the cushion 904 conforms to the shape of the anatomical tissue, thereby eliminating air pockets between the probe 900 and tissue and improving the ultrasound image quality.
- the rigid undersurface 903 of the illustrated base member 902 might deform the organ and/or its blood flow when pressed against the organ, thereby adversely affecting ultrasound image quality.
- the cushion 904, with the fluid 802 contained therein is preferably pliable so that the damping and coupling can be effected.
- the undersurface 913 of the cushion 904 may contact the anatomic structure sought to be imaged.
- the pliable cushion 904 will deform according to the pressure placed on the pad by the organ, thus compensating for the movement of the organ and the probe 900 while still obtaining an acoustic coupling for the ultrasound energy.
- the cushion 904 shown in Figures 8, 9 and 10 is balloon-shaped, having a neck portion 910 and a bag portion 908. Although this shape is not required, when the cushion 904 is so shaped, the neck portion 910 may be removably affixed to the base 902, for example as discussed above. In the illustrated embodiment of Figure 8, the inner perimeter of the neck portion 910 receives the lower surface of the base 902, and thus no elastic member is needed. Preferably, a substantially fluid-impermeable seal is formed where the neck portion 910 is removably affixed to the base 902, regardless of whether an elastic member is used. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment of Figure 8, it is the bag portion of the cushion pad 904 that is adapted to contain a fluid 802.
- the cushion 904 may contain a sealing member 1602 on the interior 911 of the cushion 904 below the neck portion 910 of the cushion 904. If a sealing member 1602 is used, the undersurface 903 of the base member 902 is preferably placed in direct contact with the sealing member 1602 during use (to avoid the existence of air pockets between the base member 902 and the anatomic structure).
- FIG 12 that Figure presents an alternative embodiment of an ultrasound probe 1200 wherein the base member 1201 includes a ridge 1202 for securing a cushion 904 to the base member 1201.
- the ridge 1202 may be used for affixation of a pliable cushion 904 having an elastic member to the base member 1201.
- a pliable pad may have a rigid ring at its neck portion shaped to form a snap fit with the ridge 1202.
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- 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)
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Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP99967999A EP1058514A1 (en) | 1998-12-30 | 1999-12-28 | Damping cushion for ultrasound probes |
JP2000591913A JP2002534147A (en) | 1998-12-30 | 1999-12-28 | Attenuation cushion for ultrasonic probe |
IL13815999A IL138159A0 (en) | 1998-12-30 | 1999-12-28 | Damping cushion for ultrasound probes |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/223,403 US6139502A (en) | 1998-12-30 | 1998-12-30 | Ultrasonic transducer probe and handle housing and stand-off pad |
US09/223,403 | 1998-12-30 | ||
US09/324,811 | 1999-06-02 | ||
US09/324,811 US6210336B1 (en) | 1998-12-30 | 1999-06-02 | Damping cushion for ultrasound probes |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2000040153A1 true WO2000040153A1 (en) | 2000-07-13 |
Family
ID=26917728
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/IB1999/002107 WO2000040153A1 (en) | 1998-12-30 | 1999-12-28 | Damping cushion for ultrasound probes |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US6210336B1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1058514A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2002534147A (en) |
IL (1) | IL138159A0 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2000040153A1 (en) |
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WO2008018054A3 (en) * | 2006-08-08 | 2008-09-25 | Keter Medical Ltd | Imaging system |
US7497899B2 (en) | 2004-09-21 | 2009-03-03 | Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co., Ltd. | Cyclone dust collecting apparatus |
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US20040102707A1 (en) * | 2002-08-22 | 2004-05-27 | Murkin John M. | Acoustic coupler for medical imaging |
US7611465B2 (en) * | 2003-07-15 | 2009-11-03 | Board Of Regents, The University Of Texas System | Rapid and accurate detection of bone quality using ultrasound critical angle reflectometry |
GB2435614A (en) * | 2006-03-01 | 2007-09-05 | Samuel George | Transducer holder for maintaining signal-receiving contact with a patient's body |
US20080208060A1 (en) * | 2006-06-13 | 2008-08-28 | John Michael Murkin | Acoustic Coupler for Medical Imaging |
DK200900527A (en) * | 2009-04-24 | 2010-10-25 | Region Nordjylland Aalborg Syg | Device for holding an imaging probe and use of such device |
US20110196238A1 (en) * | 2010-02-05 | 2011-08-11 | Jacobson Nathan A | System and Method for Fetal Heart Monitoring Using Ultrasound |
US10555814B2 (en) | 2015-11-17 | 2020-02-11 | Edwards Lifesciences Corporation | Ultrasound probe for cardiac treatment |
JP7040910B2 (en) * | 2017-10-11 | 2022-03-23 | 聡 織田 | Ultrasonic probe |
US11135062B2 (en) | 2017-11-20 | 2021-10-05 | Valtech Cardio Ltd. | Cinching of dilated heart muscle |
CN107970040A (en) * | 2017-12-25 | 2018-05-01 | 深圳市第二人民医院 | Medical ultrasonic probe and survey meter |
ES1302381Y (en) * | 2023-01-05 | 2023-10-19 | Segura Francisco Santana | ULTRASONIC WAVE TRANSMITTER PAD FOR MEDICAL AESTHETIC ULTRASOUND LOCATION AND SURFACE MAPPING, DIAGNOSIS AND THERAPEUTIC |
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EP0146049A2 (en) * | 1983-12-16 | 1985-06-26 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Stand-off device |
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US4059098A (en) * | 1975-07-21 | 1977-11-22 | Stanford Research Institute | Flexible ultrasound coupling system |
US4593699A (en) * | 1983-06-13 | 1986-06-10 | Poncy Richard P | Sterile cover for intraoperative ultrasonic diagnostic devices and method and kit for providing same |
US4603701A (en) * | 1983-12-16 | 1986-08-05 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Stand-off device with special fluid |
USD369307S (en) | 1985-01-17 | 1996-04-30 | Advanced Technology Laboratories, Inc. | Intraoperative ultrasound probe |
US4796632A (en) * | 1986-08-11 | 1989-01-10 | General Electric Company | Standoff adapter for ultrasound probe |
NL9001755A (en) | 1990-08-02 | 1992-03-02 | Optische Ind De Oude Delft Nv | ENDOSCOPIC SCANNER. |
US5381795A (en) | 1993-11-19 | 1995-01-17 | Advanced Technology Laboratories, Inc. | Intraoperative ultrasound probe |
-
1999
- 1999-06-02 US US09/324,811 patent/US6210336B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1999-12-28 EP EP99967999A patent/EP1058514A1/en not_active Ceased
- 1999-12-28 WO PCT/IB1999/002107 patent/WO2000040153A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1999-12-28 IL IL13815999A patent/IL138159A0/en unknown
- 1999-12-28 JP JP2000591913A patent/JP2002534147A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE3337842A1 (en) * | 1982-10-26 | 1984-04-26 | Storz Instrument Co., St. Louis, Mo. | Ultrasonic probe |
EP0120410A2 (en) * | 1983-03-25 | 1984-10-03 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | Ultrasonic probe device |
EP0146049A2 (en) * | 1983-12-16 | 1985-06-26 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Stand-off device |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP2002065666A (en) * | 2000-08-18 | 2002-03-05 | Ge Medical Systems Global Technology Co Llc | Ultrasonic search unit |
JP4571284B2 (en) * | 2000-08-18 | 2010-10-27 | ジーイー・メディカル・システムズ・グローバル・テクノロジー・カンパニー・エルエルシー | Ultrasonic probe |
US7497899B2 (en) | 2004-09-21 | 2009-03-03 | Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co., Ltd. | Cyclone dust collecting apparatus |
WO2008018054A3 (en) * | 2006-08-08 | 2008-09-25 | Keter Medical Ltd | Imaging system |
CN108367141A (en) * | 2015-11-23 | 2018-08-03 | Om有限公司 | Equipment for transdermal drug delivery |
CN112535498A (en) * | 2019-09-23 | 2021-03-23 | 通用电气精准医疗有限责任公司 | Method and system for accessory holder |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US6210336B1 (en) | 2001-04-03 |
JP2002534147A (en) | 2002-10-15 |
EP1058514A1 (en) | 2000-12-13 |
IL138159A0 (en) | 2001-10-31 |
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