WO2004064642A1 - Ultrasonic transducer device - Google Patents

Ultrasonic transducer device Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2004064642A1
WO2004064642A1 PCT/AU2004/000079 AU2004000079W WO2004064642A1 WO 2004064642 A1 WO2004064642 A1 WO 2004064642A1 AU 2004000079 W AU2004000079 W AU 2004000079W WO 2004064642 A1 WO2004064642 A1 WO 2004064642A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
transducer
aperture
core element
planar sheet
patient
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2004/000079
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Robert Allan Phillips
Paul Butler
Gary Davey
Original Assignee
Uscom Limited
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Uscom Limited filed Critical Uscom Limited
Publication of WO2004064642A1 publication Critical patent/WO2004064642A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B8/00—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
    • A61B8/42—Details of probe positioning or probe attachment to the patient
    • A61B8/4272—Details of probe positioning or probe attachment to the patient involving the acoustic interface between the transducer and the tissue
    • A61B8/4281—Details of probe positioning or probe attachment to the patient involving the acoustic interface between the transducer and the tissue characterised by sound-transmitting media or devices for coupling the transducer to the tissue
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B8/00—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
    • A61B8/42—Details of probe positioning or probe attachment to the patient
    • A61B8/4209—Details of probe positioning or probe attachment to the patient by using holders, e.g. positioning frames
    • A61B8/4236—Details of probe positioning or probe attachment to the patient by using holders, e.g. positioning frames characterised by adhesive patches
    • 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
    • G10K11/004—Mounting transducers, e.g. provided with mechanical moving or orienting device

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an ultrasonic transducer device and, in particular, discloses a compact inexpensive arrangement for an ultrasonic transducer.
  • a transducer device for attachment to a patient, the device comprising: a flexible planar sheet including an aperture therein; a transducer core element including an elongated portion having an ultrasonic transducer element attached to one end, the transducer core element being located within the aperture.
  • the transducer core element includes a first profiled surface which engages with a mating surface on the planar sheet so as to allow a rotation of the transducer core element within the aperture relative to the planar sheet.
  • the first profiled surface and the mating surface engage in a frictional fit so that the transducer core element is substantially stably mounted on a patient at a predetermined angle whilst also being able to be rotated by rotation of the elongated portion.
  • the ultrasonic element can include a flat profiled surface for engaging with the surface skin of a patient and the elongated portion includes an elongation axis which is offset from the perpendicular to the flat profiled surface.
  • the aperture can be circular and the mating surface can be cylindrical.
  • the flexible planar sheet can further include a slit between the central aperture and an external edge of the sheet through which transducer leads attached to the transducer core element can be inserted.
  • the sheet can also include a ribbed ridge portion adjacent the central aperture which resiliently deforms during movement of the transducer core element within the aperture.
  • Fig. 1 illustrated a top side perspective view of the preferred embodiment
  • Fig. 2 illustrates a bottom side perspective view of the preferred embodiment
  • Fig. 3 illustrates a sectional view through a portion of the preferred embodiment.
  • a transducer device with the transducer element being rotateably located within an aperture defined in a panel or flap.
  • the panel or flap surface provides a fiictional engagement for the transducer so as to thereby accurately locate the transducer device.
  • the transducer device 1 includes a flap section 3 having a central aperture cut out of the flap.
  • the flap 3 also includes a valley or depression portion 4 which in turn is interconnected to a rim 5.
  • the rim 5 engages ⁇ transducer device 6 texture which is attached to a set of transducer leads (not shown).
  • the transducer device 6 is generally offset at an angle of approximately 30 degrees and is of an elongated rod like structure so that is can be grasped with the hand, whereby the base portion 7 is generally rotatable within the aperture formed within the flap 3.
  • the flap 3 includes a slot 9 so that the transducer device 6 can be easily inserted and extracted from the central aperture.
  • FIG. 2 there is illustrated a bottom side perspective view of the transducer device.
  • the view of Fig. 2 shows the transducer device 6 protruding through the flap 3.
  • the flap 3 includes two adhesive pads 10, 11 for attaching the flap to the patient.
  • the active transducer element 12 protrudes from the bottom of the transducer device 6.
  • Fig. 3 there is illustrated a sectional view through the core portion of the transducer device 1.
  • the transducer device 6 is detachable from the flap arrangement 3. However, it is normally held with a fiictional fit such that the surface of the flap 3 engages the surface of the transducer device 6 in a frictionally moveably fit.
  • the handle portion 6 can be clasped by a user and moved or rotated relative to the flap 3 so as to alter the engagement angle of the transducer head 12 with the surface of the patient. In this way, a physician utilising the device can adjust it so that a strong signal is received.
  • the rim adjacent the flap 3 engages the transducer in a fiictional fit.
  • the adhesive pads 10, 11 are further attached to the patient and so the arrangement 1 provides for a tight and compact fit with the patient's skin surface thereby allowing for effective stable operational monitoring of the patient.
  • the head 7 can be disengaged from the flap 3 by means of slot 9 with the flap 3 being separately disposed of.

Abstract

A transducer device (1) for attachment to a patient, said device comprising: a flexible planar sheet (3) including an aperture therein; and a transducer core element including an elongated portion and having an ultrasonic transducer element attached to one end, said transducer core element being located within said aperture.

Description

TITLE: ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER DEVICE
BACK GROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an ultrasonic transducer device and, in particular, discloses a compact inexpensive arrangement for an ultrasonic transducer. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Recently, in PCT application Number PCT/AU99/00507, a system was proposed for the ultrasonic continuous wave Doppler monitoring of blood flow within a patient. With any such system, when utilised in high traffic environments, there is a general need for an effective transducer device which can be attached to a patient in a rapid and convenient manner. Further, the transducer device is preferable inexpensively made and can be readily attached so as to provide for effective monitoring of a patient. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide for a new form of transducer device suitable for utilisation with CW Doppler blood flow imaging. In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a transducer device for attachment to a patient, the device comprising: a flexible planar sheet including an aperture therein; a transducer core element including an elongated portion having an ultrasonic transducer element attached to one end, the transducer core element being located within the aperture. Preferably, the transducer core element includes a first profiled surface which engages with a mating surface on the planar sheet so as to allow a rotation of the transducer core element within the aperture relative to the planar sheet. The first profiled surface and the mating surface engage in a frictional fit so that the transducer core element is substantially stably mounted on a patient at a predetermined angle whilst also being able to be rotated by rotation of the elongated portion. The ultrasonic element can include a flat profiled surface for engaging with the surface skin of a patient and the elongated portion includes an elongation axis which is offset from the perpendicular to the flat profiled surface. The aperture can be circular and the mating surface can be cylindrical.
The flexible planar sheet can further include a slit between the central aperture and an external edge of the sheet through which transducer leads attached to the transducer core element can be inserted. The sheet can also include a ribbed ridge portion adjacent the central aperture which resiliently deforms during movement of the transducer core element within the aperture.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Fig. 1 illustrated a top side perspective view of the preferred embodiment; Fig. 2 illustrates a bottom side perspective view of the preferred embodiment;
Fig. 3 illustrates a sectional view through a portion of the preferred embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED AND OTHER EMBODIMENTS
In the preferred embodiment, there is provided a transducer device with the transducer element being rotateably located within an aperture defined in a panel or flap. The panel or flap surface provides a fiictional engagement for the transducer so as to thereby accurately locate the transducer device.
Turning initially to Fig. 1, there is illustrated a side perspective view of the transducer device 1. The transducer device 1 includes a flap section 3 having a central aperture cut out of the flap. The flap 3 also includes a valley or depression portion 4 which in turn is interconnected to a rim 5. The rim 5 engages Ά transducer device 6„ which is attached to a set of transducer leads (not shown). The transducer device 6 is generally offset at an angle of approximately 30 degrees and is of an elongated rod like structure so that is can be grasped with the hand, whereby the base portion 7 is generally rotatable within the aperture formed within the flap 3. The flap 3 includes a slot 9 so that the transducer device 6 can be easily inserted and extracted from the central aperture.
Turning now to Fig 2, there is illustrated a bottom side perspective view of the transducer device. The view of Fig. 2 shows the transducer device 6 protruding through the flap 3. The flap 3 includes two adhesive pads 10, 11 for attaching the flap to the patient. The active transducer element 12 protrudes from the bottom of the transducer device 6.
Turning now to Fig. 3, there is illustrated a sectional view through the core portion of the transducer device 1. The transducer device 6 is detachable from the flap arrangement 3. However, it is normally held with a fiictional fit such that the surface of the flap 3 engages the surface of the transducer device 6 in a frictionally moveably fit. Hence the handle portion 6 can be clasped by a user and moved or rotated relative to the flap 3 so as to alter the engagement angle of the transducer head 12 with the surface of the patient. In this way, a physician utilising the device can adjust it so that a strong signal is received. The rim adjacent the flap 3 engages the transducer in a fiictional fit. The adhesive pads 10, 11 are further attached to the patient and so the arrangement 1 provides for a tight and compact fit with the patient's skin surface thereby allowing for effective stable operational monitoring of the patient.
Further, the head 7 can be disengaged from the flap 3 by means of slot 9 with the flap 3 being separately disposed of. The foregoing describes a single arrangement of the preferred embodiment. Modifications, obvious to those skilled in the art can be made there to without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS :-
1. A transducer device for attachment to a patient, said device comprising: a flexible planar sheet including an aperture therein; and, a transducer core element including an elongated portion and having an ultrasonic transducer element attached to one end, said transducer core element being located within said aperture.
2. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said transducer core element includes a first profiled surface which engages with a mating surface on said planar sheet so as to allow a rotation of said transducer core element within said aperture relative to said planar sheet.
3. A device as claimed in claim 2 wherein said first profiled surface and said mating surface engage in a fiictional fit so that said transducer core element is substantially stably mounted on a patient at a predetermined angle whilst also being able to be rotated by forced rotation of said elongated portion.
4. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said ultrasonic element includes a flat profiled surface for engaging with the surface skin of a patient and said elongated portion includes an elongation axis which is offset from a perpendicular to the flat profiled surface.
5. A device as claimed in claim 2 wherein said aperture is circular and said mating surface is cylindrical;
6. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said flexible planar sheet further includes a slit between said central aperture and an external edge of said sheet through which transducer leads attached to said transducer core element can be inserted.
7. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said flexible planar sheet includes an ribbed ridge portion adjacent said central aperture which resiliently deforms during movement of said transducer core element within said aperture.
8. A flexible planar sheet for use with an ultrasound transducer, including a slot communicating a border of the planar sheet with an internal aperture defined therein and a central aperture having a resident ribbed ridge for deforming upon insertion of a transducer into said aperture.
9. A transducer device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
PCT/AU2004/000079 2003-01-22 2004-01-22 Ultrasonic transducer device WO2004064642A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2003900260A AU2003900260A0 (en) 2003-01-22 2003-01-22 Ultrasonic transducer device
AU2003900260 2003-01-22

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2004064642A1 true WO2004064642A1 (en) 2004-08-05

Family

ID=30004967

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/AU2004/000079 WO2004064642A1 (en) 2003-01-22 2004-01-22 Ultrasonic transducer device

Country Status (2)

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AU (1) AU2003900260A0 (en)
WO (1) WO2004064642A1 (en)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2006071829A1 (en) * 2004-12-23 2006-07-06 Baril Die Co., Inc. Device holder apparatus
WO2007099309A1 (en) * 2006-03-01 2007-09-07 Samuel George Transducer holder
DE102012005895B3 (en) * 2012-03-23 2013-07-18 Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V. Ultrasonic measuring device, examination device and method for its operation
WO2017052363A1 (en) * 2015-09-24 2017-03-30 Medacc Holding B.V. Device for fixating a medical instrument
US11020093B2 (en) 2016-03-23 2021-06-01 Koninklijke Philips N.V. Method and apparatus for improving the measurement of flow velocity of blood

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0331348A1 (en) * 1988-02-29 1989-09-06 Edward H. M.D. Hon Ultrasound transducer holder
US5598845A (en) * 1995-11-16 1997-02-04 Stellartech Research Corporation Ultrasound transducer device for continuous imaging of the heart and other body parts
WO2000006309A2 (en) * 1998-07-31 2000-02-10 Boston Scientific Limited Off-aperture electrical connection for ultrasonic transducer
US6027449A (en) * 1988-05-11 2000-02-22 Lunar Corporation Ultrasonometer employing distensible membranes
US20030069526A1 (en) * 2000-08-24 2003-04-10 Timi 3 Systems, Inc. Applicators that house and support ultrasound transducers for transcutaneous delivery of ultrasound energy

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0331348A1 (en) * 1988-02-29 1989-09-06 Edward H. M.D. Hon Ultrasound transducer holder
US6027449A (en) * 1988-05-11 2000-02-22 Lunar Corporation Ultrasonometer employing distensible membranes
US5598845A (en) * 1995-11-16 1997-02-04 Stellartech Research Corporation Ultrasound transducer device for continuous imaging of the heart and other body parts
WO2000006309A2 (en) * 1998-07-31 2000-02-10 Boston Scientific Limited Off-aperture electrical connection for ultrasonic transducer
US20030069526A1 (en) * 2000-08-24 2003-04-10 Timi 3 Systems, Inc. Applicators that house and support ultrasound transducers for transcutaneous delivery of ultrasound energy

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2006071829A1 (en) * 2004-12-23 2006-07-06 Baril Die Co., Inc. Device holder apparatus
WO2007099309A1 (en) * 2006-03-01 2007-09-07 Samuel George Transducer holder
DE102012005895B3 (en) * 2012-03-23 2013-07-18 Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V. Ultrasonic measuring device, examination device and method for its operation
WO2013139422A1 (en) * 2012-03-23 2013-09-26 Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V. Ultrasonic measuring device, examination apparatus and method for operating same
US10765403B2 (en) 2012-03-23 2020-09-08 Franhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung, e.V. Ultrasonic measuring device, examination apparatus and method for operating same
WO2017052363A1 (en) * 2015-09-24 2017-03-30 Medacc Holding B.V. Device for fixating a medical instrument
US11020093B2 (en) 2016-03-23 2021-06-01 Koninklijke Philips N.V. Method and apparatus for improving the measurement of flow velocity of blood

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