WO2006120538A1

WO2006120538A1 - Apparatus for underwater echographic analysis

Info

Publication number: WO2006120538A1
Application number: PCT/IB2006/001186
Authority: WO
Inventors: Remo Bedini; Andrea Belardinelli; Lara Reale; Mirko Passera
Original assignee: Cnr Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche
Priority date: 2005-05-12
Filing date: 2006-05-09
Publication date: 2006-11-16
Also published as: ITPI20050052A1

Abstract

Apparatus (1) for underwater cardiac echographic analysis comprising an echographic device (5) , with which echographic images are obtained, arranged in an underwater sealed enclosure (2) . This enclosure defines a chamber (3) and has the function to enclose hermetically the echographic device (5) in order to avoid a direct contact with water whereby it is possible to use it i in extreme conditions as those occurring at underwater 'depths that can be reached by a diver. The apparatus (1) comprises, furthermore, means (10, 11, 15, 18) for adjusting the pressure balance between the chamber (3) and the piezometric pressure of the outer environment. In particular, the means for adjusting the pressure balance provide a reservoir of compressed gas, for example an air reservoir (10) at high pressure of the type used for immersions in ARA, in pneumatic connection with the chamber (3) by a duct (11) . The duct, at the point where it enters the enclosure (2) , has an adjustment valve (15) , for example a common air supply valve for immersions having a sealed membrane to avoid water passage. The adjustment valve (15) automatically allows/prevents the compressed gas to enter in the enclosure (2) up to a pressure corresponding to the operation pressure responsive to the pressure difference between the chamber (3) and the outer environment. The system for adjusting the pressure balance between the inside and outside of the enclosure (2) comprises, furthermore, a unidirectional discharge valve (18) . This valve opens during an emersion step to restore the pressure balance between the environment in the enclosure (2) and the outer environment during an emersion step.

Description

TITLE

APPARATUS FOR UNDERWATER ECHOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS

DESCRIPTION

Field of the invention The present invention relates to the medical field and more precisely it relates to an apparatus for carrying out an underwater echographic analysis. Background of the invention

In the last decade a strong increase of the professional and recreational underwater activities has taken place. In such sea tourism development many people with insufficient skill have been attracted, comprising potential subjects with pathologies at a pre-clinical stage. In Europe more than five million people have practised underwater activity in 2004, to which other people must be added that practise "snorkelling". This phenomenon has a plurality of potential medical and social implications, not yet investigated enough in the relevant literature, which mainly is limited to studies on physiopathological phenomena on a few underwater sportsmen.

This lack of information, referred to a large sample of people practising underwater activity, requires to set up particular methods for collecting data on a large number of subjects, through also experiences directly effected in a sea underwater environment.

This approach requires appropriate tools for underwater monitoring comprising logistic infrastructures for providing effective medical-diagnostic underwater laboratories, oriented specially towards cardio- respiratory aspects that _t are most critical for underwater activity. It is therefore necessary to provide specific operative protocols to , set up "standard procedures" capable to analyse divers under a physio-pathological profile. In particular, it is necessary to carry out tests "in situ" on which operative guidelines and medical examination rules for professional and recreational underwater activities.

Two important aspects are involved. A technological aspect relates to developing underwater biomedical echographic tools, medical protocols and then specific databases for practicing and researching under a physiological and clinical profile. Another aspect relates to studying in a not conyentional way characteristics and reactions of the cardio-vascular-respiratory system in limit conditions; the latter aspect, owing to the monomorphous behaviour of the human body, can represent an effective method for studying pathological phenomena such as those related to cardio-circulatory decompensation on athletes, reproducing them reversibly at high depths in breath-held diving conditions. Moreover, owing to the high diffusion of SCUBA (Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus) divers, a high scientific interest is present for the cardio-circulatory behaviour such divers. Summary of the invention

It is then a feature of the present invention to provide an apparatus for underwater echographic analysis of divers for developing appropriated medical protocols and creating then specific databases for practicing and researching under a physiological and clinical profile.

It is also a feature of the present invention to provide an apparatus for underwater echographic analysis for studying in a not conventional way characteristics and reactions of the cardio-vascular-respiratory system in limit conditions.

It is a further feature of the present invention to provide an apparatus for underwater echographic analysis for pathological phenomena such as those related to cardio-circulatory decompensation on athletes, reproducing them reversibly at high depths in breath-held and SCUBA divers .

These and other features are accomplished with one exemplary apparatus for underwater echographic analysis of an anatomical element, in particular the heart, of a subject, according to the invention, comprising:

- ultrasound means adapted to provide an echographic image,

- an underwater sealed enclosure defining a chamber that houses said ultrasound means,

- interactive means adapted to allow an operator to direct said ultrasound means,

- electric supply means for said ultrasound means. In particular, the apparatus above described comprises, furthermore, means for adjusting the pressure balance between the chamber and the underwater piezometric conditions .

Advantageously, the means for adjusting the pressure balance can provide: - a reservoir of compressed gas in pneumatic connection with the chamber by a feeding duct,

- an adjustment valve associated to the reservoir of compressed gas adapted to allow /stop the delivery of the gas towards the chamber responsive to the pressure difference with the outside environment, said adjustment valve carrying out a pressure adjustment through at least two stages,

- a discharge valve adapted to achieve a determined value of the inner pressure in the chamber by causing an outflow of the gas.

In particular, the discharge valve has resilient means .

Advantageously, the discharge valve is arranged at a different height with respect to the inlet through the feeding duct of the compressed gas into the waterproof enclosure. Therefore, the different piezometric pressure i existing between the discharge valve and the adjustment valve generates on the discharge valve a piezometric overpressure to assure closing of the discharge valve during an immersion step and to allow opening the discharge valve for outflow of the gas from the enclosure during an emersion step. Advantageously, the electric supply means provide a battery associated to a DC/AC converter, for example an inverter, for generating a suitable voltage (220 Vac / max 500 VA) . Such an electric supply makes the system compatible with most ultrasound devices available on the market. In fact, a high external voltage would cause an underwater danger around the apparatus . The use instead of an "inverter" system with a low voltage battery (12 V) is safe enough, both because the system is completely insulated from the outside, and because if the enclosure were accidentally flooded, the 220 V voltage would shortcut within the enclosure, without harm for the operator.

In particular, the ultrasound means provides a probe of "phased array" type having a hollow body where an inert material is put that prevents it from collapsing under the piezometric pressure. More in detail, in this particular type of probe, crystals generate a "bidimensional sweeping" of a beam of ultrasonic pulses through a technique of phase shift of the excitation signal.

Advantageously, the apparatus for echographic analysis comprises, furthermore, a frame integral to the enclosure adapted to support the subject under echographic examination and the operator.

In particular, the frame for supporting the subject can provide a plurality of stiff elements adapted to form: - a support structure for the subject under echographic examination,

- a seat for the operator,

- a counterweight for keeping the apparatus always vertical.

Advantageously, the interactive means adapted to direct said ultrasound means provide a glove hermetically connected at the external wall of the enclosure, adapted to allow an operator to carry out manoeuvres necessary to direct correctly the ultrasound means. This because the echographic devices always need instrumental adjustments during the examination.

In particular, the enclosure provides a stiff wall and at least one transparent porthole to let the operator see the monitor of the ultrasound means. Brief description of the drawings

The invention will be made clearer with the following description of an exemplary embodiment thereof, exemplifying i but not limitative, with reference to the attached drawings wherein:

- Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an apparatus for underwater echographic analysis, according to the present invention;

- Figure 2 shows diagrammatically a perspective view of the apparatus of figure 1 in operative conditions,

- Figures 3 and 4 show diagrammatically the flow of the gas used for restoring the balance between the inside and outside of the apparatus respectively during an immersion step and during an emersion step,

- Figure 5 shows diagrammatically the main elements for pressure balancing in the apparatus of figure 1; - Figure 6 shows diagrammatically the encumbrance of the echographic device and of the relative feeding system in the apparatus of figure 1,

- Figure 7 is an enlarged view of a discharge valve figure 5 for outflow of the gas at the outlet of the echographic device where it is contained the echographic device. Description of a preferred exemplary embodiment

With reference to figure 1, the present invention provides an apparatus 1 for underwater cardiac echographic analysis. It comprises an echographic device 5, with which an echographic image is obtained, arranged in an underwater sealed enclosure 2. This defines a chamber 3 and has the function of waterproofing the echographic device 5 in order to avoid the direct contact with water, so that it is possible to use it in extreme conditions as those occurring at underwater depths that can be reached by a diver. The stiff enclosure 2, which may have whichever form and advantageously it is shown having a cylindrical shape, has an porthole 6 sealed by a flange 7 and made of a suitably strong glass. Porthole 6 has a plurality of holes where many devices are sealably, housed, among which gas inlet and discharge valves 15 and 18, a sleeve 56 for moving the wire of the echographic probe 55 and an interface glove 50 for the operation of the echographic device 5. The latter is fixed steadily at the bottom 9 of the enclosure 2. This bottom 9 is of a heavy material and provides a counterweight for keeping the apparatus 1 always in a vertical position. The apparatus 1 comprises, furthermore, a system for adjusting the pressure balance between the chamber 3 and the piezometric pressure of the outer environment. In particular, the system for adjusting the pressure balance provides a reservoir of compressed gas, for example a compressed air reservoir 10 at high pressure, of the type used for immersions in ARA, and which is in pneumatic connection with the chamber 3 by a duct 11. The latter, at the point where it enters the enclosure 2, has a inlet valve 15, for example a common air supply valve for SCUBA divers having a sealed membrane in order to avoid water passage. Valve 15 automatically allows/interrupts the inlet of compressed gas, coming from the reservoir towards the enclosure 2, up to a pressure corresponding to the depth of operation, responsive to the pressure difference between the chamber 3 and the outer environment .

The system for adjusting the pressure balance between the inside and outside of the enclosure 2 comprises, furthermore, an unidirectional discharge valve 18. This opens during a step of emersion, in order to restore the pressure balance between the environment in the enclosure 2 and the outer underwater environment during the step of emersion. The discharge valve 18 is, in fact, equipped with pre-calibrated resilient means 19 (figure 5) that cause the valve to open only to achieve a determined gradient of pressure between the inside and outside of chamber 3. As shown in detail in figure 7, the resilient means 19 are, in fact, operatively connected to a dividing wall 21 that as a determined pressure in the chamber 3 is overcome, it translates from a closed position 21a to an open position 21b at which the outflow of the gas from enclosure outwards through the apertures 20a, and 20b is allowed.

Always with reference to figure 5, the discharge valve 18 is arranged at a different height with respect to the inlet through the feeding duct 11 of the compressed gas into the waterproof enclosure. This way, the different piezometric pressure existing between the discharge valve 18 and the adjustment valve 15 generates an overpression on discharge valve 18 same. Therefore, by maintaining the apparatus 1 in a vertical correct position during the operative steps, by means of a counterweight not shown made in the bottom of the enclosure 2, the discharge valve 18 is caused to close during an immersion step and to open for outflow of the gas during an emersion step.

The system for adjusting the pressure balance has the function to prevent glove 50 from collapsing or from exploding, wherein the glove is hermetically fixed to the wall of the enclosure 2 and is used by the operator 35 for carrying out the necessary regulations of the echographic device 5 during the examination. The echographic device 5 provides a probe 55 of the "phased array" type whose connection cable with the apparatus passes through the sleeve 56 screwed to the external wall of the enclosure 2. To prevent it from collapsing at the deepest operative heights (30 metres) , the hollow body of probe 55 is filled with silicone or other suitable material.

Furthermore, echographic device 5 is fed by a battery 45 with an DC/AC converter, for example an inverter 40 for generating suitable voltage (220 Vac / max 500 VA) . In fact, a high external voltage (220 Vac) would cause an underwater danger around the apparatus for the operator and the subject. The use instead of an inverter 40 with a low voltage battery 45 (12 V) is safe enough, both because the system is completely insulated from the outside, and because if the enclosure 2 were accidentally flooded, the 220 V voltage would shortcut within the enclosure, without harm for the operator.

During the echographic examination the subject 30 positioned on a suitable frame 60 consisting of a plurality of stiff elements 61, 62, 63 and 65 that ensure a correct location with respect to operator 35.

More precisely, the frame 60 is connected to the enclosure by means of portions 61 and has a rod 62, at one end of which a cross member 63 is connected for supporting the legs of the subject 30. The latter must keep a horizontal position holding with a hand to rod 62 and with the other hand to rod 65 protruding from enclosure 2. The operator 35 can sit for example on a portion of the stiff frame or on a special seat 66 rigidly fixed to the rod 62 (figure 1) .

The foregoing description of a specific embodiment will so fully reveal the invention according to the conceptual point of view, so that others, by applying current knowledge, will be able to modify and/or adapt for various applications such an embodiment without further research and without parting from the invention, and it is therefore to be understood that such adaptations and modifications will have to be considered as equivalent to the specific embodiment. The means and the materials to realise the different functions described herein could have a different nature without, for this reason, departing from the field of the invention. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

Claims

1. Apparatus for underwater echographic analysis of an anatomical element, in particular the heart, of a subject, characterised in that it comprises: - ultrasound means adapted to provide an echographic image,

- an underwater sealed enclosure defining a chamber for said ultrasound means,

- electric supply means for said ultrasound means.

2. Apparatus for underwater echographic analysis, according to claim 1, wherein means are provided for adjusting the pressure balance between said chamber and the underwater piezometric pressure.

3. Apparatus for underwater echographic analysis, according to claim 1, wherein said means for adjusting the pressure balance provide:

- a reservoir of compressed gas in pneumatic connection with said chamber by a feeding duct,

- an adjustment valve associated to said reservoir of compressed gas adapted to allow /prevent the flow of said gas towards said chamber responsive to the pressure difference with the outside environment, said adjustment valve obtaining a multi-stage adjustment system,

- a discharge valve adapted to open at a determined value of the inner pressure of said chamber causing an outflow of said gas.

4. Apparatus for underwater echographic analysis, according to claim 1, wherein said discharge valve is arranged at a different height with respect to the inlet of said feeding duct of the gas into said P⁽

- 11 - enclosure, said difference of height being suitable to generate on said -discharge valve a piezometric overpressure that ensures closing during an immersion step and opening for outflow of the gas during an emersion step.

5. Apparatus for underwater echographic analysis, according to claim 1, wherein said electric supply means provide a battery associated to a DC/AC converter.

6. Apparatus for underwater echographic analysis, according to claim 1, wherein said ultrasound means provide a probe of the "phased array" type having a hollow body where a filling material is inserted that prevents it from collapsing under the piezometric pressure.

7. Apparatus for underwater echographic analysis, according to claim 1, wherein a frame is provided integral to said enclosure adapted to support the subject under echographic examination and the operator that carries out the examination.

8. Apparatus for underwater echographic analysis, according to claim 7, wherein said frame provides a plurality of stiff elements adapted to form:

- a support structure for the subject under echographic examination,

- a seat for the operator.

9. Apparatus for underwater echographic analysis, according to claim L, wherein said interactive means adapted to direct said ultrasound means provide a glove hermetically connected to the wall of said enclosure.

10. Apparatus for underwater echographic analysis, according to claim 1, wherein said enclosure provides a stiff wall and at least one transparent porthole to let the operator to look at the monitor of said ultrasound means.