Patent ID: 7931596
Filing Date: 2011-04-26
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An interface device for use with an ultrasound imaging system having a scan head with at least one transducer, the interface device being removably attachable to the scan head, the interface device comprising: a reservoir with a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end being open and shaped to allow the transducer to be inserted within said reservoir, wherein said proximal end of said reservoir is configured to maintain a fluid tight seal between said reservoir and the scan head, and wherein said distal end of said reservoir is configured to extend past a distal end of the transducer, a scan window located proximate said distal end of said reservoir through which ultrasound energy is transmitted and received, wherein said scan window is formed of a solid, non-flowable hydrogel, a fluid tight seal between said scan window and said distal end of said reservoir, and a fluid acoustic coupling medium located within said reservoir and filling a space between said transducer and said scan window, wherein said solid, non-flowable hydrogel comprises a cross-linked hydrogel and wherein said scan window further comprises a support structure comprising a mesh of filaments embedded in the cross-linked hydrogel.