Patent ID: 6402695
Filing Date: 2002-06-11
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A cover for an ultrasound probe, comprising:a thin, flexible cover member adapted to fit over an ultrasound probe member, wherein the cover member is secured to the ultrasound probe in use by a securing element at a selected point along the length of the cover member from a distal end of the cover member; and an elongated, hollow member, open at both ends, positioned entirely within an interior volume of the cover member, between the distal end of the cover member and said selected point along the length of the cover member, wherein the hollow member is secured to the exterior surface of the probe and extends lengthwise along the probe, such that when the cover member is operatively positioned over the probe with the tube attached thereto with fluid present between the probe and the cover member and the combination thereof is moved into and out of a bodily opening, fluid present within the interior volume of the cover member moves through the hollow member, tending to equalize fluid pressure between the distal end of the cover member and said selected point along the length of the cover member, during insertion and retraction of the probe and cover member combination into and out of the bodily opening.