Ultrasound Probe Accessory Implement

Disclosed herein are ultrasound probe assemblies that include the probe, a sheath, and an accessory implement that may be selectively attached to and detached form the probe. The implement includes an attachment surface for attaching accessories thereto. The attachment surface includes a defined angle with respect to the head of the probe so that accessories attached thereto are disposed in a defined alignment with the probe. The implement includes a circumferential wall defining a cavity configure to receive the probe head therein. The cavity includes a bottom opening to expose a patient coupling surface of the probe. The assembly may include an ultrasound gel disposed within the opening. The sheath may include a stretchable band to secure the sheath to the probe. The sheath defines a sterile barrier and may be attached to the implement.

BACKGROUND

Obtaining ultrasound images may be employed during a various medical procedures. Ultrasound systems and the associated ultrasound probes may be combined with a accessories to enhance the performance of the medical procedures or reduce patient risk. However, the modification of the ultrasound probe to accommodate attachment of multiple different accessories including new accessories may be cost prohibitive and logically complex. Assemblies and devices disclosed herein address the forgoing.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein is an ultrasound probe assembly that includes (i) an ultrasound probe defining a probe head at a bottom end of the ultrasound probe, the probe head having a patient coupling surface, (ii) a sheath covering the ultrasound probe, and (iii) an accessory implement secured to the ultrasound probe, where the accessory implement is configured to enable attachment of a probe accessory to the ultrasound probe.

In some embodiments, the accessory implement is configured for selective attachment to and detachment from the ultrasound probe via a securement mechanism.

In some embodiments, the accessory implement includes a circumferential wall defining a cavity having, where the cavity includes a top opening through which the probe head is inserted and a bottom opening extending across the patient coupling surface.

In some embodiments, the accessory implement includes an accessory attachment surface configured for attachment of the probe accessory thereto, the accessory attachment surface disposed at a defined position and orientation with respect to the probe head. In some embodiments, the accessory attachment surface includes an accessory connector.

In some embodiments, the accessory implement includes a protrusion located so as to extend away from a back side of the ultrasound probe, the protrusion configured to enable a clinician to grasp the ultrasound probe via two fingers. In some embodiments, the protrusion is transitionable between an extended state and collapsed state.

In some embodiments, the securement mechanism includes one or more deflectable clips configured to extend at least partially around the ultrasound probe.

In some embodiments, the accessory implement includes a front wall extending across a front side of the ultrasound probe, the front wall including an opening extending across a control panel of the ultrasound probe.

In some embodiments, the sheath is disposed between the ultrasound probe and the accessory implement.

In some embodiments, the sheath includes a stretchable portion defining a reduced circumference of the sheath, the stretchable portion configured to secure the sheath to the ultrasound probe.

In some embodiments, wherein the sheath includes an ultrasound coupling area extending across the patient coupling surface of the ultrasound probe, the ultrasound coupling area including an ultrasound coupling capability that exceeds other portions of the sheath extending away from the ultrasound coupling area. In some embodiments, the ultrasound coupling area includes the ultrasound gel.

In some embodiments, the sheath and the accessory implement are inseparably attached to each other.

Also disclosed is an accessory attachment implement for an ultrasound probe that includes (i) a circumferential wall defining a cavity having a top opening and bottom opening, the cavity configured to receive a head of the ultrasound probe therein via the top opening and (ii) a back wall coupled with and extending upwardly away from the circumferential wall, the back wall including an attachment mechanism configured to secure the implement to the ultrasound probe. The bottom opening is sized and shaped to correspond to a patient coupling surface of the ultrasound probe, and the circumferential wall defines an accessory attachment surface disposed at a defined angle with respect to the patient coupling surface, where the accessory attachment surface includes an accessory connector.

In some embodiments, the implement further includes an ultrasound gel disposed within the bottom opening.

In some embodiments, the implement further includes a sheath coupled with the circumferential wall, the sheath configured to cover the ultrasound probe.

In some embodiments, the ultrasound gel is coupled with the sheath.

In some embodiments, the sheath includes a stretchable band configured to cinch the sheath around the ultrasound probe.

DESCRIPTION

The phrases “connected to,” “coupled to,” and “in communication with” refer to any form of interaction between two or more entities, including but not limited to mechanical, electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, fluid, and thermal interaction. Two components may be coupled to each other even though they are not in direct contact with each other. For example, two components may be coupled to each other through an intermediate component.

FIG.1Aillustrates an ultrasound probe assembly, in accordance with some embodiments. The ultrasound probe assembly (assembly)100generally includes an ultrasound probe (probe)110coupled with an accessory attachment implement (implement)120and a sheath150. The implement120is selectively attached to the probe110so that a clinician may attach the implement120to the probe and/or detach the implement120from the probe110. The implement120is generally configured to provide for attachment of accessories to the probe110, such as a needle guide, for example. The assembly100may be provided to a clinician in an assembled state or the clinician may couple the implement120and/or the sheath150to the probe110at the point of use. In the illustrated embodiment, the implement120and the sheath150may be configured for single use. In some embodiments, the sheath150covers the probe110and defines a sterile barrier for the probe110.

The probe110generally defines a longitudinal shape extending between a top end110A and a bottom end110B. The probe110includes a probe head112having a patient coupling surface114extending across the bottom end112. The patient coupling surface114is configured to define an acoustically intimate coupling with the skin surface of the patient during use. The probe110may include a control panel116having a number of input devices, such as buttons, a scroll wheel, a joystick, or the like to enable to the clinician to operate the probe110. The probe110defines a front side110C and an opposite back side110D. In the illustrated embodiment, the control panel116is located on the front side110C. In some embodiments, the assembly100may include an ultrasound gel160disposed across the patient coupling surface114to help establish the acoustically intimate coupling.

The implement120is coupled with the probe head112in the illustrated embodiment. In other embodiments, the implement120may be coupled with another portion of the probe110, such as a front, back, or side surface, for example. In the illustrated embodiment, the implement120includes a circumferential wall122extending around the probe head112, i.e., the circumferential wall122defines a cavity123and the probe head112is inserted into the cavity123via a top opening123A of the cavity123. The cavity123includes bottom opening123B extending across the patient coupling surface114so as to not cover any portion of the patient coupling surface114. In some embodiments, the bottom opening123B may define a size and shape the correspond to (i.e., are similar to) the size and shape of the patient coupling surface114. The cavity123may also define a size and shape that correspond to the size and shape of the of the probe head112so that when the implement120is coupled with the probe head112, motion of the probe head112relative to the implement120is prevented, inhibited, or otherwise minimized.

The circumferential wall122defines an attachment surface122A that is generally configured to enable secure attachment of an accessory (e.g., the needle guide) to the probe110via the implement120. The attachment surface122A may be disposed at a defined angle with respect to the patient coupling surface114so that the accessory, when attached to the attachment surface122A, is positioned and oriented in a defined alignment with the patient coupling surface114, the probe head112, or the probe110. In some embodiments, the attachment surface122A may include an accessory connector124, where the accessory connector124is configured to attach to the accessory to the implement120. In some embodiments, the connector124may include a hook or a slide, i.e., the accessory connector124may include a hook component or a slide component. In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment surface122A is disposed adjacent the front side110C of the probe110. In other embodiments, the attachment surface122A may be disposed adjacent another side of the probe110, such as the back side110D, for example. In some embodiments, the circumferential wall122may define more than one attachment surface.

The implement120may also include a back wall125coupled with the circumferential wall122, where the back wall extends upward away from the circumferential wall122along the back side110D of the probe110. The back wall125includes a securement mechanism126configured to secure the implement120to the probe110. As discussed above, the securement mechanism126may be configured to attachment of the implement120to the probe110and detachment of the implement120from the probe110by the clinician. In some embodiments, the securement mechanism126includes one or more deflectable clip members126to define the securement of the implement120to the probe110by extending at least partially around the probe110. The implement120may be formed any suitable rigid material, such as a thermoplastic material, for example.

In some embodiments, the implement120may be configured to enhance a handling capability of the probe110. In the illustrated embodiment, the implement120includes a protrusion130extending away from the back wall125. In some embodiments, the protrusion130may in some respects resemble a “pop socket” attachment for a cell phone. As such, the protrusion130may enable the clinician to grasp, manipulate, or otherwise handle the probe110using two fingers (e.g., the middle and ring fingers) of one hand. By grasping the probe110via two fingers, the clinician may use the thump of the same hand to manipulate the input devices of the control panel116. In some embodiments, the protrusion130may be configured to transition between an extended state as illustrated and a collapsed state130A indicated via phantom lines.

The sheath150is generally configured to provide a sterile barrier for the probe110since in some instances of use, the probe110may be non-sterile. As such, the sheath150may cover all or a portion of the probe110. In some embodiments, the sheath150may define a tubular shape having a closed bottom end and an open top end. In other embodiments, the sheath150may include a defined pre-form that corresponds with a shape of the probe110, such as a shape of the probe head112, for example. In some embodiments, the sheath150may be formed of any polymeric sheet material that is flexible but generally non-stretchable, such as high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), medium density polyethylene (MDPE), or polypropylene (PP) for example. In such embodiments, the shape and size of the sheath150may be configured to receive the probe110therein in a non-stressed state.

In other embodiments, the sheath150may be formed of elastomeric material, such as a silicone rubber, for example, that is flexible and stretchable. In such other embodiments, the shape and size of the sheath150may be configured so that at least a portion of the sheath is stretched or expanded to receive the probe110therein. As such, insertion of the probe110into the sheath150may include expanding the sheath150(or portion thereof) to fit the probe110within the sheath150, thereafter allowing the sheath150to contract so as to conform to a shape of the probe110.

FIG.1Billustrates a detailed cross sectional view of a bottom end portion of the system100. Shown are the probe head112and the associated patient coupling surface114, where the patient coupling surface114is disposed adjacent the bottom opening123B of the cavity123. The sheath150is shown disposed across the patient coupling surface114so as to minimize a gap between the sheath150and patient coupling surface114.

The ultrasound gel160is shown disposed within the opening123B. In some embodiments, a first portion160A of the ultrasound gel160may be disposed between the sheath150and the patient coupling surface114and a second portion160B of the ultrasound gel160may be disposed on an exterior surface of the sheath150. In various embodiments, either the first portion160A or the second portion160B may be omitted.

FIG.2illustrates another embodiment of an accessory attachment implement (implement) that can, in certain respects, resemble the components and functionality of the accessory attachment implement120described in connection withFIGS.1A-1B. It will be appreciated that all the illustrated embodiments may have analogous features. Accordingly, like features are designated with like reference numerals with a leading digit incremented to of “2.” Relevant disclosure set forth above regarding similarly identified features thus may not be repeated hereafter. Moreover, specific features of the accessory attachment implement and related components shown inFIGS.1A-1Bmay not be shown or identified by a reference numeral in the drawing or specifically discussed in the written description that follows. However, such features may clearly be the same, or substantially the same, as features depicted in other embodiments and/or described with respect to such embodiments. Accordingly, the relevant descriptions of such features apply equally to the features of the accessory attachment implement ofFIG.2. Any suitable combination of the features, and variations of the same, described with respect to the accessory attachment implement and components illustrated inFIGS.1A-1Bcan be employed with the accessory attachment implement and components ofFIG.2, and vice versa. This pattern of disclosure applies equally to further embodiments depicted in subsequent figures and described hereafter.

The implement220is generally configured to attach to the probe head112of the probe110. Similar to the implement120, the implement220includes a circumferential wall222, a back wall225, and a securement mechanism226including clip members226A. The circumferential wall222defines a cavity223. In the illustrated embodiment, the circumferential wall222includes a gap222B extending through the circumferential wall222. In some embodiments, the probe110may include an accessory connector attached to the probe120(seeFIG.4). As such, the gap222B may be configured to accommodate the accessory connector attached to the probe110.

FIG.3illustrates another embodiment of an accessory attachment implement. The implement320is generally configured to attach to the probe110at the probe head112and also near the top end110A (seeFIG.1A) of the probe110. Similar to the implement120, the implement320includes a circumferential wall322, a back wall325, a securement mechanism326including clip members326A. The circumferential wall322defines a cavity323. In the illustrated embodiment, the back wall325extends substantially toward the top end110A of the probe110so that the securement mechanism326is disposed adjacent the top end110A.

FIG.4illustrates another embodiment of an accessory attachment implement. The implement420is generally configured to attach to the probe110along the front side110C of the probe110. The implement420includes a front wall427having a front opening427A extending therethrough. The front opening427A is generally configured to provide access to the control panel116by the clinician. As such, the size and/or shape of the front opening427A may correspond to (be similar to) the size and/or shape of the control panel116. The implement420includes a securement mechanism426including clip members426A disposed at a bottom end of the implement420. The front wall427may include extended portions428disposed at a top end of the implement420. The extended portions428are configured to extend at least partially around the probe110to further secure the implement420to the probe110. In the illustrated embodiment, the probe110includes an accessory connector424and as such, the implement420may not include an attachment surface or the accessory connector. However, in some embodiments, the front wall427may include an attachment surface that may, in some respects, resemble the components, features, and functionality of the attachment surface122A including the accessory connector124.

FIG.5illustrates another embodiment of a sheath550that can, in certain respects, resemble the features and functionality of the sheath150described in connection withFIGS.1A-1B. It will be appreciated that all the illustrated embodiments may have analogous features. Accordingly, like features are designated with like reference numerals with a leading digit of “5.” Relevant disclosure set forth above regarding similarly identified features thus may not be repeated hereafter. Moreover, specific features of the sheath shown inFIGS.1A-1Bmay not be shown or identified by a reference numeral in the drawing or specifically discussed in the written description that follows. However, such features may clearly be the same, or substantially the same, as features depicted in other embodiments and/or described with respect to such embodiments. Accordingly, the relevant descriptions of such features apply equally to the features of the sheath ofFIG.5. Any suitable combination of the features, and variations of the same, described with respect to the sheath illustrated inFIGS.1A-1Bcan be employed with the sheath ofFIG.5, and vice versa.

The sheath550includes a stretchable band552extending circumferentially around the sheath550. The stretchable band552is generally configured to secure the sheath550to the probe120. More specifically, the stretchable band552is configured to cinch the sheath550around a neck portion (area of reduced cross section) of the probe110. The stretchable band552may be integrated into the sheath550or may be a separate piece. The stretchable band552may be formed a band material that is different than the sheath material. In the illustrated embodiment, the stretchable band552is coupled with an exterior of the sheath550. In other embodiments, the stretchable band552may be coupled with an interior of the sheath550. In some embodiments, the band material and the sheath material may be the same. In some embodiments, the stretchable band552may be portion of the sheath550having a reduced circumference with respect to other portions of the sheath550.

The sheath550may include a patient coupling area555that when applied to the probe110is disposed adjacent the patient coupling surface114of the probe110. The patient coupling area555may define a shape and/or size that corresponds to the shape and/or size of the patient coupling surface114. The patient coupling area555is generally configured to enhance acoustic coupling of the patient coupling surface114with skin surface of the patient. Said another, the patient coupling area555may be configured to minimize any loss of acoustic coupling due to the presence of the sheath550between the patient coupling surface114and skin surface. For example, patient coupling area555(i) may include a thinner cross section, (ii) may be free of folds, or include a preform that matches the patient contact surface114. In some embodiments, the stretchable band552may induce an enhanced acoustic coupling between the patient coupling area555and the patient coupling surface114by defining tension across the patient coupling area555thereby minimizing the propensity for voids or air gaps between the patient coupling area555and the patient coupling surface114.

According to one embodiment, the patient coupling area555may include a pouch556for containing the ultrasound gel160therein, where the ultrasound gel160facilitates enhanced acoustic coupling. In some embodiments, the pouch556may be frangible so that the ultrasound gel160is released from the pouch556when the probe110is pressed against the skin surface. Such an embodiment, the ultrasound gel160released from the pouch556may be dispensed between that patient coupling surface114and the skin surface in lieu of the clinician dispensing ultrasound gel from a separate container.