Patent Description:
Disclosed herein are ultrasound finger ultrasound probes and methods there of that address at least the foregoing.

Briefly summarized, disclosed herein are ultrasound probes for use in an ultrasound imaging system. The ultrasound probes are sized and configured so as to be supported and readily used with as little as one finger on a single hand of a user of the ultrasound imaging system such as a clinician. This configuration enables remaining fingers on the hand of the user to be employed for other purposes including applying traction to the skin surface of the patient proximate the imaging site and providing touch comfort to the patient. With ultrasound probes supported by as little as a single finger, the ultrasound probes can be easily positioned by the user in a proper orientation against the skin surface during imaging procedures.

According to a first aspect, there is provided an ultrasound probe according to claim <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the ultrasound probe further includes a cable conduit composed of a curved extension of the body extending away from both the stabilizing and head portions of the ultrasound probe. The cable conduit is configured to house a distal-end portion of a power-and-data cable for connecting the ultrasound probe to a console. The cable conduit is also configured to keep the power-and-data cable away from the head portion of the ultrasound probe.

In some embodiments, the ultrasound probe further includes a cable boot having a distal-end portion disposed in an opening of the cable conduit. The cable boot is configured to house the distal-end portion of the power-and-data cable proximal of the cable conduit. The cable boot is also configured to keep the power-and-data cable farther away from the head portion of the ultrasound probe.

In some embodiments, the cable boot is configured to attenuate a bending radius of the power-and-data cable about the opening of the cable conduit. Attenuating the bending radius of the power-and-data cable reduces a risk of damaging the power-and-data cable at the opening of the cable conduit where the power-and-data cable is most likely to overbend.

In some embodiments, the finger-grip portion of the ultrasound probe includes a concave surface opposite a generally flat surface.

In some embodiments, the concave surface of the finger-grip portion is an extension of a concave surface of the stabilizing portion of the ultrasound probe intended to face away from the skin surface of the patient.

In some embodiments, the ultrasound probe is bilaterally symmetrical about a plane of symmetry of the ultrasound probe.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the body is molded thermoplastic coupled together along the plane of symmetry of the ultrasound probe.

According to a second aspect, there is provided an ultrasound system according to claim <NUM>.

According to a third aspect, there is provided a method of using an ultrasound probe according to claim <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the method also includes a grasping step of grasping the ultrasound probe before the moving step. The grasping step includes placing at least one of an index finger or a middle finger on a concave surface of the finger-grip portion of the ultrasound probe and a thumb on an opposing, generally flat surface of the finger-grip portion of the ultrasound probe.

In some embodiments, the grasping step orients a palm of the single hand substantially parallel to the skin surface of the patient.

In some embodiments, the method also includes a connecting step of connecting a power-and-data cable of the ultrasound probe to a console of an ultrasound imaging system. The cable extends from a cable conduit of the ultrasound probe composed of a curved extension of the body extending away from both the stabilizing and head portions of the ultrasound probe. The cable conduit is configured to keep the power-and-data cable away from the head portion of the ultrasound probe.

In some embodiments, the moving step does not overbend the power-and-data cable due to attenuation of a bending radius of the power-and-data cable by a cable boot. The cable boot has a distal-end portion disposed in an opening of the cable conduit from which the power-and-data cable extends.

The embodiments illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> are outside the scope of the claims.

Before some particular embodiments are disclosed in greater detail, it should be understood that the particular embodiments disclosed herein do not limit the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

With respect to "proximal," a "proximal portion" or a "proximal-end portion" of, for example, a catheter disclosed herein includes a portion of the catheter intended to be near a clinician when the catheter is used on a patient. Likewise, a "proximal length" of, for example, the catheter includes a length of the catheter intended to be near the clinician when the catheter is used on the patient. A "proximal end" of, for example, the catheter includes an end of the catheter intended to be near the clinician when the catheter is used on the patient. The proximal portion, the proximal-end portion, or the proximal length of the catheter can include the proximal end of the catheter; however, the proximal portion, the proximal-end portion, or the proximal length of the catheter need not include the proximal end of the catheter. That is, unless context suggests otherwise, the proximal portion, the proximal-end portion, or the proximal length of the catheter is not a terminal portion or terminal length of the catheter.

With respect to "distal," a "distal portion" or a "distal-end portion" of, for example, a catheter disclosed herein includes a portion of the catheter intended to be near or in a patient when the catheter is used on the patient. Likewise, a "distal length" of, for example, the catheter includes a length of the catheter intended to be near or in the patient when the catheter is used on the patient. A "distal end" of, for example, the catheter includes an end of the catheter intended to be near or in the patient when the catheter is used on the patient. The distal portion, the distal-end portion, or the distal length of the catheter can include the distal end of the catheter; however, the distal portion, the distal-end portion, or the distal length of the catheter need not include the distal end of the catheter. That is, unless context suggests otherwise, the distal portion, the distal-end portion, or the distal length of the catheter is not a terminal portion or terminal length of the catheter.

Embodiments disclosed herein are generally directed to an ultrasound probe for use with an ultrasound imaging system. In particular, the ultrasound probe is sized and configured so as to be supported and readily used with one or more fingers on a single hand of a user of the ultrasound imaging system, such as a clinician. This configuration enables remaining fingers on the hand of the user to be employed for other purposes, including applying traction to the skin surface of the patient proximate the imaging site, providing touch comfort to the patient, etc. With it supported by as little as a single finger, the ultrasound probe can easily be positioned by the user in a proper orientation against the skin surface during imaging procedures.

Further, the ultrasound probe is configured in one embodiment to enable the user's hand to be positioned substantially horizontally with respect to (i.e., parallel to) the skin surface of the patient, thus enabling relatively accurate ultrasound-probe positioning (e.g., lifting, placing, pressing, etc.) and scanning operations to be performed.

The ultrasound probe also includes a stabilizing portion to assist in maintaining stability of the ultrasound probe while on the skin surface.

In one embodiment, the ultrasound probe is configured to be supported and manipulated by a single finger, with the finger positioned directly over a lens portion of the ultrasound probe. Such a position enables the user to easily and accurately move the ultrasound probe on the skin surface as to position the ultrasound probe with subtle movements as desired.

<FIG> shows various components of an ultrasound imaging system <NUM> according to one embodiment. As shown, the ultrasound imaging system <NUM> includes a console <NUM> housing various electronic and other components necessary for processing and depicting ultrasonic images. The console <NUM> includes a touchscreen display <NUM> for depicting ultrasonic images and for enabling touch-based input by a clinician to control the device and its functionality. An ultrasound probe <NUM>, containing one or more transducer elements in a head <NUM> thereof for emitting and receiving ultrasonic signals, is operably attached to the console <NUM> via a cable or other suitable interface, including wireless connectivity.

In one embodiment, an optional cap including a hydrogel insert can be removably attached to the head <NUM> of the ultrasound probe <NUM> so as to cover a lens portion thereof. The hydrogel insert provides an ultrasonically transparent interface between the ultrasound-probe head <NUM> and the skin surface. A needle guide can also be included with the cap to assist with guiding needles through the patient's skin and into the vessel being imaged by the ultrasound imaging system <NUM>. In another embodiment, the needle guide is included on the ultrasound probe itself. Further details regarding the ultrasound-probe cap, hydrogel insert, and needle guide can be found in <CIT> and <CIT>. In yet another embodiment, a sheath or cover can be removably placed over the ultrasound probe <NUM> to provide a sterile barrier. Note that other ultrasound imaging devices and ultrasound imaging systems that differ from that shown here can also benefit from the embodiments described herein.

<FIG> shows a block diagram of the ultrasound imaging system <NUM> of <FIG>, according to one embodiment. In detail, the console <NUM>, display <NUM>, and ultrasound probe <NUM> are represented, as in <FIG>. The console <NUM> includes therein a motherboard <NUM> for governing system functionality and includes a processor or other general or special purpose computer, memory, storage locations, and other components for system operation. A beamformer <NUM>, including suitable circuitry, is also operably included with the motherboard <NUM> to enable ultrasonic signals to be produced, received, and processed. A power button <NUM> is included, as are USB ports <NUM> for interfacing with other devices. An external power supply <NUM>, as well as a battery <NUM> and speaker <NUM>, are provided for operation. The display <NUM> in the present embodiment includes an LCD screen <NUM> or other suitable screen, and a touchscreen <NUM> to enable touch-based functionality via the display <NUM>. Note that the ultrasound imaging system <NUM> can include different, fewer, or more components than those listed here, including those components that enable the ultrasound imaging system to operate in a networked manner with other local or remote computing or network systems, including for instance, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, and ZigBee functionality. Also, in addition to a touchscreen, other input modes can also be employed, including a keyboard or mouse input, for instance.

In operation of the ultrasound imaging system <NUM>, a lens portion of the head <NUM> of the ultrasound probe <NUM> is placed against the skin of the patient so as to ultrasonically image a cross-sectional slice of a vessel, such as a vein, or other internal body tissue of the patient below the surface of the skin. Indeed, a target location of the vessel imaged by the ultrasound probe <NUM> is disposed a substantially vertical depth below the end of the ultrasound probe. The vessel is imaged by the ultrasound imaging system <NUM> in preparation for accessing the vessel with a needle in preparation for inserting a catheter into the vessel, in one embodiment. Though shown here as a vessel, the target location can be any one of various subcutaneous locations within the body.

<FIG> depict various features of the ultrasound probe <NUM> including the head <NUM> thereof, in accordance with one embodiment. As shown, the ultrasound probe <NUM> includes a body <NUM> defining lateral surfaces 102A and end surfaces 102B, with the head <NUM> of the ultrasound probe defining a distal end of the ultrasound-probe body. A lens <NUM> is disposed at the distal end of the ultrasound probe body <NUM> and is configured to enable passage therethrough of ultrasonic signals. An orientation arrow <NUM> is included in the illustrated embodiment to assist a user of the ultrasound imaging system in determining proper needle placement through the skin surface of a patient. A cable <NUM> is shown extending from a proximal end of the ultrasound probe body <NUM> to operably connect the ultrasound probe to the console <NUM> (<FIG>), though the cable can extend from the ultrasound probe in accordance with various different configurations.

In the present embodiment, the ultrasound probe <NUM> includes a finger-grip portion <NUM> configured to enable the user of the ultrasound probe to grasp, support, and handle the ultrasound probe with one or more fingers of a single hand of the user while leaving one or more fingers of the user's hand free to be used in other ways. In the present embodiment, the finger-grip portion <NUM> includes two angled, protruding elements <NUM> extending from the opposing lateral surfaces 102A of the ultrasound-probe body <NUM>. Each of the protruding elements <NUM> defines, together with a proximate portion of the lateral surface 102A of the ultrasound-probe body <NUM>, a concavely shaped grip surface <NUM> into which a user's finger is received in order to support and move the ultrasound probe <NUM> during system operation.

In the present embodiment, the ultrasound probe <NUM> is placed between a forefinger (index finger) and a middle finger of a single hand of the user such that an inside portion of the forefinger engages one of the grip surfaces <NUM> and an inside portion of the middle finger engages the other grip surface on the opposing side of the ultrasound probe. In this way, the user is able to lift, maneuver, slide, and otherwise move the ultrasound probe <NUM> with only two fingers during operation of the ultrasound imaging system <NUM>. Note that other fingers of the user's hand can alternatively be used to hold the ultrasound probe <NUM>. This further enables the remaining three fingers of the user's hand to be employed in other ways during ultrasonic imaging by the ultrasound probe <NUM>. These other ways include, for instance, applying traction to the skin surface, touching the patient in order to impart comfort, establishing or marking a physical reference point etc..

Note that the engagement of the ultrasound probe <NUM> by the hand of the user is such that the user's hand is positioned substantially parallel with respect to the skin surface of the patient, i.e., horizontally, in a typical imaging procedure. This in turn enables the user to move the ultrasound probe accurately and easily, with relatively small movements across the skin surface, which results in improved imaging results. Note also that the ultrasound-probe body <NUM> in this and other embodiments includes a suitable material, such as a thermoplastic. In one embodiment, the material includes R-<NUM> polyphenylsulfone.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which depict various details of the ultrasound probe <NUM> and its finger-grip portion <NUM> for enabling grasping, supporting, and handling of the ultrasound probe with one or more fingers of a single hand of the user while leaving one or more fingers of the user's hand free to be used in other ways as described herein, according to another embodiment. As shown, the finger-grip portion <NUM> includes a ring <NUM> defined by the body <NUM> of the ultrasound probe <NUM>. The ring <NUM> is sized in one embodiment to receive a finger of the user, such as the forefinger or middle finger. To that end, an inner annular surface of the ring <NUM> serves as a grip surface <NUM> against which the user's finger rests to enable the finger to handle and control movement of the ultrasound probe <NUM>. It is thus noted that the finger-grip portion <NUM>, i.e., the ring <NUM> in the present embodiment, further serves as one example of a retention portion to retain engagement of the ultrasound probe <NUM> with the user's finger(s). Note that, in this and other embodiments, the retention portion enables the ultrasound probe <NUM> to remain attached with the finger of the use even when the finger and/or hand of the user is lifted from the skin surface, which enables the user to perform other tasks without putting down the ultrasound probe.

In one embodiment, the size of the ring <NUM> can be configured such that the user's finger can be inserted varying distances through the ring in order to encounter a fit suitable for moving and handling the ultrasound probe <NUM>. As such, the ring <NUM> can be sized in one or more of varying diameters. In another embodiment, an insert can be removably fitted in to the ring <NUM> to adjust the size of the ring opening to accommodate differently sized fingers. Note that in one embodiment, all or part of the finger-grip portion can be flexible/resilient so as to deform to a user's finger. Note also, that the ultrasound probe <NUM> in the embodiment illustrated in <FIG> is about <NUM> inches (<NUM>) high, the ultrasound-probe head <NUM> about <NUM> inch wide (<NUM>), and the ring <NUM> about <NUM> inches (<NUM>) wide, though other dimensions are possible for this and the other embodiments described herein.

<FIG> shows the ultrasound probe <NUM> of <FIG> engaged with a forefinger <NUM> of a hand <NUM> of a user in one use embodiment. As shown, the finger-grip portion <NUM>, i.e., the ring <NUM>, enables the user's finger to be positioned substantially co-linearly above and in a spaced-apart relationship with respect to the lens <NUM> of the ultrasound-probe head <NUM> when the ultrasound probe is in an operable position on a horizontal skin surface of the patient <NUM>. This enables the user to impart relatively fine amounts of pressure, or traction, to the skin surface via pressing down the ultrasound probe <NUM> thereon, and provides enhanced control over the ultrasound probe. Also shown in <FIG> is the manner in which the hand of the user is positioned substantially parallel with respect to the skin surface of the patient, i.e., horizontally, in a typical imaging procedure. As mentioned, this enables the user to move the ultrasound probe accurately and easily, with relatively small movements across the skin surface, which results in improved imaging results.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which depict various details of the ultrasound probe <NUM> and its finger-grip portion <NUM> for enabling grasping, supporting, and handling of the ultrasound probe with one or more fingers of a single hand of the user while leaving one or more fingers of the user's hand free to be used in other ways, according to another embodiment. As shown, the finger-grip portion <NUM> includes a hook <NUM> defined by the body <NUM> of the ultrasound probe <NUM>. The hook <NUM> is approximately C-shaped and is sized in one embodiment to receive a finger of the user, such as the forefinger or middle finger, while enabling an opening for ease of finger insertion/removal. An inner surface of the hook <NUM> serves as the grip surface <NUM> against which the user's finger rests to enable the finger to handle and control movement of the ultrasound probe <NUM>. It is thus noted that the finger-grip portion <NUM>, i.e., the hook <NUM> in the present embodiment, further serves as one example of a retention portion to retain engagement of the ultrasound probe <NUM> with the user's finger(s).

In one embodiment, the size of the hook <NUM> can be configured such that different portions of the user's finger can be inserted into the hook in order to encounter a fit suitable for moving and handling the ultrasound probe <NUM>. As such, the hook <NUM> can be sized in one or more of varying sizes. In another embodiment, an insert can be removably fitted in to the hook <NUM> to adjust the size thereof to accommodate differently sized fingers.

The finger-grip portion <NUM>, i.e., the hook <NUM> in the embodiment of <FIG>, enables the user's finger to be positioned substantially co-linearly above and in a spaced-apart relationship with respect to the lens <NUM> of the ultrasound-probe head <NUM>. This enables the user to impart relatively fine amounts of pressure, or traction, to the skin surface via pressing down the ultrasound probe <NUM> thereon, and provides enhanced control over the ultrasound probe.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which depict various details of the ultrasound probe <NUM> and its finger-grip portion <NUM> for enabling grasping, supporting, and handling of the ultrasound probe with one or more fingers of a single hand of the user while leaving one or more fingers of the user's hand free to be used in other ways, according to another embodiment. As shown, the finger-grip portion <NUM> includes a tab <NUM> extending from one of the lateral surfaces 102A of the ultrasound-probe body <NUM>. A terminal portion of the tab <NUM> includes an upwardly angled lip so as to provide the grip surface <NUM> on which a finger of the user, such as the forefinger, can rest. Another finger, such as the middle finger on the same hand of the user, can engage the opposing lateral surface 102A of the ultrasound probe body <NUM> to enable the two fingers to handle and control movement of the ultrasound probe <NUM>. Note that other fingers can be employed to grasp the ultrasound probe <NUM>, as with the other embodiments herein.

The ultrasound probe <NUM> of the embodiment of <FIG> further includes a stabilizing portion <NUM> configured to maintain the ultrasound probe in an upright, usable position on the skin surface of the patient even when the user's hand is not contacting the ultrasound probe. In the present embodiment, the stabilizing portion <NUM> includes an angled leg <NUM> extending from the lateral surface 102A opposite the tab <NUM>, best seen in <FIG>. The leg <NUM> extends downward (from the perspective shown in <FIG>) so as to provide a lower surface substantially flush with the lens <NUM> of the ultrasound-probe head <NUM>. In this way, the leg <NUM> stabilizes the ultrasound probe <NUM> by providing a second contacting surface for the skin, in addition to the lens <NUM>. Note that the stabilizing portion <NUM> can also enable the ultrasound probe <NUM> to be manipulated by a single finger, in one embodiment. A terminal free end of the leg <NUM> defines a notch <NUM>, in the present embodiment, the notch configured for removably holding a portion of the cable <NUM> to keep it away from the hand of the user during use of the ultrasound probe <NUM>.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which depict various details of the ultrasound probe <NUM> and its finger-grip portion <NUM> for enabling grasping, supporting, and handling of the ultrasound probe with one or more fingers of a single hand of the user while leaving one or more fingers of the user's hand free to be used in other ways, according to another embodiment. As shown, the finger-grip portion <NUM> includes a cylindrical ring <NUM> extending from the main body <NUM> of the ultrasound probe <NUM>. The cylindrical ring <NUM> is sized in one embodiment to receive a finger of the user, such as the forefinger or middle finger. To that end, an inner cylindrical surface of the ring <NUM> serves as the grip surface <NUM> against which the user's finger rests to enable the finger to handle and control movement of the ultrasound probe <NUM>. It is thus noted that the finger-grip portion <NUM>, i.e., the cylindrical ring <NUM> in the present embodiment, further serves as one example of a retention portion to retain engagement of the ultrasound probe <NUM> with the user's finger(s).

In one embodiment, the size of the cylindrical ring <NUM> can be configured such that the user's finger can be inserted varying distances through the ring in order to encounter a fit suitable for moving and handling the ultrasound probe <NUM>. As such, the cylindrical ring <NUM> can be sized in one or more of varying diameters. In another embodiment, an insert can be removably fitted in to the cylindrical ring <NUM> to adjust the size of the ring opening to accommodate differently sized fingers. In yet another embodiment, the cylindrical ring <NUM> can have a varying diameter, such as being relatively wider at either end, so as to introduce freedom of movement for a finger inserted therein.

The ultrasound probe <NUM> of the embodiment of <FIG> further includes the stabilizing portion <NUM> configured to maintain the ultrasound probe in an upright, usable position on the skin surface of the patient even when the user's hand is not contacting the ultrasound probe. In the present embodiment, the stabilizing portion <NUM> includes the cylindrical ring <NUM> itself, best seen in <FIG>. The cylindrical ring <NUM> extends downward (from the perspective shown in <FIG>) so as to provide a lower surface substantially flush with the lens <NUM> of the ultrasound probe head <NUM>. In this way, the bottom portion of the cylindrical ring <NUM> stabilizes the ultrasound probe <NUM> by providing a second contacting surface for the skin, in addition to the lens <NUM>.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which depict various details of the ultrasound probe <NUM> and its finger-grip portion <NUM> for enabling grasping, supporting, and handling of the ultrasound probe with one or more fingers of a single hand of the user while leaving one or more fingers of the user's hand free to be used in other ways, according to another embodiment.

As shown, the finger-grip portion <NUM> includes the cylindrical ring <NUM> extending from the body <NUM> of the ultrasound probe <NUM>. The cylindrical ring <NUM> is sized in one embodiment to receive a finger of the user, such as the forefinger or middle finger. To that end, an inner cylindrical surface of the cylindrical ring <NUM> serves as the grip surface <NUM> against which the user's finger rests to enable the finger to handle and control movement of the ultrasound probe <NUM>. It is thus noted that the finger-grip portion <NUM>, i.e., the cylindrical ring <NUM> in the present embodiment, further serves as one example of a retention portion to retain engagement of the ultrasound probe <NUM> with the user's finger(s).

In one embodiment, the size of the cylindrical ring <NUM> can be configured such that the user's finger can be inserted varying distances through the ring in order to encounter a fit suitable for moving and handling the ultrasound probe <NUM>. As such, the cylindrical ring <NUM> can be sized in one or more of varying diameters. In another embodiment, an insert can be removably fitted in to the cylindrical ring <NUM> to adjust the size of the ring opening to accommodate differently sized fingers.

The finger-grip portion <NUM>, i.e., the cylindrical ring <NUM> in the embodiment of <FIG>, enables the user's finger to be positioned substantially co-linearly above and in a spaced-apart relationship with respect to the lens <NUM> of the ultrasound probe head <NUM>. This enables the user to impart relatively fine amounts of pressure, or traction, to the skin surface via pressing down the ultrasound probe <NUM> thereon, and provides enhanced control over the ultrasound probe.

Note in the present embodiment that the cable <NUM>, which operably connects the ultrasound probe <NUM> to the console <NUM> (<FIG>), extends from the ultrasound-probe body <NUM> at an angle from the use position of the ultrasound probe (i.e., from the perspective shown in <FIG>). This cable configuration can reduce torque on the ultrasound probe <NUM> by the cable <NUM> as well as keep the cable clear of the user's hand. Such a configuration can be included in other of the embodiments described herein.

As shown, the embodiment of <FIG> is similar to that shown in <FIG>, with the addition of the stabilizing portion <NUM>- here, the angled leg <NUM> similar to that shown in the embodiment of <FIG>. Note that the particular shape of the angled leg <NUM> of <FIG> differs in shape somewhat from the angled leg of <FIG>, while still being configured to maintain the ultrasound probe in an upright, usable position on the skin surface of the patient even when the user's hand is not contacting the ultrasound probe. As before, the angled leg <NUM> extends downward (from the perspective shown in <FIG>) so as to provide a lower surface substantially flush with the lens <NUM> of the ultrasound-probe head <NUM>. In this way, the leg <NUM> stabilizes the ultrasound probe <NUM> by providing a second contacting surface for the skin, in addition to the lens <NUM>.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which depict various details of the ultrasound probe <NUM> and its finger-grip portion <NUM> for enabling grasping, supporting, and handling of the ultrasound probe with one or more fingers of a single hand of the user while leaving one or more fingers of the user's hand free to be used in other ways, according to another embodiment. As shown, the finger-grip portion <NUM> includes a cylindrical ring <NUM> extending from the main body <NUM> of the ultrasound probe <NUM>. The cylindrical ring <NUM> is sized in one embodiment to receive a first finger of the user, such as the middle finger. To that end, an inner cylindrical surface of the ring <NUM> serves as the grip surface <NUM> against which the user's finger rests to enable the finger to handle and control movement of the ultrasound probe <NUM>. It is thus noted that the finger-grip portion <NUM>, i.e., the cylindrical ring <NUM> in the present embodiment, further serves as one example of a retention portion to retain engagement of the ultrasound probe <NUM> with the user's finger(s).

The ultrasound-probe body <NUM> further defines a protrusion <NUM> and a saddle <NUM> to provide a second grip surface <NUM> on which a second finger of the user's hand, such as the forefinger, can rest to further support and handle the ultrasound probe <NUM>. Thus, two fingers of a user's single hand can be employed in the present embodiment to support and use the ultrasound probe <NUM>. The saddle <NUM> enables the user's finger to be positioned substantially co-linearly above and in a spaced-apart relationship with respect to the lens <NUM> of the ultrasound-probe head <NUM>. This enables the user to impart relatively fine amounts of pressure, or traction, to the skin surface via pressing down the ultrasound probe <NUM> thereon, and provides enhanced control over the ultrasound probe.

The ultrasound probe <NUM> of the embodiment of <FIG> further includes the stabilizing portion <NUM> configured to maintain the ultrasound probe in an upright, usable position on the skin surface of the patient even when the user's hand is not contacting the ultrasound probe. In the present embodiment, the stabilizing portion <NUM> includes the cylindrical ring <NUM> itself, best seen in <FIG>. The cylindrical ring <NUM> extends downward (from the perspective shown in <FIG>) so as to provide a lower surface substantially flush with the lens <NUM> of the ultrasound-probe head <NUM>. In this way, the bottom portion of the cylindrical ring <NUM> stabilizes the ultrasound probe <NUM> by providing a second contacting surface for the skin, in addition to the lens <NUM>.

As shown, the embodiment of <FIG> is similar to that shown in <FIG>, with the finger-grip portion <NUM> including a cylindrical hook <NUM> extending from the ultrasound-probe body <NUM>. The cylindrical hook <NUM> is approximately C-shaped and is sized in one embodiment to receive a finger of the user, such as the forefinger or middle finger, while enabling an opening for ease of finger insertion/removal. An inner surface of the hook <NUM> serves as the grip surface <NUM> against which the user's finger rests to enable the finger to handle and control movement of the ultrasound probe <NUM>. In one embodiment, the cylindrical hook <NUM> is resilient such that it can deform a limited amount to conform to the size of the user's finger and remain connected therewith. It is thus noted that the finger-grip portion <NUM>, i.e., the hook <NUM> in the present embodiment, further serves as one example of a retention portion to retain engagement of the ultrasound probe <NUM> with the user's finger(s).

Note that in one embodiment the cylindrical hook <NUM> can include an oval cross-sectional shape to further enhance its engagement with the user's finger. In one embodiment, excess material comprising a sterile cover that is draped over the ultrasound probe <NUM> can be inserted into the interior portion of the cylindrical hook <NUM> in order to increases the engagement of the cylindrical hook with the user's finger (and note that this technique can be employed in connection with the other embodiments herein, including those depicted in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. In addition, the cylindrical hook <NUM> in one embodiment can be removable as to enable cylindrical rings or other finger retention portions of different sizes/configurations to be interchanged on the ultrasound probe <NUM>.

Also, as with the cylindrical ring <NUM> of the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the cylindrical hook <NUM> of the present embodiment serves as the stabilizing portion <NUM>, configured to maintain the ultrasound probe <NUM> in an upright, usable position on the skin surface of the patient even when the user's hand is not contacting the ultrasound probe.

As shown, the embodiment of <FIG> is similar to that shown in <FIG>, with the finger-grip portion <NUM> including the cylindrical ring <NUM>, which further serves as the stabilizing portion <NUM>. The embodiment shown in <FIG> includes an articulating component <NUM> disposed between the cylindrical ring <NUM> and the main portion of the ultrasound-probe body <NUM>. In detail, the articulating component <NUM> includes a ball <NUM> included on the main portion of the ultrasound-probe body <NUM> and a corresponding socket <NUM> included on the cylindrical ring and sized to receive the ball therein so as to enable articulating movement between the ultrasound-probe head <NUM> and the cylindrical ring <NUM> through which a user's finger is received during an ultrasound imaging procedure. The articulating component <NUM> enables relative movement between the ultrasound-probe head <NUM> and the cylindrical ring, thus enabling freedom of movement of the ultrasound probe <NUM>. This is useful when it is desired to lift the lens <NUM> above the skin surface while desiring to keep one or more fingers on the skin surface. Note that other articulating and jointed structures can be employed to provide such relative movement, such as a hinge in one embodiment. Also, the ball and socket configuration can be reversed in position, in one embodiment.

Note that, in the present and previous embodiments discussed above, the ultrasound-probe head <NUM>, lens <NUM>, and orientation arrow <NUM> are configured similar to standard ultrasound probe heads so as to lend familiarity to the user in terms of placement of the ultrasound-probe head and lens on the skin surface and inserting needles, etc..

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which depict various details of the ultrasound probe <NUM> and its finger-grip portion <NUM> for enabling grasping, supporting, and handling of the ultrasound probe with one or more fingers of a single hand of the user while leaving one or more fingers of the user's hand free to be used in other ways, according to another embodiment. As shown, the ultrasound-probe body <NUM> includes a top disk <NUM> and a bottom disk <NUM> that are separated by the finger-grip portion <NUM>, here configured as an hourglass-shaped surface <NUM> that defines the grip surface <NUM>. Two fingers of a user's single hand, such as the forefinger and middle finger (though other digits could be used), can straddle the hourglass-shaped surface <NUM> to grasp and handle the ultrasound probe <NUM>. A flat side surface <NUM> is included on the bottom disk <NUM> proximate the lens <NUM>, which is disposed on the bottom of the ultrasound-probe head <NUM>, from the perspective shown in <FIG>. A cable can extend from a cable conduit <NUM> at a top surface of the ultrasound-probe body <NUM>. As in previous embodiments, the ultrasound-probe body design shown in the present embodiment enables a finger to be positioned substantially directly over the lens <NUM> in a spaced-apart arrangement. Note that the flat bottom surface of the bottom disk <NUM>, best seen in <FIG>, serves as a stabilizing portion in the present embodiment for enabling the ultrasound probe <NUM> to rest without assistance on the skin surface of the patient.

<FIG> depicts the ultrasound probe <NUM> according to one embodiment. The ultrasound probe <NUM> here is similar to that shown in the embodiment of <FIG>, but with the flat side surface <NUM>, proximate the lens <NUM>, being relatively larger.

<FIG> depict yet another variation of the embodiment shown in <FIG>, wherein the bottom disk of the ultrasound-probe body <NUM> is omitted and two chamfered surfaces <NUM> are defined on a bottom portion of the ultrasound-probe body proximate the lens <NUM>. These and other variations to the ultrasound-probe body <NUM> while still enabling grasping and handling of the ultrasound probe <NUM> with one or more fingers but while still enabling other fingers of the user's hand to be free for other purposes, are therefore contemplated.

<FIG> depict various details of the ultrasound probe <NUM> and its finger-grip portion <NUM> for enabling grasping, supporting, and handling of the ultrasound probe with one or more fingers of a single hand of the user while leaving one or more fingers of the user's hand free to be used in other ways, according to another embodiment. As shown, the ultrasound-probe body <NUM> includes a generally wedge-shaped configuration, with the lens <NUM> of the ultrasound-probe head <NUM> disposed on a bottom surface thereof, from the perspective shown in <FIG>. Note that the flat bottom surface of the ultrasound-probe body <NUM>, best seen in <FIG>, serves as a stabilizing portion in the present embodiment for enabling the ultrasound probe <NUM> to rest without assistance on the skin surface of the patient.

The cable conduit <NUM> extends from the ultrasound-probe body <NUM> and two finger-grip portions <NUM> are included, namely, two channels <NUM> that are defined by the body and are disposed adjacent the cable conduit so as to provide two concavely shaped grip surfaces <NUM>. Two fingers of a single hand of the user, such as the forefinger and middle finger, can be received into the channel <NUM> to support and handle the ultrasound probe <NUM>, while enabling other fingers of the user's hand to be used for other purposes. These and other ultrasound probe body shapes and finger-grip portion configurations are therefore contemplated.

Note that the ultrasound probes discussed herein are further configured to enable a sterile cover to be thereover and for elastic bands to be used to secure the cover to the ultrasound probe. The ultrasound probes herein are also configured to be symmetrical along at least one midline axis so as to enable both left-handed and right-handed use.

In one embodiment, it is appreciated that icons/symbols may be placed on the ultrasound probe body <NUM> to assist a user in knowing where to place finger(s) for use of the ultrasound probe <NUM>.

<FIG> provide various views of an ultrasound probe <NUM> in accordance with some embodiments. <FIG> provides a perspective view of an ultrasound probe <NUM> in accordance with some embodiments. The ultrasound probe <NUM> of <FIG> shares the features of the ultrasound probe <NUM> of <FIG> set forth below; however, the ultrasound probe <NUM> of <FIG> includes an added feature, namely a conduit-tube extension.

As shown, the ultrasound probe <NUM> includes a body <NUM>, a lens <NUM>, a stabilizing portion <NUM> of the body <NUM>, and a finger-grip portion <NUM> of the body <NUM>. As best seen in <FIG>, the ultrasound probe <NUM> is bilaterally symmetrical about a plane of symmetry of the ultrasound probe <NUM>.

The body <NUM> of the ultrasound probe <NUM> can be formed of a molded thermoplastic such as polyphenylsulfone. Indeed, at least a top portion of the body <NUM> shown in <FIG> can be formed of molded thermoplastic halves coupled together along the plane of symmetry of the ultrasound probe <NUM>. A bottom portion of the body <NUM> shown in <FIG> can be formed of a molded thermoplastic coupled to the top portion of the body <NUM>. The bottom portion of the body <NUM> can include a cutout or molded latitudinal hole configured to hold the lens <NUM>.

A head portion <NUM> of the ultrasound probe <NUM> is designated by at least the lens <NUM> disposed in the cutout or molded latitudinal hole of the body <NUM>. The lens <NUM> is configured to pass ultrasound signals therethrough. The ultrasound signals include emitted ultrasound signals emitted by an array of piezoelectric transducers within the ultrasound probe <NUM> behind the lens <NUM>. The ultrasound signals also include reflected ultrasound signals reflected into the ultrasound probe <NUM> such as from a tissue being imaged.

The stabilizing portion <NUM> of the ultrasound probe <NUM> is composed of a longitudinal extension of the body <NUM> extending away from the head portion <NUM> of the ultrasound probe <NUM>. The stabilizing portion <NUM> is configured to stabilize the ultrasound probe <NUM> on a skin surface of a patient without assistance from a user of the ultrasound probe <NUM>.

The stabilizing portion <NUM> of the ultrasound probe <NUM> includes a latitudinal channel <NUM> extending from side to side of two longitudinal sides of the ultrasound probe <NUM>. The latitudinal channel <NUM> reduces a surface area of a generally flat surface of the stabilizing <NUM> portion intended to face the skin surface of the patient. The reduced surface area of the stabilizing portion <NUM> facilitates movement of the ultrasound probe <NUM> across the skin surface of the patient by reducing contact area between the surface of the stabilizing portion <NUM> and the skin surface of the patient. The reduced surface area of the stabilizing portion <NUM> also reduces suction between the surface of the stabilizing portion <NUM> and the skin surface of the patient when gel is therebetween and the ultrasound probe <NUM> is removed from the patient. In addition, the latitudinal channel <NUM> provides a space between the ultrasound probe <NUM> or the stabilizing portion <NUM> thereof and the skin surface of the patient into which a finger can be inserted for lifting the ultrasound probe <NUM> from the skin surface of the patient when removing the ultrasound probe <NUM> therefrom.

The finger-grip portion <NUM> of the ultrasound probe <NUM> is composed of a generally transverse extension of the body <NUM> extending away from the head portion <NUM> of the ultrasound probe <NUM>. The finger-grip portion <NUM> is configured to enable the user to grasp and maneuver the ultrasound probe <NUM> during use thereof with no more than two or three fingers of a single hand. For example, the two fingers can be a thumb and an index finger. The finger-grip portion <NUM> of the ultrasound probe includes a concave grip surface <NUM> opposite a generally flat surface. The grip surface <NUM> is an extension of a concave surface of the stabilizing portion <NUM> of the ultrasound probe <NUM> intended to face away from the skin surface of the patient. In other words, the concave surface of the stabilizing portion <NUM> is opposite the generally flat surface of the stabilizing portion <NUM> intended to face the skin surface of the patient.

The ultrasound probe <NUM> includes a cable conduit <NUM> composed of a curved extension of the body <NUM> of the ultrasound probe <NUM> extending away from both the stabilizing and head portions of the ultrasound probe <NUM>. The cable conduit <NUM> is configured to house a distal-end portion of a power-and-data cable such as the cable <NUM> for connecting the ultrasound probe <NUM> to the console <NUM>. The cable conduit <NUM> is also configured to keep the power-and-data cable away from the head portion <NUM> of the ultrasound probe <NUM>, thereby reducing interference by the power-and-data cable when using the ultrasound probe <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the cable conduit <NUM> can include an extension <NUM> on a side of the cable conduit <NUM> intended to face the patient. The extension <NUM> is configured to reinforce the cable boot <NUM> set forth below in keeping the power-and-data cable farther away from the head portion <NUM>.

The ultrasound probe <NUM> includes a cable boot <NUM> having a distal-end portion disposed in an opening of the cable conduit <NUM>. The cable boot <NUM> is configured to house the distal-end portion of the power-and-data cable proximal of the cable conduit <NUM>. The cable boot <NUM> is also configured to keep the power-and-data cable farther away from the head portion <NUM> of the ultrasound probe <NUM>. The cable boot <NUM> is also configured to attenuate a bending radius of the power-and-data cable about the opening of the cable conduit <NUM>. Attenuating the bending radius of the power-and-data cable reduces a risk of damaging the power-and-data cable at the opening of the cable conduit <NUM> where the power-and-data cable is most likely to overbend from moving the ultrasound probe <NUM> when using the ultrasound probe <NUM>.

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> provide different views of different ultrasound probes in accordance with some embodiments.

As shown, each ultrasound probe <NUM> includes a body <NUM>, a head portion <NUM> of the body <NUM>, and a finger-grip portion <NUM> of the body <NUM>. Each ultrasound probe <NUM> is bilaterally symmetrical about a plane of symmetry of the ultrasound probe <NUM>.

The body <NUM> of each ultrasound probe <NUM> can be formed of a molded thermoplastic such as polyphenylsulfone.

The head portion <NUM> of each ultrasound probe <NUM> is designated by at least a lens <NUM> disposed in a cutout or molded hole of the body <NUM>. The lens <NUM> is configured to pass emitted and reflected ultrasound signals therethrough.

The finger-grip portion <NUM> of each ultrasound probe <NUM> is composed of a thimble-type structure of the body <NUM> of the ultrasound probe <NUM>. The finger-grip portion <NUM> is configured to enable a user to insert, for example, an index or middle finger therein for maneuvering the ultrasound probe <NUM> during use thereof. The finger-grip portion <NUM> includes a grip surface <NUM> as set forth above.

At least the ultrasound probe <NUM> of <FIG> is shown with a cable conduit <NUM>, which cable conduit <NUM> is configured to house a distal-end portion of a power-and-data cable such as the cable <NUM> for connecting the ultrasound probe <NUM> to the console <NUM>. While the cable conduit <NUM> is only shown for the ultrasound probe <FIG>, it should be understood that any ultrasound probe of the ultrasound probes in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> can include such a cable conduit.

A method of using the ultrasound probe <NUM> includes an obtaining step of obtaining the ultrasound probe <NUM>. For example, the obtaining step can include obtaining the ultrasound probe <NUM> of <FIG>, which includes the body <NUM>, the stabilizing portion <NUM> of the body <NUM>, and the finger-grip portion <NUM> of the body <NUM>. Again, the body <NUM> of the foregoing ultrasound probe <NUM> has the lens <NUM> disposed in the cutout or molded latitudinal hole of the body <NUM>, which designates the head portion <NUM> of the ultrasound probe <NUM>. The stabilizing portion <NUM> is composed of the longitudinal extension of the body <NUM> extending away from the head portion <NUM> of the ultrasound probe <NUM>. The finger-grip portion <NUM> is composed of the generally transverse extension of the body <NUM> extending away from the head portion <NUM> of the ultrasound probe <NUM>.

The method also includes a connecting step of connecting the power-and-data cable of the ultrasound probe <NUM> to the console <NUM> of the ultrasound imaging system <NUM>. The cable <NUM> extends from the cable conduit <NUM> and the cable boot <NUM> of the ultrasound probe <NUM>. Again, the cable conduit <NUM> and the cable boot <NUM> is configured to keep the power-and-data cable away from the head portion <NUM> of the ultrasound probe <NUM> when using the ultrasound probe <NUM>.

The method includes an applying step of applying an ultrasound gel to a skin surface of a patient before placing the ultrasound probe <NUM> on the skin surface of the patient.

The method may also include a grasping step of grasping the ultrasound probe <NUM>. The grasping step includes placing at least one of an index finger or a middle finger on the concave grip surface <NUM> of the finger-grip portion <NUM> of the ultrasound probe <NUM>, as well as a thumb on the opposing, generally flat surface of the finger-grip portion <NUM>. The grasping step orients a palm of the single hand to which the foregoing fingers belong substantially parallel to the skin surface of the patient.

The method may also include a placing step of placing the head and stabilizing portions of the ultrasound probe <NUM> on the skin surface of the patient.

The method may also include an enabling step of enabling probing ultrasound signals to be emitted into the patient from the array of piezoelectric transducers within the ultrasound probe <NUM> for ultrasound imaging. The method also includes another enabling step of enabling reflected ultrasound signals to be reflected from the patient into the array of piezoelectric transducers within the ultrasound probe <NUM> for conversion into electrical signals for corresponding ultrasound images. The enabling of the foregoing enabling steps can include turning on the console <NUM>, selecting one or more imaging modes of the ultrasound imaging system <NUM>, or initiating ultrasound imaging with the ultrasound probe <NUM> by activating a start button or the like on the console <NUM>.

The method may also include a moving step of moving the ultrasound probe <NUM> for the ultrasound imaging by the finger-grip portion <NUM> of the ultrasound probe <NUM> using no more than the foregoing two or three fingers of the single hand. The moving step does not overbend the power-and-data cable due to attenuation of the bending radius of the power-and-data cable by the cable boot <NUM>.

The method also includes a removing step of removing the ultrasound probe <NUM> from the skin surface of the patient. Again, the stabilizing portion <NUM> of the ultrasound probe <NUM> includes the latitudinal channel <NUM> extending from side to side of the two longitudinal sides of the ultrasound probe <NUM>. The latitudinal channel <NUM> reduces the surface area of the generally flat surface of the stabilizing portion <NUM>, thereby reducing gel-induced suction between the surface of the stabilizing portion <NUM> and the skin surface of the patient during the removing step. In addition, the latitudinal channel <NUM> provides a space between the ultrasound probe <NUM> and the skin surface of the patient into which, for example, the index finger can be inserted for lifting the ultrasound probe <NUM> when removing the ultrasound probe <NUM> from the skin surface of the patient.

Claim 1:
An ultrasound probe (<NUM>), comprising:
a body (<NUM>);
a lens (<NUM>) disposed in a cutout of the body designating a head portion (<NUM>) of the ultrasound probe, the lens configured to pass ultrasound signals therethrough;
one or more transducer elements in the head portion for emitting and receiving ultrasonic signals;
a stabilizing portion (<NUM>) composed of a longitudinal extension of the body extending away from the head portion of the ultrasound probe, the stabilizing portion of the ultrasound probe configured to stabilize the ultrasound probe on a skin surface of a patient without assistance from a user of the ultrasound probe, wherein the stabilizing portion of the ultrasound probe includes a latitudinal channel (<NUM>) extending from side to side of two longitudinal sides of the ultrasound probe, thereby reducing a surface area of a generally flat surface of the stabilizing portion intended to face the skin surface of the patient; and
a finger-grip portion (<NUM>) composed of a generally transverse extension of the body extending away from the head portion of the ultrasound probe, the finger-grip portion of the ultrasound probe configured to enable the user to grasp and maneuver the ultrasound probe during use thereof with no more than two or three fingers of a single hand.