Patent Description:
<CIT> relates to a handheld medical imaging acoustic sensor used to provide physiological data to electronic medical systems. In one embodiment an acoustic sensor, such as an ultrasound sensor, is designed to be worn on a finger, e.g. an index finger. The acoustic sensor is mounted on a U-shaped bracket that is swingably mounted using a hinge on a finger sleeve. The U-shaped bracket can be repositioned (flipped) using e.g. the thumb and thus does not require the use of the opposite hand. <CIT> relates to a finger-type ultrasonic probe for vascular puncture. <CIT> relates to an ultrasound platform using a finger-mounted probe. <CIT> relates to a multiplanar ultrasonic vascular sensor assembly including two ultrasonic, linear transducer arrays oriented perpendicularly to each other to form a "T" configuration. <CIT> relates to an operating device connected to an ultrasonic diagnostic device. <CIT> relates to a finger probe for use in ultrasonic imaging with a plurality of independently-addressable transducer elements. <CIT> relates to ultrasonic diagnostic probes for imaging and diagnosing organs and vessels of the body during surgery. <NPL>) describes the SonicEye (RTM) device for "small-parts" imaging and ultrasound-guided needle procedures. <NPL>) relates to a "<NUM> - MHz finger-grip ultrasound probe for real-time intraoperative guidance during complex reproductive surgical procedures".

Briefly summarized, embodiments of the present invention are directed to an ultrasound probe ("probe") for use with an ultrasound imaging system. In particular, the probe is 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 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 it supported by as little as a single finger, the probe can easily be positioned by the user in a proper orientation against the skin surface during imaging procedures.

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

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

In one embodiment, therefore, an ultrasound probe is disclosed, comprising a body, a lens included on head portion of the body through which ultrasound signals can be passed, a stabilizing portion extending from the body and configured to stabilize the body on a skin surface of a patient without user assistance when the lens is placed on the skin surface, the bottom surface of the stabilizing portion providing a second skin contact surface for the ultrasound probe, and a finger grip portion configured to enable a user of the probe to grasp and maneuver the probe during use thereof with no more than two fingers on a single hand of the user, the finger grip portion includes a cylindrical ring, which further serves as the stabilizing portion, and wherein an articulating component is interposed between the body and the cylindrical ring.

These and other features of embodiments of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of embodiments of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

The exemplary ultrasound probes illustrated in <FIG> to <FIG> and <FIG> to <FIG> do not fall within the ambit of the claims, but are useful for understanding the invention and its features.

Reference will now be made to figures wherein like structures will be provided with like reference designations. It is understood that the drawings are diagrammatic and schematic representations of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and are neither limiting nor necessarily drawn to scale.

For clarity it is to be understood that the word "proximal" refers to a direction relatively closer to a clinician using the device to be described herein, while the word "distal" refers to a direction relatively further from the clinician. For example, the end of a catheter placed within the body of a patient is considered a distal end of the catheter, while the catheter end remaining outside the body is a proximal end of the catheter. Also, the words "including," "has," and "having," as used herein, including the claims, shall have the same meaning as the word "comprising.

Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to an ultrasound probe ("probe") for use with an ultrasound imaging system. In particular, the probe is sized and configured so as to be supported and readily used with one or two fingers on a single hand of a user of the 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 probe can easily be positioned by the user in a proper orientation against the skin surface during imaging procedures.

Further, the 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 probe positioning (e.g., lifting, placing, pressing, etc.) and scanning operations to be performed.

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

<FIG> shows various components of an ultrasound imaging system <NUM> (also referred to herein as "imaging system" or "system"), according to one embodiment. As shown, the 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 ("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 probe <NUM> so as to cover a lens portion thereof. The hydrogel insert provides an ultrasonically transparent interface between the 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 system <NUM>. In another embodiment, the needle guide is included on the probe itself. Further details regarding the probe cap, hydrogel insert, and needle guide can be found in <CIT> entitled "Support and Cover Structures for an Ultrasound Probe Head," and <CIT> <NUM>, entitled "Needle Guide with Selectable Aspects. " In yet another embodiment, a sheath or cover can be removably placed over the probe <NUM> to provide a sterile barrier. Note that other ultrasound imaging devices and systems that differ from that shown here can also benefit from the embodiments described herein.

<FIG> shows a block diagram of the system <NUM> of <FIG>, according to one embodiment. In detail, the console <NUM>, display <NUM>, and 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 system <NUM> can include different, fewer, or more components than those listed here, including those components that enable the 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 system <NUM>, a lens portion of the head <NUM> of the 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 probe <NUM> is disposed a substantially vertical depth below the end of the probe. The vessel is imaged by the 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 probe <NUM> including the head <NUM> thereof, in accordance with one embodiment. As shown, the probe <NUM> includes a body <NUM> defining lateral surfaces 102A and end surfaces 102B, with the head <NUM> of the probe defining a distal end of the probe body. A lens <NUM> is disposed at the distal end of the 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 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 probe body <NUM> to operably connect the probe to the console <NUM> (<FIG>), though the cable can extend from the probe in accordance with various different configurations.

In the present embodiment, the probe <NUM> includes a finger grip portion <NUM> configured to enable the user of the probe to grasp, support, and handle the probe with one or two 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 120A of the probe body <NUM>. Each of the protruding elements <NUM> defines, together with a proximate portion of the lateral surface <NUM> A of the probe body <NUM>, a concavely shaped grip surface <NUM> into which a user's finger is received in order to support and move the probe <NUM> during imaging system operation.

In the present embodiment, the 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 probe. In this way, the user is able to lift, maneuver, slide, and otherwise move the probe <NUM> with only two fingers during operation of the imaging system <NUM>. Note that other fingers of the user's hand can alternatively be used to hold the 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 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 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 probe accurately and easily, with relatively small movements across the skin surface, which results in improved imaging results. Note also that the 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 probe <NUM> and its finger grip portion <NUM> for enabling grasping, supporting, and handling of the probe with one or two 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 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 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 probe <NUM> with the user's finger(s). Note that, in this and other embodiments, the retention portion enables the 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 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 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 probe <NUM> in the embodiment illustrated in <FIG> is about <NUM> inches high, the probe head <NUM> about <NUM> inch wide, and the ring <NUM> about <NUM> inches wide, though other dimensions are possible for this and the other embodiments described herein.

<FIG> shows the 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 probe head <NUM> when the 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 probe <NUM> thereon, and provides enhanced control over the 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 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 probe <NUM> and its finger grip portion <NUM> for enabling grasping, supporting, and handling of the probe with one or two 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 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 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 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 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 probe head <NUM>. This enables the user to impart relatively fine amounts of pressure, or traction, to the skin surface via pressing down the probe <NUM> thereon, and provides enhanced control over the probe.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which depict various details of the probe <NUM> and its finger grip portion <NUM> for enabling grasping, supporting, and handling of the probe with one or two 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 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 probe body <NUM> to enable the two fingers to handle and control movement of the probe <NUM>. Note that other fingers can be employed to grasp the probe <NUM>, as with the other embodiments herein.

The probe <NUM> of the embodiment of <FIG> further includes a stabilizing portion <NUM> configured to maintain the probe in an upright, usable position on the skin surface of the patient even when the user's hand is not contacting the 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 probe head <NUM>. In this way, the leg <NUM> stabilizes the 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 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 probe <NUM>.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which depict various details of the probe <NUM> and its finger grip portion <NUM> for enabling grasping, supporting, and handling of the probe with one or two 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 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 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 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 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 probe <NUM> of the embodiment of <FIG> further includes the stabilizing portion <NUM> configured to maintain the probe in an upright, usable position on the skin surface of the patient even when the user's hand is not contacting the 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 probe head <NUM>. In this way, the bottom portion of the cylindrical ring <NUM> stabilizes the 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 probe <NUM> and its finger grip portion <NUM> for enabling grasping, supporting, and handling of the probe with one or two 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 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 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 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 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 probe head <NUM>. This enables the user to impart relatively fine amounts of pressure, or traction, to the skin surface via pressing down the probe <NUM> thereon, and provides enhanced control over the probe.

Note in the present embodiment that the cable <NUM>, which operably connects the probe <NUM> to the console <NUM> (<FIG>), extends from the probe body <NUM> at an angle from the use position of the probe (i.e., from the perspective shown in <FIG>). This cable configuration can reduce torque on the 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 probe in an upright, usable position on the skin surface of the patient even when the user's hand is not contacting the 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 probe head <NUM>. In this way, the leg <NUM> stabilizes the 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 probe <NUM> and its finger grip portion <NUM> for enabling grasping, supporting, and handling of the probe with one or two 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 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 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 probe <NUM> with the user's finger(s).

The 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 probe <NUM>. Thus, two fingers of a user's single hand can be employed in the present embodiment to support and use the 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 probe head <NUM>. This enables the user to impart relatively fine amounts of pressure, or traction, to the skin surface via pressing down the probe <NUM> thereon, and provides enhanced control over the probe.

Reference is now made to <FIG> A-l ID, which depict various details of the probe <NUM> and its finger grip portion <NUM> for enabling grasping, supporting, and handling of the probe with one or two 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 embodiment of <FIG> A-l ID is similar to that shown in <FIG>, with the finger grip portion <NUM> including a cylindrical hook <NUM> extending from the 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 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 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 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 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 probe <NUM> in an upright, usable position on the skin surface of the patient even when the user's hand is not contacting the 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 probe body <NUM>. In detail, the articulating component <NUM> includes a ball <NUM> included on the main portion of the 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 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 probe head <NUM> and the cylindrical ring, thus enabling freedom of movement of the 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 probe head <NUM>, lens <NUM>, and orientation arrow <NUM> are configured similar to standard probe heads so as to lend familiarity to the user in terms of placement of the probe head and lens on the skin surface and inserting needles, etc..

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which depict various details of the probe <NUM> and its finger grip portion <NUM> for enabling grasping, supporting, and handling of the probe with one or two 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 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 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 probe head <NUM>, from the perspective shown in <FIG>. A cable can extend from a cable conduit <NUM> at a top surface of the probe body <NUM>. As in previous embodiments, the 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 probe <NUM> to rest without assistance on the skin surface of the patient.

<FIG> depicts the probe <NUM> according to one embodiment. The 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 probe body <NUM> is omitted and two chamfered surfaces <NUM> are defined on a bottom portion of the probe body proximate the lens <NUM>. These and other variations to the probe body <NUM> while still enabling grasping and handling of the probe <NUM> with one or two 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 probe <NUM> and its finger grip portion <NUM> for enabling grasping, supporting, and handling of the probe with one or two 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 probe body <NUM> includes a generally wedge-shaped configuration, with the lens <NUM> of the probe head <NUM> disposed on a bottom surface thereof, from the perspective shown in <FIG>. Note that the flat bottom surface of the probe body <NUM>, best seen in <FIG>, serves as a stabilizing portion in the present embodiment for enabling the probe <NUM> to rest without assistance on the skin surface of the patient.

The cable conduit <NUM> extends from the 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 coble 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 probe <NUM>, while enabling other fingers of the user's hand to be used for other purposes. These and other probe body shapes and finger grip portion configurations are therefore contemplated.

Note that the 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 probe. The 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 probe body <NUM> to assist a user in knowing where to place finger(s) for use of the probe <NUM>.

Claim 1:
An ultrasound probe (<NUM>), comprising:
a body (<NUM>);
a lens (<NUM>) included on a head portion (<NUM>) of the body (<NUM>) through which ultrasound signals can be passed;
a stabilizing portion (<NUM>) extending from the body (<NUM>) and configured to stabilize the body on a skin surface of a patient without user assistance when the lens is placed on the skin surface, the bottom surface of the stabilizing portion providing a second skin contact surface for the ultrasound probe; and
a finger grip portion (<NUM>) configured to enable a user of the probe (<NUM>) to grasp and maneuver the probe (<NUM>) during use thereof with no more than two fingers on a single hand of the user, wherein the finger grip portion (<NUM>) includes a cylindrical ring (<NUM>), which further serves as the stabilizing portion (<NUM>), and wherein an articulating component (<NUM>) is interposed between the body (<NUM>) and the cylindrical ring (<NUM>).