Patent ID: 8070685

Claim:
A connectorized ultrasound probe comprising: a compact first section having a distal end that is configured for insertion into a patient's body, with an ultrasound transducer located in the distal end; and a second section configured to provide an electrical interface between the first section and an ultrasound system, wherein the first section is attachable and detachable from the second section using at least one set of connectors, wherein the second section includes at least one user-operated actuator, and the first and second sections are configured so that, when the first section is attached to the second section, actuation of the user-operated actuator causes the first section to bend, and wherein the first and second sections are configured so that, when the first section is attached to the second section, (a) the ultrasound system can drive the ultrasound transducer by sending drive signals into the first section via the second section and (b) the ultrasound transducer in the first section can send return signals to the ultrasound system via the second section, wherein the transducer is transversely oriented with respect to a proximal-distal direction axis of the first section, wherein the first section is configured so that when the first section is inserted into the patient's esophagus with the ultrasound transducer positioned in the patient's stomach fundus, the portion of the first section that remains outside of the patient's body has a length of 70 cm or less and a mass of 250 g or less, and wherein the first section is sealed to prevent the entry of liquids.