U.S. patent application number 13/251873 was filed with the patent office on 2012-04-12 for connectorized probe for transesophageal echocardiography.
Invention is credited to Edward Paul Harhen.
Application Number | 20120089029 13/251873 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46332052 |
Filed Date | 2012-04-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120089029 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Harhen; Edward Paul |
April 12, 2012 |
Connectorized Probe for Transesophageal Echocardiography
Abstract
A connectorized ultrasound probe includes a distal section that
is configured for insertion into a patient's body and a proximal
section configured to interface the distal section with an
ultrasound system. The distal section is easily attachable and
detachable from the proximal section using at least one set of
connectors. When connected, a user-operated actuator located on the
proximal section controls the bending of the distal section, and
the ultrasound system sends driving signals to and receives return
signals from the ultrasound transducer via the proximal section.
This arrangement is particularly advantageous for long term
monitoring, because the disconnectability of the proximal section
makes it possible to leave the distal section in place in the
patient for longer periods of time without undue discomfort. In
some preferred embodiments, the mechanical interface is made before
the electrical interface when the distal section is connected to
the proximal section.
Inventors: |
Harhen; Edward Paul;
(Duxbury, MA) |
Family ID: |
46332052 |
Appl. No.: |
13/251873 |
Filed: |
October 3, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12268571 |
Nov 11, 2008 |
8052609 |
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13251873 |
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11279510 |
Apr 12, 2006 |
8070685 |
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12268571 |
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60987081 |
Nov 11, 2007 |
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60671808 |
Apr 15, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
600/462 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 8/4488 20130101;
A61B 1/0052 20130101; A61B 8/445 20130101; A61B 8/12 20130101; A61B
2562/225 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
600/462 |
International
Class: |
A61B 8/12 20060101
A61B008/12 |
Claims
1. 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 interface the first section
with an ultrasound system, wherein the first section is easily
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.
2. The ultrasound probe of claim 1, wherein the first section is
dimensioned for performing transesophageal echocardiography and the
transducer is transversely oriented with respect to a
proximal-distal direction axis of the first section.
3. The ultrasound probe of claim 1, wherein the first section is
dimensioned for performing transesophageal echocardiography and the
transducer comprises a two-dimensional array of elements.
4. The ultrasound probe of claim 1, wherein the first section is
configured so that when the first section is inserted into the
esophagus of a patient with the ultrasound transducer positioned in
the fundus of the stomach, the portion of the first section that
remains outside of the patient's body is non-cumbersome for long
term use.
5. The ultrasound probe of claim 1, wherein the first section is
configured so that when the first section is inserted into the
esophagus of a patient with the ultrasound transducer positioned in
the fundus of the stomach, the portion of the first section that
remains outside of the patient's body has a mass of 250 g or
less.
6. The ultrasound probe of claim 1, wherein the first section is
configured so that when the first section is inserted into the
esophagus of a patient with the ultrasound transducer positioned in
the fundus of the stomach, the portion of the first section that
remains outside of the patient's body has a length of 70 cm or
less.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This Application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/268,571, filed Nov. 11, 2008, which (a)
claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 60/987,081,
filed Nov. 11, 2007 and (b) is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 11/279,510, filed Apr. 12, 2006, which
claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 60/671,808,
filed Apr. 15, 2005. Each of those applications is incorporated
herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] U.S. application Ser. No. 10/996,816, filed Nov. 24, 2004,
which is incorporated herein by reference, describes a unique
ultrasound probe, transducer, and associated algorithm. The probe
disclosed in the '816 application is significantly narrower than
prior art devices, and can be left in place for extended periods of
time. The primary intended use of that probe is for monitoring of
the heart using echocardiography. FIG. 1 is a schematic
representation of that probe 100. The probe has a flexible shaft
112 affixed to the end of an endoscope style control handle 104,
and the distal end 116 of the probe 100 contains the ultrasound
transducer 118. To use the probe, the distal end 116 is manipulated
into position in the esophagus, and a bending mechanism is then
actuated using actuator 102, which causes the bending section 114
of the probe to bend. In the context of echocardiography, this
bending action is used to position the ultrasound transducer 118 in
the fundus of the stomach to obtain an image of the transgastric
short axis view of the heart. The handle 104 is connected to a
connector 42 on the ultrasound system 40 via a cable 106 that
terminates at a connector 108.
[0003] In the setting of an intensive care unit (ICU), patients are
often maintained in a quiescent state for both the well-being of
the patient and to facilitate the monitoring of various
physiological functions. Leaving the probe 100 in place for
extended periods of time, however, can create difficulties in
common situations when the patient must be moved. (Examples of such
situations include moving the patient to clean him or her, to
prevent pressure sores, or to perform routine procedures.) If the
probe 100 is kept in the patient while the probe is hooked up to
the ultrasound system 40, moving the patient could be extremely
difficult.
[0004] One solution to this problem is to detach the probe 100 from
the ultrasound system 40 by disconnecting the probe's connector 108
from the ultrasound system's connector 42 before the patient is
moved, to leave those portions of the probe that remain outside the
patient's body 102-108 resting on a tray or a hook. However, since
the handle 104 and associated cable portions 106 of the
transesophageal echo (TEE) probe that remain attached to the
patient are relatively large and heavy, this solution is somewhat
clumsy, and requires an extra degree of awareness from the
attendants so as to not dislodge the device or cause other problems
due to paying too much attention to the device.
SUMMARY
[0005] A connectorized ultrasound probe includes a distal section
that is configured for insertion into a patient's body and a
proximal section configured to interface the distal section with an
ultrasound system. The distal section is easily attachable and
detachable from the proximal section using at least one set of
connectors. When connected, a user-operated actuator located on the
proximal section controls the bending of the distal section via the
connectors, and the ultrasound system sends driving signals to and
receives return signals from the ultrasound transducer via the
proximal section. In some preferred embodiments, the mechanical
interface is made before the electrical interface when the distal
section is connected to the proximal section.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of the transesophageal
echocardiography ultrasound probe disclosed in the '816
application.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment
of an improved ultrasound probe for transesophageal
echocardiography in accordance with the present invention.
[0008] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of an implementation of the
ultrasound probe of FIG. 2, with a transducer assembly connected to
a matching actuator assembly.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a first detailed view of the interface between the
transducer assembly and the actuator assembly of the FIG. 3
embodiment.
[0010] FIG. 5 is a detailed view of the interface portion of the
actuator assembly of the FIG. 3 embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the interface portion of the
transducer assembly of the FIG. 3 embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 7 shows the internal components of the transducer
assembly of FIG. 6, with the lid removed.
[0013] FIG. 8 shows the transducer assembly of FIG. 6, with certain
components removed to make the lower components visible.
[0014] FIG. 9 shows the electrical and mechanical interactions
between the transducer assembly and the actuator assembly when
those two assemblies are mated together.
[0015] FIG. 10 is another embodiment of an improved ultrasound
probe for transesophageal echocardiography in accordance with the
present invention.
[0016] FIG. 11 is a detail of the mechanical connection on the
actuator assembly side of the probe of FIG. 10.
[0017] FIG. 12 is a detail of the mechanical connection on the
transducer assembly side of the probe of FIG. 10.
[0018] FIG. 13A shows an alternative output actuator mated with an
alternative control actuator, for use with the embodiments shown in
FIGS. 3-9.
[0019] FIG. 13B is a detail of the alternative output actuator of
FIG. 13A.
[0020] FIG. 13C is a detail of the alternative control actuator of
FIG. 13A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0021] The drawbacks associated with a large handle and cabling
that remains connected to the patient while the probe is in the
patient's esophagus can be avoided or minimized by using a
connectorized probe, with a distal portion that remains installed
in the patient, and a detachable handle portion that interfaces
with the distal portion. The connector passes both mechanical and
electrical signals between the two portions. Optionally, the distal
portion may be disposable, in which case it is preferable to reduce
the cost of the distal portion. Because it is not disposable, the
cost of the handle portion is less critical.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the
invention, with a probe that includes an actuator assembly 80 and a
transducer assembly 60. The actuator assembly 80 includes a control
handle 84 with an actuator 82. The handle 84 is connected to a
connector 42 on the ultrasound system 40 via a cable 86 that
terminates at a connector 88. The transducer assembly 60 has a
flexible shaft 62 affixed to the end of a connector 70, and the
distal end 66 of the probe contains the ultrasound transducer 68.
To use the probe, the actuator assembly 80 and the transducer
assembly 60 are connected together by mating the first connector 90
with the second connector 70. The distal end 68 is then manipulated
into position in the esophagus. The transducer assembly 60 includes
a bending mechanism that is actuatable by the actuator 82 when the
actuator assembly 80 and the transducer assembly 60 are connected
together. This causes the bending section 64 of the probe to bend
to provide an end result that is similar to the bending achieved in
the unitary probe described above in connection with FIG. 1.
[0023] Now, when it becomes necessary to move the patient, the
transducer assembly 60 is disconnected from the actuator assembly
80 at the connectors 70, 90, so that the only parts that remain
protruding from the patient will be the proximal end of the shaft
62 and the connector 70. Since those portions are relatively small
and light compared to the handle 104 and cable 106 of the probe 100
depicted in FIG. 1, it becomes much easier to leave the distal end
of the probe in the patient when the patient has to be moved or
cared for.
[0024] FIG. 3 depicts a preferred implementation of the FIG. 2
embodiment, with the transducer assembly 60 mounted to the actuator
assembly 80. The transducer assembly 60 include includes a flexible
shaft 62 (shown with a break to denote its long length) that has a
bending section 64. The shaft 62 is preferably less than 6 mm in
diameter, and preferably on the order of 1 m in length for an adult
version of the device. Those dimensions may be scaled down
appropriately for pediatric and neonatal patients. The distal end
66 of the transducer assembly 60 houses the ultrasound transducer
which is preferably transversely oriented with respect to the
proximal distal axis. In alternative embodiments, other transducer
configurations may be used in place of the transversely oriented
transducer (e.g., a two-dimensional ultrasound transducer or a
rotating multi-plane transducer). The actuator assembly 80 includes
a handle 84 with a user-operated actuator 82 mounted on the handle.
A cable 86 with a connector 88 at its proximal end (both shown in
FIG. 2) extends from the proximal end of the handle 84. This
connector 88 mates with a corresponding connector 42 on the
ultrasound system 40 (all shown in FIG. 2).
[0025] FIG. 4 is an exploded detail view of the interface between
the actuator assembly 80 and the transducer assembly 60. The
actuator assembly 80 includes a first connector 90 that interfaces
with the transducer assembly 60, and the transducer assembly 60
includes a second connector 70 that interfaces with the actuator
assembly 80. The first connector 90 includes a first electrical
interface 94, which is used to make electrical connect with a
mating connector (not shown) on the second connector 70. In the
illustrated embodiment, the first electrical interface 94 comprises
a series of conductive pads, which are preferably gold plated. The
pads may be flat or raised. Preferably, the first connector is
constructed to be watertight so that the first connector can be
immersed in a liquid sterilant (e.g., Cidex glutaraldehyde,
peroxide sterilants, etc.), and using simple, stationary pads helps
achieve the desired watertightness, which facilitates re-use of the
actuator assembly 80 for multiple patients. When the second
connector 70 is mated to the first connector 90, corresponding
contacts on the second connector 70 line up with the contacts of
the first electrical interface 94 so that electrical signals can
pass between the actuator assembly 80 and the transducer assembly
60.
[0026] The ultrasound system 40 communicates with the ultrasound
transducer 68 (both shown in FIG. 2) by sending and receiving
appropriate signals into the actuator assembly 80 via the connector
42, the connector 88, and the cable 86 (all shown in FIG. 2). The
signals that travel through the cable 86 are routed to the first
electrical interface 94 on the first connector 90 e.g., by running
appropriately shielded wires from the distal end of the cable 86
directly to the first electrical interface 94. Optionally,
appropriate intervening circuitry (e.g., amplifiers, signal
conditioners, etc.) may be interposed between the first electrical
interface 94 and the cable 86. The remainder of the path to the
transducer is described below in connection with the transducer
assembly 60.
[0027] The first connector 90 also includes an output actuator 92
that is designed to mate with a corresponding member on the second
connector 70 when the second connector 70 is connected to the first
connector 90. The output actuator 92 is linked to the user-operated
actuator 82 by an appropriate mechanism such that the output
actuator moves in response to user actuation of the user-operated
actuator 82. The link between the user-operated actuator 82 and the
output actuator 92 may be implemented using any of a variety of
conventional techniques, including but not limited to gears, pull
wires, servo motors, stepper motors, hydraulics, as well as
numerous other techniques that will be apparent to persons skilled
in the relevant arts. The output actuator 92 and the user-operated
actuator 82 are preferably also made using a watertight
construction (e.g., using O rings or other sealing techniques) to
facilitate liquid sterilization of the actuator assembly 80.
[0028] FIG. 5 shows the first connector 90 in even greater detail.
As explained above, the output actuator 92 rotates in response to
actuations of the user-operated actuator 82. The surface of the
output actuator 92 is preferably made of a material that will have
a high coefficient of friction when it is pressed against a
corresponding member in the second connector 70. Examples of
suitable materials for the output actuator include rubber,
polyethylene, polystyrene, vinyl, etc. Optionally, a plurality of
radial grooves may be cut into the surface of the output actuator
92 to help the output actuator 92 better "grab" the corresponding
surface on the second connector 70.
[0029] As best seen in this view, the first connector 90 includes a
number of mounting members for latching the first connector onto
the second connector. Although the illustrated embodiment depict
mounting members in the form of a pair of small tabs 97 at the
distal end and a larger tab 96, persons skilled in relevant arts
will recognize that any of a wide variety of conventional latching
mechanism may be used.
[0030] FIG. 6 is a front view of the second connector 70. The
second connector 70 is configured to mate with the first connector
90. To do this, the second connector 70 contains a second
electrical interface 74 that lines up the first electrical
interface 94 of the first connector 90. In the illustrated
embodiment, the second electrical interface 74 is made using a
plurality of spring loaded fingers positioned so that, when the
second connector 70 is connected to the first connector 90, the
fingers of the second electrical interface 74 will line up with the
pads of the first electrical interface 94 (shown in FIGS. 4, 5).
The second connector 70 also contains a control actuator 72 that
lines up the output actuator 92 of the first connector 90, so that
the output actuator 92 can drive the control actuator 72. In the
illustrated embodiment, the control actuator 72 is a rotating wheel
that is designed to be driven by rotation of the output actuator
92. Of course, a wide variety of alternative arrangements for
actuating alternative control actuators will be readily apparent to
persons skilled in the relevant arts. Note that when the transducer
assembly 60 is disposable and will be discarded after each use, it
is not necessary to make the second connector 70 watertight.
[0031] To connect the first and second connectors, the second
connector 70 is attached to the first connector 90 by aligning the
notches 77 of the second connector 70 with tabs 97 of the first
connector 90, then squeezing the proximal end of second connector
70 towards the first connector 90. The latching arm 76 on the
second connector 70 is designed to snap into position on the first
connector by interacting with tab 96 (shown in FIG. 5). When the
first connector 70 is attached to the first connector 90 in this
manner, the second electrical interface 74 of the second connector
70 makes electrical contact with the first electrical interface 94
of the first connector 90, so that electrical signals can travel
back and forth between the first electrical interface 94 and the
second electrical interface 74. In addition, the control actuator
72 makes mechanical contact with the output actuator 92 of the
first connector 90, so that when the output actuator 92 is rotated
in response to operation of the user operated actuator 82 (shown in
FIG. 4) the control actuator 72 will be driven by the output
actuator 92 and follow the rotation of the output actuator 92. A
lid 79 protects the internal components of the second connector 70
from damage, and has cutouts to provide access to the second
electrical interface 74 and the control actuator 72. Note that
while FIGS. 4-9 depict first and second electrical interfaces 94,
74 using pads and fingers designed to contact the pads, numerous
alternative electrical interfaces (e.g., pins and mating sockets)
may be substituted therefor, as will be appreciated by persons
skilled in the relevant arts.
[0032] FIG. 7 is another view of the second connector 70 shown in
FIG. 6, with the lid 79 removed. This view reveals that the
rotating control actuator 72 is attached to a pulley 73 that causes
the pull wires 65 to move when the control actuator 72 is rotated.
This view also shows a portion of the ribbon cable 61, which is the
wiring that connects the second electrical interface 74 to the
transducer 68 (shown in FIG. 2) at the distal end 66 of the
transducer assembly 60. Preferably, a ground plane is provided on
both sides of the ribbon cable. In less preferred embodiments one
or both of those ground planes may be omitted, or wiring
configurations other than ribbon cable may be used. Optionally,
appropriate intervening circuitry (e.g., amplifiers, signal
conditioners, etc.) may be interposed between the second electrical
interface 74 and the transducer 68.
[0033] FIG. 8 shows yet another view of the second connector 70 of
FIGS. 6 and 7, but with the lid 79, the second electrical interface
74, the wiring 61, the control actuator 72, and the pulley's axle
all removed to show the lower components of the second connector
70. This view more clearly shows how the pulley 73 moves the pull
wires 65, which extend out distally through the shaft 62. When the
pull wires 65 move (in response to rotation of the pulley), the
pull wires operate the bending section 64 (shown in FIG. 3) in any
conventional manner. Since the pull wires 65 cause the bending
section 64 to bend, and the pull wires 65 are moved by rotation of
the pulley 73, and rotation of the pulley 73 occurs in response to
rotation of the control actuator 72 (shown in FIGS. 6 and 7), the
net result is that rotation of the control actuator 72 causes the
bending section 64 to bend.
[0034] FIG. 9 shows the electrical and mechanical interactions
between the first connector 90 and the second connector 70 when
those connectors are mated together. This view depicts the mated
set of connectors 90, 70 would look if the outside housing of the
second connector 70 were invisible. The second electrical interface
74 is lined up with and urged against the first electrical
interface 94, and the control actuator 72 on the second connector
70 is lined up with and urged against the output actuator 92 on the
first connector 90. A pulley mount 75 permits the pulley 73 to
rotate and urges the control actuator 72 against the output
actuator 92 when the first connector 90 and second connector 70 are
mated. The ribbon cable 61 that connects the second electrical
interface 74 to the transducer 68 (shown in FIG. 2) at the distal
end 66 of the transducer assembly 60 is also more clearly visible
in this view.
[0035] When the second connector 70 is mated with the first
connector 90, actuation of the user operated actuator 82 (shown in
FIGS. 3 and 4) will cause the output actuator 92 to rotate. Since
the control actuator 72 is being urged up against the output
actuator 92, the control actuator 72 will follow the rotation of
the output actuator 92. Rotation of the control actuator 72 turns
the pulley 73 which operates the pull wires 65 that extend distally
through the flexible shaft 62, and cause a bending mechanism (not
shown) located in the bending section (shown in FIG. 3) to bend.
Thus, when the second connector 70 is mated to the first connector
90, actuation of the user operated actuator 82 by the user will
have the same net effect of actuations of the user operated
actuator 102 of the unitary probe 100 depicted in FIG. 1. Note that
while FIGS. 4-9 depict using rotating pads for the output actuator
92 and the control actuator 72 pads, numerous alternative
mechanical interfaces (e.g., gears, a hexagonal shaft and a mating
socket, etc.) may be substituted therefore, as will be appreciated
by persons skilled in the relevant arts.
[0036] In addition, when the second connector 70 is mated with the
first connector 90, the second electrical interface 74 makes
contact with the first electrical connector 94. Since the first
electrical connector 94 communicates with the ultrasound system 40
via cable 86 and connectors 88, 42 (all shown in FIG. 2), and Since
the wiring 61 connects the second electrical interface 74 to the
transducer 68 at the distal end 66 of the transducer assembly 60
(shown in FIGS. 2, 3) this arrangement permits the ultrasound
system 40 to interface with the transducer 68 in the same way that
the ultrasound system 40 communicates with the transducer 118 in
the unitary probe 100 depicted in FIG. 1. Optionally, additional
signals may be passed to and from the transducer assembly 60 via
the first and second connectors 90, 70, e.g., to operate a
thermistor located in the distal end of the transducer assembly 60
or to interface with a non-volatile memory device located in the
transducer assembly 60 (used, e.g., to store data relating to the
transducer assembly 60).
[0037] As best seen in FIGS. 4 and 9, the electrical and mechanical
interface between the transducer assembly 60 and the actuator
assembly 80 is sideways-facing (i.e., the mating surfaces of the
first and second connectors 90, 70 face in a direction that is
roughly perpendicular to the proximal-distal axis). This
arrangement stands in contrast to the situation where one mating
surface faces distally, and the other mating surface faces
proximally (like the interface between the connectors 12, 22 in the
FIG. 10 embodiment described below). Using a sideways-facing
interface advantageously provides a large amount of "real estate"
(i.e., area) for implementing the electrical and mechanical
connections between the two assemblies. Moreover, despite the fact
that a large amount of real estate is available for the interface,
the overall diameter of the assemblies 60, 80 when connected can
remain small (e.g., about 22 mm, measured at the proximal end of
second connector 70 in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3-9),
and does not have to increase in proportion to the number of
connections that are made between the first and second connectors
90, 70.
[0038] FIGS. 13A-C show details of an alternative output actuator
192 that is designed to mate with an alternative control actuator
172, for use in place of the output actuator 92 and control
actuator 72 discussed above in connection with the embodiments
shown in FIGS. 3-9. The operation of the output actuator 192 and
control actuator 172 is similar to the operation of the output
actuator 92 and control actuator 72, except instead of relying on
friction to transmit rotation between the face of the output
actuator 92 and the face of the control actuator 72, the output
actuator 192 and control actuator 172 rely on a mating mechanical
interface that is designed to transmit rotation. In the illustrated
embodiment, this mating mechanical interface comprises a slot 193
in output actuator 192, and a matching tab 173 in the control
actuator 172, however persons skilled in the relevant arts will
appreciate that numerous other mating configurations can be
substituted therefor.
[0039] With this arrangement, the rotating mechanical components
172, 192 start to mate before the first connector 90 and the second
connector 70 are "clicked" together, and electrical connection
between the first electrical interface 94 and the second electrical
interface 74 (shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, respectively) is not made
until a bit later, when the first connector 90 and the second
connector 70 are "clicked" together. This arrangement provides
better tactile feedback to the user for both the mechanical and
electrical connections than in embodiments in which those two
connections are made at the same time.
[0040] Preferably, the outer edges of the slot 193 are chamfered to
help guide the tab 173 into position. Note that if the tab 173 does
not line up with the slot 193 when the user initially attempts to
mate the first connector 90 to the second connector 70, the user
can actuate the thumb actuator 82 (show in FIG. 4) until the slot
193 in the output actuator 192 rotates to a position that aligns
with the tab 173, and then subsequently click the two connectors
70, 90 together. Since the two sections will only fit together when
the slot 193 is aligned with the tab 173, this arrangement forces a
predetermined relationship between the thumb actuator 82 actuator
and the bending section 64. For example, leaving the thumb actuator
82 in the middle results in no bending; pushing the thumb actuator
82 causes the bending section 64 to retroflex; and pulling back on
the thumb actuator 82 causes the bending section 64 to
anteflex.
[0041] FIG. 10 is another embodiment of the invention in which the
insertion tube and acoustic block assembly (referred to above as
the transducer assembly) are separable from the control handle
(referred to above as the actuator assembly). In this embodiment, a
durable handle 10 is connected to the transducer assembly 20. A
connector 12 at the distal end of the handle 10 mates with a
corresponding connector 22 at the proximal end of the transducer
assembly 20. FIG. 11 shows a detail of the latching arm 15 of the
handle portion 10, and FIG. 12 shows a detail of the connector
portion 22 of the transducer assembly 20.
[0042] Referring now to FIGS. 10-12, the connectors 12, 22 provide
a detachable electrical interface to get all the necessary
electrical signal to the distal end of the probe, and to receive
return signals from the distal end of the probe. For example, the
electrical connections may be used to pass signals used for
generation of ultrasound at the ultrasound transducer 24, return of
electrical signals from the transducer, ground and shielding
planes, and any other electrical functions that are implemented at
the distal end (e.g., connections to a non-volatile memory device
may be integrated into the transducer assembly).
[0043] The connector 22 and the arm 15 also provide a detachable
mechanical interface to actuate controllable portions at or near
the distal end of the probe. An example of a desirable mechanical
motion is flexing of the tip of the probe, which may be useful
after the probe has been positioned in the fundus of the stomach.
In the illustrated embodiment, the mechanical interface is
implemented using pull wires that are connected to the distal end
of the probe, where they initiate the desired motion (e.g., flexing
of the probe tip). The mechanism that responds to the pull wires at
the distal end of the probe may be implemented in any conventional
manner. At the proximal end of the transducer assembly 20, the pull
wires terminate in sliders 28 with a female hole.
[0044] To use the probe, the connector 22 is mated with the
corresponding connector 12 of the handle, and the latching arm 15
is moved into position so that its pins 18 are mated into the
sliders 28 of the transducer assembly 20. The latching arm may
include a catch 16 to hold the transducer assembly 20 to the handle
portion 10. The slides 18 are connected to each other via flexible
cabling 17 which traverses a pulley 19 at the distal end of the
latching arm 15. This configuration helps insure that articulation
control cable stays taut within the handle and does not require the
use of springs to take up slack.
[0045] The handle 10 includes a control surface 18 which may be
implemented in any conventional way e.g., using pull wires.
However, instead of having the pull wires go directly to the distal
end of the probe, the pull wires the handle move the sliders 18 in
the arm 15. Those sliders 18 in turn move the sliders 28, which
move the pull wires 27 that run through the lumen of the transducer
assembly 20 to generate the desired motion at the distal end of the
probe. The result is a distal articulation mechanism that passes
through a connector.
[0046] One suitable way to implement the electrical connection
between the connectors 12, 22 is to use a flexible printed circuit
board (PCB) similar to the type used in ink jet cartridge
connectors. The reverse side of this flexible PCB has traces which
are pulled out and connected to the appropriate cabling.
Optionally, a chip with non-volatile memory may also be mounted on
the flexible PCB. A suitable mating connector for this interface is
a "pogo pin" type interface with pins mounted in a block (not
shown), as commonly used in electronic testing apparatus.
[0047] Optionally, the actuator assembly in any of the embodiments
described above may incorporate other actuatable features in
addition to the basic articulation controls for manipulating the
distal end of the insertion tube and transducer. For example, other
mechanical connections besides the bending controls discussed above
may be implemented, e.g., to transfer torque to the distal end of
the probe. Controls for non-mechanical features may also be
implemented on the handle, e.g., buttons for freezing the image,
adjusting gain control or other functions. Optionally, the
mechanical and electrical connections may be configured to be
water-tight.
[0048] In all the above-described embodiments, when the transducer
assembly is connected to the actuator assembly via the connector or
connectors, the combination of the transducer assembly with the
actuator assembly emulates both the electrical and mechanical
operation of a conventional ultrasound probe. However, with the
embodiments described above in connection with FIGS. 2-12, the
doctor gains the ability to disconnect the actuator assembly from
the transducer assembly, and leave the relatively compact distal
transducer assembly section in position in the patient's esophagus.
When this is done, only the connector 70, 22 and a portion of the
flexible shaft 62, 20 will remain attached to the patient's body,
and the handle, the actuator, and the cable that links the handle
to the ultrasound system are disconnected from the patient. Since
the hardware that stays attached to the patient's is smaller and
lighter, it becomes much easier to move the patient around and to
attend to the patient's needs, and is much less cumbersome as
compared to the FIG. 1 embodiment in which the handle 104 and cable
106 stay attached to the patient as long as the transducer remains
in position in the patient's esophagus. Preferably, the transducer
assembly is configured so that the portion of the transducer
assembly that remains outside of the patient's body is compact and
has a mass of 250 g or less and a length of 70 cm or less.
[0049] Reducing the amount of hardware that is attached to the
patient's is particularly advantageous for long term
transesophageal ultrasound imaging, e.g., in situations where the
probe remains installed in the patient for hours or days at a time.
These advantages become even more important if the patient is awake
or is not anesthetized, in which patient comfort becomes an even
more important factor.
[0050] Advantages of the above-described embodiments include the
fact that the device can be placed and left in-situ without causing
problems with excessive bulk or cabling. In addition, by making the
handle/actuator assembly separable from the transducer assembly,
the transducer assembly may be made disposable and the handle may
be made durable and reusable. This allows a less expensive
disposable than would be possible if the entire probe were made
disposable. It also allows the handle to be made to a higher
standard than possible if the handle was also disposable, which may
improve the tactile feedback to the user and ease of use.
[0051] While the above-described embodiments are discussed in the
context of transesophageal echocardiography, similar probes may be
used to obtain other transesophageal images as well as to obtain
ultrasound images in cavities other than the esophagus. The
connectorized construction may also be incorporated into probes,
endoscopes, or catheters in non-ultrasound medical applications,
and may even be used in non-medical uses where it is desirable to
disconnect a proximal section while leaving the distal section in
place. Numerous other modifications to the above-described
embodiments will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant
arts, and are also included within the purview of the
invention.
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