Ultrasound interfacing device for tissue imaging

• US 20050240102A1
• Filed: 07/14/2003
• Published: 10/27/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 07/12/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Nova Eye Incorporated
• Original Assignee: IScience Surgical Corp. (iScience Interventional Corporation)
• Inventors: Conston, Stanley R., Rachlin, Daniel
• Granted Patent: US 7,931,596 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/437
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/10 Eye inspection
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/4281 characterised by sound-transmitting media or devices for coupling the transducer to the tissue
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/4422 related to hygiene or sterilisation

Abstract

A device (10) used with high frequency ultrasound provides a replaceable barrier between the ultrasound transducer and the tissues being imaged. The device (10) provides an acoustic pathway of minimal effect on the ultrasound signals, and furthermore provides for a safety barrier between a mechanical scanner and the tissues being imaged. The configuration of the device (10) allows it to function as a standoff for the ultrasound transducer to place the focus of the ultrasound beam at the desired depth of tissue for imaging. In addition, the device (10) may be sterilized and replaced as needed, providing sterile tissue contact surfaces. The device (10) has additional features, which are especially advantageous for diagnosis and surgery of the eye.

Claims

1. An interface device for use with a high frequency ultrasound imaging system having a scan head with at least one transducer, the interface device being removably attachable to the scan head, the interface device comprising:

a reservoir with a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end being open and shaped to allow the transducer to transverse across an intended scan path within said reservoir, said distal end extending past a distal end of the transducer and including a scan window through which ultrasound energy is transmitted and received, wherein said reservoir maintains a fluid tight seal around the transducer,

and a fluid coupling medium located within said reservoir.

2. The interface device of claim 1, wherein the interface device is sterile.

3. The interface device of claim 1, wherein said scan window is formed of a material with less than 1 db/mm signal loss of transmitted and received high frequency ultrasound.

4. The interface device of claim 1, wherein the scan window comprises a non-flowable hydrogel.

5. The interface device of claim 1, wherein the scan window comprises a non-flowable hydrogel and a porous support structure.

6. The interface device of claim 4, wherein the hydrogel comprises a crosslinked polymer with water content greater than or equal to 50% by weight.

7. The interface device of claim 4, wherein the hydrogel comprises polyethylene oxide.

8. The interface device of claim 4, wherein the hydrogel is formed from polyisocyanate terminated poly(alkylene ether) polyols.

9. The interface device of claim 1, wherein the length of the device past the transducer is adjustable to allow adjustment of the position of the transducer focus.

10. The interface device of claim 1, wherein the transducer focus is in the range of 2 to 6 nm past the distal the edge of the device.

11. The interface device of claim 1, wherein the distal end of the device is curved to approximate the radius of the eye.

12. The interface device of claim 1, wherein the reservoir comprises one or more separate pieces between which is disposed the hydrogel scan window.

13. The interface device of claim 1, wherein the device incorporates delivery of acoustic coupling material.

14. The interface device of claim 1, wherein the ultrasound frequency is in the range of 50 to 100 MHz.

15. The interface device of claim 1, wherein the device incorporates access for surgical instruments.

16. The interface device of claim 1, wherein the device incorporates a surgical instrument.

17. The interface device of claim 1, wherein the device incorporates a surgical instrument that allows use of the instrument in positional relationship to the scanned image.

18. The interface device of claim 2, wherein the device is sterilized by ionizing radiation.