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Automatic signal-optimizing transducer assembly for blood flow measurement

  • US 7,857,763 B2
  • Filed: 04/18/2005
  • Issued: 12/28/2010
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/08/2005
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. An auto-signal-optimizing transducer assembly configured for transmitting ultrasound to, and receiving ultrasound echo signals returned from, a blood vessel disposed in a patient'"'"'s body region in which said blood vessel is oriented at a vessel elevation angle relative to the patient'"'"'s skin surface, said auto-signal-optimizing transducer assembly comprising:

  • a) an ultrasound transducer component having a front face that transmits ultrasound along a scanning plane directed away from said face and receives ultrasound echo signals returned along said scanning plane;

    b) signal connection means for coupling said transducer component to an ultrasound generator and processor unit that excites said transducer component to transmit said ultrasound and processes said returned ultrasound echo signals received by said transducer component;

    c) securing means configured for detachably and repeatably holding said transducer component adjacent to said skin surface and oriented in azimuth adjacent to said body region and to hold said transducer component so said scanning plane is disposed at a fixed transducer elevation angle relative to the skin surface, and is oriented in azimuth on said skin surface to optimize initial returned echo signals from said blood vessel disposed at a vessel elevation angle relative to said skin surface, in which said securing means comprises;

    d) a housing body fixedly encapsulating, protecting and holding said transducer component, said housing body comprising;

    i) a top with spaced apart, parallel front and back edges extending between two spaced apart, parallel side wallsii) longitudinal ribs extending along opposite parallel side walls;

    iii) a perpendicular bottom face between the two opposite side walls presenting an opening for the ultrasound and received ultrasound signals to pass between said face of said transducer component and said skin surface when said housing body is adapted to secure to said body portion;

    e) a housing body holder comprising;

    i) a lateral base member;

    ii) a rigid open rectangular channel with a back wall between two parallel side walls extending upright from said lateral base member, the holder side walls spaced apart to receive said housing body with said parallel side walls fitted closely within, the inside of the two holder side walls having opposing grooves formed to slidingly receive and retain said longitudinal ribs of said housing body when said housing body is fitted against said back wall of said channel;

    iii) the lateral base member forming an opening co-extensive with said fitted housing opening;

    iv) opposing, thin lateral wings having respective upper and lower surfaces, said wings extending away from said holder opening to distal free ends, said wings shaped to fit closely proximal on said skin surface portion when attached adjacent to said body region, and having sufficient strength to reliably maintain said holder and said housing body in a fixed position and orientation when attached to said skin surface portion;

    f) housing holder attachment means configured to removably attaching said lateral wings to said skin surface portion.

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