Peripheral ultrasound device providing pivotal adjustment of an imaging mechanism about two axes

• US 8,876,720 B2
• Filed: 12/23/2009
• Issued: 11/04/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 08/05/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Guardsman Scientific, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Guardsman Scientific, Inc.
• Inventors: Vezina, Daniel
• Primary Examiner(s): Jung, Unsu
• Assistant Examiner(s): LAURITZEN, AMANDA L
• Application Number:
  US12/646,617
• Publication Number:
  US 20100168577A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,777 Days
• Field of Search: None
• US Class Current: 600/459
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02028 Determining haemodynamic parameters not otherwise provided for, e.g. cardiac contractility or left ventricular ejection fraction
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 6/503 for diagnosis of the heart
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/00 Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves imaging of objects using sonar G01S15/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/06 Measuring blood flow measuring volume flow in general G01F, e.g. G01F1/66, G01F1/72; measuring speed of fluids in general G01P5/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/0883 for diagnosis of the heart
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/13 Tomography A61B8/10, A61B8/12 take precedence; tomography for radiation diagnosis A61B6/02
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/4209 by using holders, e.g. positioning frames
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/4227 characterised by straps, belts, cuffs or braces
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/4236 characterised by adhesive patches
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/4281 characterised by sound-transmitting media or devices for coupling the transducer to the tissue
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/4461 Features of the scanning mechanism, e.g. for moving the transducer within the housing of the probe
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/4466 involving deflection of the probe
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/46 Ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic diagnostic devices with special arrangements for interfacing with the operator or the patient
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/52079 Constructional features constructional features of transducers B06B; mounting transducers G10K11/00; constructional features of ultrasonic medical diagnostic devices A61B8/44
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 30/40 for processing medical images, e.g. editing
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/63 for local operation

Abstract

A device for acquiring ultrasound-generated data from a patient including a securing system and a probe configured for connection to the securing system, the probe including a base having an interfacing surface, an imaging mechanism adjustable relative to the base and configured to send and receive ultrasound signals along an imaging direction, and an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the imaging mechanism relative to the base thereby adjusting the imaging direction.

Claims

1. A device for acquiring ultrasound-generated data from a patient, the device comprising:

a securing system having an anchor; and

a probe configured for connection to the securing system, the probe comprising;

a base having an interfacing surface;

an imaging mechanism having an ultrasound transducer, the imaging mechanism being adjustable relative to the base and configured to send and receive ultrasound signals along an imaging direction; and

an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the imaging mechanism relative to the base thereby adjusting the imaging direction, the adjustment mechanism comprising;

a first adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the imaging mechanism about a first axis orthogonal to the interfacing surface, the first adjustment mechanism comprising an annular ring oriented parallel to and offset from the interfacing surface and having an orientation actuator having a motor, the orientation actuator operably coupled thereto for pivoting the imaging mechanism about the first axis; and

a second adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the imaging mechanism about a second axis parallel to the interfacing surface, the second adjustment mechanism comprising a gear extending from the imaging mechanism and being positioned orthogonal to the interfacing surface and having a direction actuator having a motor, the direction actuator operably coupled thereto for pivoting the imaging mechanism about the second axis.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the base includes a housing and the imaging mechanism is pivotally and rotatably positioned within the housing.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the base includes a frame and the imaging mechanism is pivotally positioned on the frame.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the imaging mechanism is positioned within the annular ring and supported by a pivot pin extending parallel to the interfacing surface.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the securing system further comprises a connection system positioned on the anchor and configured for removably attaching the probe.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the anchor includes a patch including an adhesive membrane for adhesively connecting the securing system.

7. The device of claim 5, wherein the connection system includes at least a first retention member.

8. The device of claim 7 wherein the retention member includes a strap connected to the anchor at each end to form a retaining loop.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the retention member is a hook and loop retention member.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the probe includes a peripheral dimension and an unstretched length of the strap is less than the peripheral dimension less a width of the interfacing surface, wherein insertion of the probe within the strap causes the strap to stretch thereby securing the probe.

11. The device of claim 1, further comprising a recognition module configured to facilitate communication between the probe and the securing system.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein the recognition module includes a wireless communication link between the securing system and the probe.

13. The device of claim 11, wherein the recognition module includes a circuit, the circuit being open when the probe is not connected to the securing system and closed when the probe is connected to the securing system.

14. The device of claim 11, wherein the recognition module includes a calibration protocol stored within the securing system and adapted to calibrate the probe upon connection of the probe to the securing system.