Wireless operation for transesophageal echocardiography

Abstract

The present disclosure relates generally to the assessment and imaging of bodily organs, including transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). For example, some embodiments of the present disclosure provide for remote and / or wireless control of a transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) probe. For example, in some embodiments a TEE probe comprises a gastroscope for insertion into a patient's esophagus,a handle coupled to the gastroscope, and a wireless module coupled to the handle and configured to receive a command signal from a user to remotely control aspects of a TEE scan. Some aspects to be controlled by a user remotely may include movement of a distal portion of the gastroscope within the patient's esophagus. Other aspects may include initiation of an ultrasonic imaging procedure by an ultrasonic transducer. In some embodiments, the wireless module may also be configured to wirelessly transmit electrical signals to a console. The electrical signals may comprise ultrasonic imaging data, and sensor feedback signals.

Description

technical field [0001] The present disclosure generally relates to examining and imaging a patient's organs using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). For example, some embodiments of the present disclosure are adapted to modularly adapt a TEE probe for use with one or more modular gastroscopes. Other disclosed embodiments are suitable for wireless TEE procedures. Background technique [0002] Observing the condition and function of a patient's heart can be a difficult and dangerous procedure. Echocardiography is able to mitigate the risk of injury to the patient through the use of ultrasound imaging technology. In echocardiography, a physician uses an ultrasound probe that includes one or more ultrasound transducers to obtain images of a patient's heart from various angles. An ultrasound transducer emits ultrasound energy in the form of ultrasound waves to create an image of the heart. Ultrasound waves are partially reflected by disruptions created by tissue structur...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Because the controls for conventional TEE probes are placed on the handle, the physician must maintain a constant and stable grip on the handle of the TEE probe for long periods of time and often at inconvenient angles

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