Handle assembly for transesophageal echocardiography

Abstract

The present disclosure relates generally to a simplified transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) probe mid-handle assembly for actuating the pull cables that control the flexion of the distal end of the gastroscope portion of a TEE probe. The assembly includes a containment frame, two control wheels, two coaxial shafts each coupled to one of the control wheels, with an elongated flexible member wrapped around each shaft. The elongated flexible members may be friction belts, timing ladders, pulley cables, timing belts, or drive tapes to translate the rotational motion of the control wheels into linear motion of the gastroscope pull cables. The assembly may also include a brake switch that, when engaged, applies a resistance to rotation of the shafts and control wheels. In some embodiments, control wheels and containment frame are made of molded plastic, and the elongated flexible members are made of elastomeric compounds moulded over Kevlar, nylon, or metal reinforcement members to reduce stretch and increase life.

Description

Technical field [0001] The present disclosure generally relates to imaging using organized ultrasonic cardiac (TEE) to imaging the patient, and the TEE probe is controlled via a traction cable provided in its handle. For example, some of the embodiments of the present disclosure are adapted to control the position, orientation and bending of the TEE gastroscope probe. Background technique [0002] Observing the patient's heart condition and function may be a difficult and dangerous process. Ultrasound motion can reduce the risk of injury to the patient by using ultrasound imaging techniques. In the echocardiogram, the doctor uses an image of each angle of the patient's heart using an ultrasonic probe including one or more ultrasonic transducers. The ultrasonic transducer emits ultrasonic energy in the form of ultrasound to form an image of the heart. Ultrasonic is organized, red blood cells, and other interests of the discontinuous reflection. Echo or reflected ultrasonic waves a...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Prone to failure due to complex attachment of the distal spacer to the metal housing

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