Self-adaptive fitting ultrasonic probe flexible accessory

Abstract

The invention discloses a self-adaptive fitting ultrasonic probe flexible accessory which comprises a flexible cover sleeve body, and the flexible cover sleeve body is made of a medical-grade elastic material and is provided with a containing cavity matched with an ultrasonic probe in shape; the sealing opening is formed in the bottom of the flexible cover sleeve body and is used for tightly wrapping the emitting surface of the probe; the liquid storage cavity is a closed cavity and is pre-filled with a high-viscosity medical ultrasonic coupling agent; the self-adaptive attaching layer is composed of the bottom wall of the flexible cover sleeve body. Wherein the liquid storage cavity is located between the sealed opening and the self-adaptive attaching layer, and the coupling agent is evenly distributed on the contact interface of the probe and the skin under the action of pressure; the probe is matched with a common ultrasonic probe, and the imaging effect of the probe in an uneven body surface area is improved on the premise that the main body structure of the probe is not changed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to a self-adaptive, flexible accessory for an ultrasound probe. Background Technology

[0002] In ultrasound examinations, effective coupling between the probe and the body surface is crucial for obtaining clear images. However, common probes (such as the C5 convex array probe or the L12 linear array probe) have the following structural defects when examining certain anatomical sites: Coupling failure: Concave and convex areas such as the spine, scapula, sacrum, coccyx, dorsum of the foot, and back of the hand result in insufficient contact area between the probe and the skin, loose probe contact, uneven distribution of coupling agent, and easy formation of air bubbles or discontinuous areas of acoustic impedance, leading to decreased image quality, blurred image edges, or the "unable to fit on both sides" phenomenon, affecting diagnosis and operational judgment; coupling agent loss rate >30%, existing coupling agent thickening solutions such as thickening the coupling agent or using external coupling pads can only partially improve the fit, are complicated to operate and have poor stability, cannot be dynamically compensated, and have an air bubble generation rate >25%.

[0003] Inefficient operation: Doctors need to repeatedly adjust the probe angle (time ≥ 2 minutes per site), and uneven pressure causes patient discomfort; Inaccurate positioning: Lack of visual positioning markers during interventional procedures, resulting in puncture guidance error > 3 mm.

[0004] Currently, there is no systematic solution for "matching different probes + adaptive fitting". Therefore, there is an urgent need for a flexible accessory device that can adapt to different probes, is easy to operate, and can automatically match the skin shape to improve the image quality and operational efficiency of ultrasound examinations. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides an adaptive, flexible ultrasound probe accessory that is compatible with commonly used ultrasound probes. This improves the imaging performance on uneven body surfaces without altering the probe's main structure. The technical solution is as follows: This application provides an adaptive, flexible ultrasound probe accessory, comprising a flexible sheath body made of medical-grade elastic material and having an accommodating cavity that matches the shape of the ultrasound probe; a sealing opening located at the bottom of the flexible sheath body for tightly covering the probe's emitting surface; a liquid reservoir, a closed cavity pre-filled with a high-viscosity medical ultrasound coupling agent; and an adaptive bonding layer formed by the bottom wall of the flexible sheath body; wherein the liquid reservoir is located between the sealing opening and the adaptive bonding layer, and under pressure, the coupling agent is evenly distributed at the probe-skin contact interface.

[0006] For example, in one embodiment of the adaptive fitting flexible ultrasonic probe accessory, the inner wall of the accommodating cavity of the flexible cover body is provided with an array of anti-slip protrusions, with a protrusion height of 0.2-0.5 mm and a spacing of 1.0-2.0 mm.

[0007] For example, in one embodiment of the adaptively fitting flexible ultrasonic probe accessory, the coupling agent filling the reservoir has a viscosity of 8000-15000 mPa·s and an acoustic impedance of 1.4-1.6 MRayl.

[0008] For example, in one embodiment of the adaptively fitting flexible ultrasonic probe accessory, the outer surface of the adaptive fitting layer is provided with a wave-shaped microstructure with a trough depth of 0.1-0.3 mm and a wavelength of 0.5-1.0 mm.

[0009] For example, in one embodiment of the adaptive fitting flexible ultrasound probe accessory, the top of the flexible cover body is provided with an operating handle, and the handle is embedded with a permanent magnet, which can be attached to the metal probe housing.

[0010] For example, in one embodiment of the adaptive fitting flexible ultrasound probe accessory, the sidewall of the flexible cover body is embedded with an annular positioning mark containing barium sulfate contrast agent, which is visible under X-ray.

[0011] For example, in one embodiment of the adaptive fitting flexible ultrasound probe accessory, the edge of the sealing opening is provided with a memory metal reinforcing ring with a recovery temperature of 35±2℃.

[0012] For example, in one embodiment of the adaptive fitting flexible ultrasonic probe accessory, the flexible cover body material is platinum vulcanized silicone with a tensile strength ≥8MPa and a tear strength ≥25 kN / m.

[0013] For example, in one embodiment of the adaptive fitting flexible ultrasonic probe accessory, the volume of the reservoir is 3-8 mL, and an elastic compensation membrane with a thickness of 0.05-0.1 mm is provided on its top.

[0014] The beneficial effects of an adaptively fitting flexible accessory for an ultrasound probe provided in some embodiments of this application are as follows: (1) Dynamic coupling compensation mechanism: Through the flexible cover design, it adapts to different body surface shapes, avoids imaging dead angles, and improves image clarity; through the reservoir, adaptive bonding layer and elastic compensation membrane, the elastic compensation membrane deforms under pressure, pushing the high viscosity coupling agent to fill the gap between the concave and convex areas, and the wave microstructure of the bonding layer expands the contact area, improves the coupling uniformity of the concave and convex areas, reduces the coupling agent loss rate, and improves the clarity of spinal imaging; (2) Stable operating system: The friction is increased by anti-slip protrusions, the permanent magnet is used to attract the probe housing, and the memory metal ring (activated by body temperature at 35℃) is used for sealing, which reduces the occurrence rate of probe displacement, increases the displacement angle tolerance, and shortens the operation time; (3) Multifunctional extension: It contains barium positioning markers and platinum vulcanized silicone sleeves, which can be visualized under X-ray. The silicone is resistant to glutaraldehyde disinfection, supports interventional guidance and reuse, reduces puncture guidance error, and has a significantly longer service life than traditional silicone. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this specification or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the adaptive fitting flexible accessory structure of the ultrasonic probe of this application. Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the usage status of the adaptive fitting flexible ultrasonic probe accessory of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0017] To further illustrate the technical means and effects of the present invention in achieving its intended purpose, the following detailed description of the specific implementation methods, structures, features, and effects of the present invention, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments, is provided below.

[0018] This application provides an adaptive, flexible accessory for an ultrasonic probe, such as... Figure 1-2 As shown, the device includes a flexible cover body 1 made of medical-grade elastic material and having a cavity that matches the shape of the ultrasound probe; a sealing opening 2 is located at the bottom of the flexible cover body 1 to tightly cover the probe's emitting surface; a liquid reservoir 3 is a sealed cavity pre-filled with a high-viscosity medical ultrasound coupling agent; and an adaptive bonding layer 4 is formed by the bottom wall of the flexible cover body. The liquid reservoir 3 is located between the sealing opening 2 and the adaptive bonding layer 4, and under pressure, the coupling agent is evenly distributed at the interface between the probe and the skin.

[0019] The flexible cover can be fixed on different models of ultrasound probes (such as C5 or L12). Its soft design can automatically deform with the skin surface to form a good acoustic contact interface. It is also detachable and reusable with the main probe, and is compatible with commonly used probes, making it highly clinically applicable. The built-in coupling agent cavity eliminates the need for additional application, making it easy to operate and ensuring uniform and stable coupling. It also eliminates the need for complex operations such as negative pressure or pressurization, enhancing user comfort and safety.

[0020] According to the above embodiments, a dynamic compensation mechanism for the coupling agent is formed by the liquid storage cavity and the adaptive bonding layer, which improves the uniformity of acoustic coupling in the uneven area of ​​the body surface by 90%.

[0021] For example, in one embodiment of the adaptive fitting flexible ultrasonic probe accessory, the inner wall of the accommodating cavity of the flexible cover body 1 is provided with an anti-slip protrusion array 11, with a protrusion height of 0.2-0.5 mm and a spacing of 1.0-2.0 mm.

[0022] According to the above embodiments, the anti-slip bump array increases the friction between the probe and the cover, thereby reducing the displacement rate.

[0023] For example, in one embodiment of the adaptively fitting flexible ultrasonic probe accessory, the coupling agent filling the reservoir has a viscosity of 8000-15000 mPa·s and an acoustic impedance of 1.4-1.6 MRayl.

[0024] According to the above embodiments, the high-viscosity coupling agent (12000 mPa·s) achieves zero flowability maintenance, and no bubbles are generated throughout the inspection process.

[0025] For example, in one embodiment of the adaptively fitting flexible ultrasonic probe accessory, the outer surface of the adaptively fitting layer 4 is provided with a wave-shaped microstructure 41, with a trough depth of 0.1-0.3 mm and a wavelength of 0.5-1.0 mm.

[0026] According to the above embodiments, the wavy microstructure increases the skin contact area and improves the imaging clarity of the spinal region by 30%.

[0027] During use, the operator wraps the flexible cover around the front end of the corresponding model of ultrasound probe, ensuring it tightly covers the probe's emitting surface while maintaining the integrity of the reservoir. The reservoir is pre-filled with 12000 mPa·s of coupling agent. The flexible deformation of the cover automatically conforms to different skin surfaces, and the internal coupling agent ensures efficient acoustic energy transmission, improving image quality. The wave-like microstructure of the adaptive bonding layer contacts the skin of the sacrum and coccyx, and the coupling agent is evenly distributed. The edge clarity of the lumbosacral image is improved by 90%, reducing operation time.

[0028] For example, in one embodiment of the adaptive fitting flexible ultrasound probe accessory, the top of the flexible cover body is provided with an operating handle, and the handle is embedded with a permanent magnet, which can be attached to the metal probe housing.

[0029] According to the above embodiments, using a permanent magnet handle, quick assembly and disassembly with one hand can be achieved, reducing the operation time to about 3 seconds.

[0030] For example, in one embodiment of the adaptive fitting flexible ultrasound probe accessory, the sidewall of the flexible cover body 1 is embedded with an annular positioning mark 12, which contains barium sulfate contrast agent and is visible under X-ray.

[0031] According to the above embodiments, the ring-shaped positioning mark facilitates the operator to adjust the direction and fix the position. The barium-containing positioning mark allows for visual positioning under X-ray, and the puncture guidance error is <1mm.

[0032] For example, in one embodiment of the adaptive fitting flexible ultrasound probe accessory, the edge of the sealing opening 2 is provided with a memory metal reinforcing ring 21, which recovers to a temperature of 35±2℃.

[0033] According to the above embodiment, the shape memory metal ring (recovers at 35°C) enables the seal to be activated by body temperature, resulting in zero leakage of the coupling agent.

[0034] For example, in one embodiment of the adaptive fitting flexible ultrasonic probe accessory, the flexible cover body 1 is made of platinum vulcanized silicone with a tensile strength ≥8MPa and a tear strength ≥25 kN / m.

[0035] According to the above embodiments, platinum-cured silica gel is resistant to glutaraldehyde immersion and has a service life of >200 disinfection cycles.

[0036] During use, the operating handle is embedded with neodymium magnets, which are attracted to the metal shell of the probe; the memory metal ring tightens at body temperature to achieve zero-leakage sealing; life test: no aging or cracking after 200 disinfection cycles.

[0037] For example, in one embodiment of the adaptive fitting flexible accessory for an ultrasonic probe, the liquid reservoir 3 has a volume of 3-8 mL and an elastic compensation membrane with a thickness of 0.05-0.1 mm is provided on its top.

[0038] According to the above embodiments, the elastic compensation film can buffer pressure fluctuations and improve image stability.

[0039] The adaptive fitting flexible accessory for an ultrasound probe of this application is used as follows: the flexible cover body 1 covers the emitting surface of the ultrasound probe through the sealed opening 2; the adaptive fitting layer 4 is pressed to make the coupling agent in the reservoir 3 evenly distributed between the probe and the skin; when the probe moves, the adaptive fitting layer 4 dynamically deforms with the shape of the body surface; the probe angle is adjusted by the annular positioning mark 12.

[0040] This application's adaptive, flexible ultrasound probe accessory, through its reservoir cavity and elastic bonding layer design, solves the problem of uneven coupling in concave-convex areas that traditional coupling pads cannot dynamically compensate for, thus achieving real-time acoustic coupling compensation. Anti-slip protrusions and permanent magnet fixation overcome image blurring caused by probe displacement, increasing the displacement tolerance angle from 5° to 15°, avoiding frequent displacement during operation, and improving the efficiency of scapular region examination. An X-ray imaging positioning ring solves the difficulty of positioning during interventional procedures, supporting ultrasound / X-ray dual-modal guided puncture. This invention, through the synergistic innovation of dynamic compensation via the reservoir cavity, anti-slip fixation, and imaging positioning, systematically solves the coupling problem of ultrasound probes on complex body surfaces for the first time, providing a high-precision, high-efficiency, and highly compatible solution for clinical use.

[0041] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic probe flexible attachment for adaptive coupling, characterized by, The application relates to a flexible sheath for ultrasonic probe, comprising: a flexible sheath body made of medical-grade elastic material, which has a containing cavity matching the shape of an ultrasonic probe; a sealed opening arranged at the bottom of the flexible sheath body and used for tightly covering the emitting surface of the probe; a liquid storage cavity which is a closed cavity and is pre-filled with high-viscosity medical ultrasonic coupling agent; a self-adaptive fitting layer formed by the bottom wall of the flexible sheath body; wherein the liquid storage cavity is located between the sealed opening and the self-adaptive fitting layer, and under the action of pressure, the coupling agent is uniformly distributed on the contact interface between the probe and the skin.

2. The self-adapting conformable ultrasonic probe flexible attachment of claim 1, wherein, The inner wall of the containing cavity of the flexible sheath body is provided with an array of anti-skid convex points, the height of the convex points is 0.2-0.5 mm, and the interval is 1.0-2.0 mm.

3. The self-adapting conformable ultrasonic probe flexible attachment of claim 1, wherein, The coupling agent filled in the liquid storage cavity has a viscosity of 8000-15000 mPa.s and an acoustic impedance value of 1.4-1.6 MRayl.

4. The self-adapting conformable ultrasonic probe flexible attachment of claim 1, wherein, The outer surface of the self-adaptive fitting layer is provided with a wave-shaped microstructure, the depth of the wave trough is 0.1-0.3 mm, and the wavelength is 0.5-1.0 mm.

5. The self-adapting conformable ultrasonic probe flexible attachment of claim 1, wherein, The top of the flexible sheath body is provided with an operating handle, and a permanent magnet is embedded in the handle and can be adsorbed to the probe shell made of metal material.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the flexible ultrasonic probe is a flexible ultrasonic probe for an ultrasound system. The side wall of the flexible sheath body is embedded with an annular positioning mark, and the mark contains barium sulfate developer and can be seen under X-ray.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the flexible ultrasonic probe attachment is self-adapting. The edge of the sealed opening is provided with a memory metal reinforcing ring, and the recovery temperature is 35+ / -2 DEG C.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the flexible ultrasonic probe attachment is self-adapting. The material of the flexible sheath body is platinum gold vulcanized silica gel, the tensile strength is greater than or equal to 8 MPa, and the tear strength is greater than or equal to 25 kN / m.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the flexible attachment is an ultrasonic probe. The volume of the liquid storage cavity is 3-8 mL, and an elastic compensation film is arranged at the top of the liquid storage cavity, and the thickness of the film is 0.05-0.1 mm.

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