Ultrasonic probe holding device for infants

Abstract

According to an aspect, the present specification relates to an ultrasound probe holding device (101) configured to be attached to a head of an infant for transfontanel imaging, the ultrasound probe holding device comprising: a head pad (110) configured to be in contact with the head of the infant and comprising a central opening (115), wherein the head pad is configured to receive an ultrasound probe; a pad extruder (120) comprising a central opening (125) and configured to cooperate with the head pad to allow axial guiding of the head pad along a guiding axis (D) substantially perpendicular to a surface tangent to the head of the infant; a device holder (150) configured to be attached to the head of the infant and to exert a downward force on the pad extruder along said guiding axis; and a repulsion device configured to exert a repulsion force between the pad extruder and the head pad when the device holder exerts a downward force on the pad extruder.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an ultrasound probe holding device for infants, and more specifically, to a device configured to be attached to an infant's head for transfontanellar imaging. This disclosure also relates to an ultrasound apparatus including such an ultrasound probe holding device, and an ultrasound imaging system and method for performing brain imaging on an infant using such an ultrasound apparatus. More specifically, this disclosure relates to an ultrasound imaging system and method for using such an ultrasound apparatus for functional ultrasound imaging (fUS) of the brain in an infant. Background Technology

[0002] The lack of effective and efficient imaging modalities for assessing early brain function limits clinical management of infants and our understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is one of the best techniques available for imaging the adult brain, but it is very complex to implement in newborns, as using it at the bedside to image the brains of vulnerable infants is particularly challenging. Clinically, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) or electroencephalography (EEG) are primarily used, but both techniques have low spatial resolution and their activity measurements are limited to the brain surface. Therefore, there is a need for an efficient and easy-to-use clinical neonatal brain functional imaging modality, and for the development of portable and innovative methods that allow for real-time monitoring of infant brain function.

[0003] Recently (see M. Tanter et al., “ultrafast imaging in biomedical ultrasound”, IEEE, Trans. Ultrason. Ferroecr. Freq. Control 61, 102–119 (2014)), ultrafast ultrasound imaging has been introduced to achieve more than 10,000 ultrasound frames per second (compared to the typical 50 frames per second used in conventional ultrasound scanners). In ultrafast Doppler (UfD) imaging mode (see, for example, E. Mace et al., “Functional ultrasound imaging of the brain: Theory and basic principles”, IEEE, Trans. Ultrason. Ferroecr. Freq. Control 60, 492-506 (2013)), the sensitivity of blood flow measurement in the human brain has been improved by up to 50 times. Unlike conventional Doppler techniques (which are limited to imaging large vessels), UfD imaging can map subtle hemodynamic changes in small cerebral vessels (less than 200 μm in diameter).

[0004] Functional ultrasound imaging (fUSI) uses flow maps to image brain activity based on neurovascular coupling that correlates local neural activity with relative changes in cerebral blood volume (CBV). By providing real-time images of deep brain activity at high spatiotemporal resolution, fUSI enables imaging of brain activity, for example, during epileptic events recorded by electroencephalography (EEG). fUSI also enables mapping of functional brain “connections,” i.e., measurements of brain activity when the brain is at rest.

[0005] When fUSI studies fluctuations in cerebral blood volume (CBV), its feasibility depends on the ability to observe the same imaging region throughout the entire acquisition time (i.e., a duration on the order of one minute or even ten minutes). This is particularly important for mapping brain functional connectivity, as the patient must be examined in a static state without external stimulation. In fact, these results are based on the correlation between CBV signals from different regions of the brain. Therefore, keeping the imaging region static is essential.

[0006] For the first preclinical trials in small animals, this can be achieved by fixing the probe in a 3D-printed mold (mounted on an electric system), positioning it on the plane of interest, and holding it in place throughout the acquisition process. Rats or mice are fixed using a stereotactic frame. In recent experiments, metal, plexiglass, or dental adhesive supports have been developed for direct surgical implantation into the animal skull, with the probe then attached to the frame using magnets or screws. For intraoperative proof-of-concept in humans, the patient's head is locked in a stereotactic frame, and the probe is held in place by an articulated robotic arm. In all these configurations, the skull is either open or surgically thinned.

[0007] Therefore, all these methods have in common that they are invasive and involve surgery. These methods are obviously not suitable for infants.

[0008] Additionally, while some functional imaging techniques (such as fMRI) offer no alternative to securing the infant with straps, minimizing infant restraint is still desirable. Therefore, techniques designed to prevent head movement should be avoided whenever possible. This is especially true for premature infants who need to be placed in an incubator to complete their development. Devices for monitoring heart rate, respiration, and blood oxygen saturation are also added, and infusion pumps may be added to administer food and appropriate treatment.

[0009] These vulnerabilities to patients and the strong constraints of their immediate environment necessitate the design of an ultrasound probe holding device configured to attach to the infant's head. This device can be used in an incubator with existing equipment without hindering the infant's movement and ensuring the stability of the ultrasound probe during acquisition (typically a 10-minute duration).

[0010] The disclosed utility model DE 9405271U describes a device or head mount for receiving an ultrasound scanning probe to set and secure it to an infant’s skull using a holding device that can be attached to the infant’s skull, and on the holding device, the measuring probe is adjustablely resting in a probe support.

[0011] A recent publication (see C. Demene et al., “Functional ultrasound imaging of brain activity in human newborns”, Sci. Transl. Med. 9, eaah 6756 (2017)) reports a custom-designed, flexible, and non-invasive head mount for real-time functional ultrasound imaging of the neonatal brain. More specifically, fUSI was demonstrated to be feasible via ultrafast Doppler (UfD) imaging of brain microvessels, further combined with simultaneous continuous video electroencephalography (EEG) recording. To avoid motion artifacts often encountered during manual probe manipulation, a novel ultrasound probe holding device was designed. The ultrasound probe was inserted into a semi-rigid, biocompatible silicone head mount filled with ultrasound gel to achieve a single-plane pivot. The device was secured to the EEG electrodes using soft, non-adhesive tape. This simple system has shown excellent robustness and yielded the first results of neonatal fUSI.

[0012] However, existing head mounts have shown some drawbacks that limit their use. In particular, such head mounts can slide on the scalp, and acoustic gel can leak out. This results in reduced image quality and renders any concurrently used EEG electrodes unusable. Furthermore, the device is cumbersome to install and can hardly be done alone.

[0013] This disclosure relates to an ultrasound probe holding device configured to be attached to an infant’s head, which ensures excellent stability of the ultrasound probe during acquisition, while enabling easy installation and limiting pressure applied to the infant’s head. Summary of the Invention

[0014] In the following text, the term "comprising" is a synonym of "including" and "containing" (meaning the same), is inclusive and open-ended, and does not exclude other unlisted elements. Furthermore, in this disclosure, when referring to numerical values, the terms "about" and "substantially" are synonyms of the range of 80% to 120%, preferably 90% to 110%, of that numerical value (meaning the same).

[0015] According to a first aspect, this disclosure relates to an ultrasound probe holding device configured to be attached to an infant's head for transfontanelle imaging, the ultrasound probe holding device comprising:

[0016] A headrest, configured to contact the infant's head and including a first central opening, wherein the headrest is configured to receive an ultrasound probe;

[0017] A pad squeezer, which includes a second central opening and is configured to cooperate with the head pad to allow axial guidance of the head pad along a guide axis substantially orthogonal to the surface tangential to the infant's head;

[0018] A device retainer configured to attach to the infant's head and apply a downward force to the pad squeezer along the guide axis; and

[0019] A repulsion device configured to apply a repulsive force between the pad extruder and the head pad when the device holder applies a downward force on the pad extruder.

[0020] The infants described in this instruction manual are typically under 12 months old, before their fontanelles close, and therefore for whom transfontanelle imaging can be performed. This includes both premature and full-term newborns.

[0021] The applicant has demonstrated that, due to the repulsive force exerted between the pad squeezer and the head pad when the device retainer applies a downward force on the pad squeezer, this original arrangement of the ultrasound probe retainer according to this specification enables fine adjustment of the pressure applied to the infant's head.

[0022] The ultrasound probe holding device can be configured to attach to the infant's head for transfontanelle imaging through any fontanelle of the infant's head (i.e., anterior fontanelle, posterior fontanelle, sphenoid fontanelle, or mastoid fontanelle).

[0023] According to one or another embodiment, the magnitude of the repulsive force increases non-linearly with the distance between the headrest and the pad squeezer defined along the guide axis. This further limits the pressure applied to the infant's head. In some embodiments, the repulsive force results in no or almost no contact between the pad squeezer and the headrest in the direction of the guide axis during operation.

[0024] According to one or another embodiment, the magnitude of the repulsive force is such that the pressure exerted by the head cushion on the infant's head ranges from about 1 kPa to about 500 kPa (1 kPa = 1000 N / m). 2The pressure applied to the infant's head should be greater than approximately 10 kPa to approximately 100 kPa. The pressure should be sufficient to generate adequate static friction, but not too great to keep the infant comfortable.

[0025] According to one or another embodiment, the head cushion has a lateral mechanical backlash along the axial direction of the guide axis, allowing relative movement between the cushion squeezer and the head cushion in a plane substantially perpendicular to the guide axis. This lateral backlash allows the infant to move their head slightly due to the force applied by the device retainer, while maintaining static friction (i.e., static friction) between the head cushion and the head.

[0026] According to one or another embodiment, such lateral mechanical backlash is less than about 4 mm.

[0027] According to one or another embodiment, such lateral mechanical backlash is greater than about 0.5 mm.

[0028] According to one or another embodiment, the repulsion device includes repulsion magnets respectively disposed on the headpad and the pad squeezer. The applicant has demonstrated that the repulsion magnets are compatible with the lateral mechanical backlash of the axially guided design. Furthermore, the magnets allow a repulsion force to be applied along the guide axis, the magnitude of which increases non-linearly with the distance between the headpad and the pad squeezer.

[0029] However, other repulsion devices are also possible, such as repulsion springs, cushioning materials such as foam, cushioning pads with elastic walls and liquid fillings, and cushioning pads with gas fillings.

[0030] According to one or another embodiment, the headrest is configured such that the surface in contact with the infant's head is curved to conform to the shape of the head. This allows for easy installation on the infant's head, distributes pressure across a large area of ​​skin, and achieves significant static friction. For example, the curved surface has different curvatures in two vertical planes (typically coronal / sagittal). This curvature can be selected based on the infant's age and specific anatomy, such that using the device at different ages simply means selecting a suitable headrest from a predetermined set, while other components remain unchanged.

[0031] According to one or another embodiment, the surface of the headrest configured to contact the infant's head has a square or circular cross-section. The square cross-section prevents rotation about the guide axis of the headrest and / or probe, thus preferably enabling imaging in a coronal / parasagittal section, while the circular cross-section allows imaging of any cross-section.

[0032] According to one or more embodiments, the device retainer includes a headband of flexible material attached to the pad extruder. This flexible material can be fabric or plastic. In some embodiments, the headband can be removably attached to the pad extruder, for example, as an attachment to a hinged flap of the pad extruder. In other embodiments, the headband and the pad extruder may be integrally formed.

[0033] According to one or another embodiment, the device holder is configured to attach electrodes for electroencephalography (EEG). This enables EEG imaging in addition to ultrasound imaging.

[0034] According to one or another embodiment, the ultrasound probe holding device further includes a probe holder configured to receive an ultrasound probe, wherein the probe holder is fastened to the head pad.

[0035] According to one or another embodiment, the probe holder is removably secured to the head pad. For example, a magnet is used to removably secure the probe holder to the head pad. When secured to the head pad, the probe holder should be firmly fixed to prevent any possible movement.

[0036] According to one or another embodiment, the probe holder and the head pad may also be made as a single unit.

[0037] According to one or another embodiment, when the probe holder is removably secured to the head cushion, the probe holder can be secured to the head cushion in at least two locations, said at least two locations being generated by rotation about an axis parallel to the guide axis. For example, the probe holder can be secured to the head cushion in two locations generated by a 90° rotation. In operation, it is capable of imaging different planes in the brain (e.g., coronal and sagittal sections).

[0038] According to one or another embodiment, the probe holder can be mounted in the head pad in a manner that allows it to rotate about an axis parallel to the guide axis.

[0039] According to a second aspect, this disclosure relates to an ultrasound device for transfontanelle imaging of infants, the ultrasound device comprising:

[0040] According to the ultrasonic probe holding device of the first aspect;

[0041] An ultrasound probe is configured to be mounted in the head cushion, wherein the ultrasound probe is configured to emit ultrasound waves toward the infant's brain and receive backscattered ultrasound waves.

[0042] According to one or another embodiment, the ultrasound probe can be rotated about a rotation axis that is substantially perpendicular to the guide axis.

[0043] According to one or another embodiment, the ultrasound probe can be rotated about a rotation axis that is substantially parallel to the guide axis.

[0044] According to one or another embodiment, the ultrasonic probe holding device includes a probe holder, and the ultrasonic probe is configured to be removably secured to the probe holder.

[0045] According to one or another embodiment, the ultrasound probe includes a transducer matrix, and the transducer matrix is ​​rotatable about an axis substantially perpendicular to the guide axis and / or about an axis substantially parallel to the guide axis.

[0046] According to a third aspect, this disclosure relates to an ultrasound imaging system for transfontanelle imaging of infants, the ultrasound imaging system comprising:

[0047] According to the ultrasonic equipment in the second aspect;

[0048] An electronic module configured to receive electrical signals transmitted by the ultrasonic probe and generate a converted signal, wherein the electrical signal is generated by detecting the backscattered ultrasonic waves;

[0049] A computer configured to receive the conversion signal from the electronic module and to calculate imaging data from the conversion signal.

[0050] According to the fourth aspect, this disclosure relates to a method for performing ultrasound brain imaging on an infant using the ultrasound imaging system of the third aspect, the method comprising:

[0051] Position the headrest on the baby's head;

[0052] The cavity formed by the first central opening of the head pad is filled with ultrasonic gel;

[0053] Secure the ultrasound probe to the head cushion so that the ultrasound probe makes ultrasound contact with the infant's fontanelle;

[0054] Position the pad squeezer so that the head pad can be axially guided along the guide axis, wherein the guide axis is substantially perpendicular to the surface tangential to the infant's head;

[0055] The device holder applies a downward force on the pad extruder along the guide axis;

[0056] The ultrasonic probe is used to emit ultrasonic waves and detect backscattered ultrasonic waves for fontanelle imaging.

[0057] In the method according to this specification, the downward force applied to the pad squeezer along the guide axis by the device retainer enables static friction (i.e., static friction) to be generated between the infant's head and the head pad, thereby limiting any movement of the head pad, while maintaining controlled pressure on the infant's head due to the repulsion device of the ultrasound probe retaining device.

[0058] According to one or another embodiment, the method further includes adjusting the position of the head pad to adjust the field of view of the ultrasound probe. This step can be performed by acquiring ultrasound images before applying a downward force to the pad squeezer using the device holder.

[0059] According to one or another embodiment, the method further includes rotating the ultrasound probe about an axis substantially perpendicular to the guide axis to image different tilt planes of the brain.

[0060] According to one or another embodiment, the method further includes rotating the ultrasound probe from at least one first position to a second position about an axis substantially parallel to the guide axis in order to image oblique coronal and sagittal sections of the brain.

[0061] According to one or another embodiment, the method further includes performing electroencephalogram (EEG) measurements using EEG electrodes disposed on the device holder. Attached Figure Description

[0062] Other advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the description illustrated in the following figures, which show:

[0063] - Figure 1A and Figure 1B The exploded third-angle right view and exploded third-angle left view of the ultrasonic device according to an embodiment of this specification are shown respectively;

[0064] - Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 2C and Figure 2D Exploded views, top views, and side views of an embodiment of a headrest in an ultrasonic device according to embodiments of this specification are shown respectively;

[0065] - Figure 3 An exploded view of an embodiment of a probe holder in an ultrasonic device according to an embodiment of this specification is shown;

[0066] - Figure 4A and Figure 4B An embodiment shown in this specification is as follows: Figure 1A and Figure 1B The view shown shows the ultrasound equipment positioned on the baby's head;

[0067] - Figure 5 An ultrasound imaging system for transfontanelle imaging of an infant is shown, which implements the ultrasound device according to this specification. Detailed Implementation

[0068] Figure 1A and Figure 1B The exploded right and exploded left views of the ultrasonic device 100 according to an embodiment of this specification are shown respectively.

[0069] Figure 1A , Figure 1B The ultrasound device 100 in the example includes an ultrasound probe 140 and an ultrasound probe holding device 101. The ultrasound probe 140 is configured to emit ultrasound waves toward the infant's brain and receive backscattered ultrasound waves. The ultrasound probe holding device 101 includes a head cushion 110 and a cushion squeezer 120. The head cushion 110 is configured to contact the infant's head and includes a first central opening 115. The cushion squeezer 120 includes a second central opening 125 and is configured to cooperate with the head cushion 110 to allow axial guidance of the head cushion along a guide axis Δ. In operation, the guide axis Δ is substantially perpendicular to the surface tangential to the infant's head. As described in more detail below, the ultrasound probe holding device also includes a device holder ( Figure 1A , 1B (Not shown in the image), the device retainer is configured to attach to the baby's head and apply a downward force on the pad squeezer along the guide axis Δ. Figure 1A , Figure 1B In one example, the ultrasound probe holding device 101 further includes a probe holder 130 configured to receive an ultrasound probe 140, wherein the probe holder is configured to be fastened to a head pad 110.

[0070] According to some embodiments, the head cushion has a lateral mechanical backlash along the axial guide axis, allowing relative movement between the cushion presser and the head cushion in a plane substantially perpendicular to the guide axis. For example, the lateral mechanical backlash is less than about 4 mm and greater than about 0.5 mm. This lateral backlash allows the infant to slightly move their head due to the force applied by the device retainer, while maintaining static friction (i.e., static friction) between the head cushion and the head.

[0071] Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 2C and Figure 2D They are shown respectively Figure 1A , Figure 1B Exploded view, top view and side view of details of the head pad 110 and pad squeezer 120 of the ultrasonic probe holding device 101 shown.

[0072] Figure 3 As shown Figure 1A , Figure 1B An exploded view of the probe holder 130 shown.

[0073] Figure 4A and Figure 4B As shown Figure 1A and Figure 1B The ultrasound device 100 shown is positioned on the head of the infant 10 in two different views using a device holder 150. Figure 5 An ultrasound imaging system 500 for transfontanelle imaging using ultrasound equipment according to this specification is shown.

[0074] Figure 5 The ultrasound imaging system includes an ultrasound device 510 according to this specification, having an ultrasound probe configured to emit ultrasound waves toward the brain of an infant 10 and receive backscattered ultrasound waves. It also includes an electronics module 520 and a computer 530, the electronics module 520 being configured to receive electrical signals transmitted by the ultrasound probe 140 and generate a conversion signal, wherein the electrical signal is generated by detecting backscattered ultrasound waves, and the computer 530 being configured to receive the conversion signal from the electronics module and calculate imaging data from the conversion signal.

[0075] As described in further detail below, in Figure 1A Figure 1, Figure B Figures 2A to 2D and Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the ultrasound probe 140 is removable from the probe holder 130, and the probe holder 130 is removably secured to the head pad 110. However, in some embodiments not shown in the figures, the probe holder 130 and the head pad 110 may be integrally formed. In other words, the ultrasound probe 140 may be directly mounted on the head pad 110 configured as a probe holder. Furthermore, the ultrasound probe 140 may be secured to the probe holder while still being rotatable, as explained in detail below.

[0076] like Figure 2A , Figure 2B As shown, the ultrasound probe holding device 101 also includes a repulsion device configured to apply a repulsive force between the pad squeezer 120 and the headrest 110 when the device holder 150 (not shown) applies a downward force on the pad squeezer 120. In this specification, the downward force is understood as a force applied along the guide axis toward the infant's head.

[0077] For example, the repulsion device includes repulsion magnets 161 and 162 respectively arranged on the head pad 110 and the pad squeezer 120. More specifically, in Figure 2A , Figure 2BIn this example, the headpad is provided with multiple repulsive magnets, specifically four in this example. In this example, each magnet 161 is arranged in a protrusion 113 to cooperate with a corresponding repulsive magnet 162 fitted into a slot 122 of the pad presser 120. For example, the magnetic poles of the magnets 162 in the pad presser 120 are oriented to repel the magnets 161 of the headpad 110, as... Figure 2A , Figure 2D As indicated by the double arrows. Therefore, magnets 161 and 162 act as compression springs and tend to move the pad squeezer 120 away from the head pad 110. Thus, the more the pad squeezer 120 presses on the head pad 110, the more the head pad 110 presses against the infant's skull.

[0078] Using magnets as a repulsive device allows for the application of a repulsive force whose magnitude increases non-linearly with the distance between the head cushion and the pad squeezer defined along the guide axis. This distance is defined, for example, between each pair of magnets 161 and 162. This further limits the pressure applied to the infant's head. In practice, the magnets can be configured to prevent any direct contact between the head cushion and the pad squeezer along the guide axis. This consideration allows for perfect control of the pressure applied to the infant's head. Combined with the back clearance between the pad squeezer and the head cushion, this also allows the pad squeezer 120 to move substantially in a plane perpendicular to the guide axis while maintaining the pressure applied to the infant's head by the head cushion 110. This consideration allows the head cushion 110 and the probe holder 130 to be held in a fixed position on the infant's head regardless of the movement of the pad squeezer 120 and / or the device holder 150 (e.g., due to movement of the infant's head).

[0079] Of course, the magnet can be replaced by other known repulsive devices (such as springs or cushioning materials).

[0080] As mentioned earlier, in Figure 1A , Figure 1B In the example, the head cushion 110 and the probe holder 130 form two separate parts. This configuration facilitates installation, and particularly facilitates the delivery of ultrasound gel during operation. The head cushion 110 is configured to attach to the infant's head and, during operation, receives ultrasound gel in a cavity formed by the first central opening 115 and the skin of the head (not shown). Figure 2A , Figure 2B As shown, the head pad 110 may include a 3D-printed plastic support 112 to which a silicone pad 111 is attached. The head pad 110 may be attached to the probe holder 130 using a magnet (not shown).

[0081] like Figure 2AAs shown, the shape of the head pad 110 can be adapted to most infants. The surface of the head pad configured to contact the infant's head can be curved, and the curvature of said surface can differ in the sagittal and coronal directions, as the infant's skull is oval rather than spherical. Therefore, data on the two curvature radii allow for the generation of as many geometries as possible to accommodate all anatomical structures. For a given curvature, a counter-mold can be 3D printed to hollow out the desired shape of the head pad.

[0082] exist Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figures 2A to 2D In the embodiments shown, the different retaining devices have a square cross-section. Obviously, this specification is not limited to square, and the head pad 110 and / or pad squeezer 120 can have different shapes, such as a circular cross-section. All embodiments described in this specification can be applied indiscriminately to head pads and / or pad squeezers of different shapes.

[0083] As described below, in order to secure the headrest 110 to the infant's head, a cushion squeezer 120 is positioned above the headrest. As shown, the cushion squeezer 120 may include a frame 121 having hinged flaps 126, 127, which are configured, for example, to rest on the forehead and occipital bone, respectively. Figure 4A , Figure 4B As shown in the image.

[0084] like Figure 4A , Figure 4B As shown, the pad presser 120 is attached to the head via a device retainer 150 (e.g., a headband). The headband may comprise a flexible material, such as fabric or plastic. Figure 4A , Figure 4B In the example shown, the headband 150 includes a strap that passes through the hinged flaps 126, 127 of the pad extruder 120 and utilizes, for example, a fastening strap (e.g., The headband is attached to the pad squeezer 120. However, in some embodiments, the headband and pad squeezer can be made as one piece. As previously stated, regardless of the tension of the headband straps, the use of the repulsive magnet as described above can apply the necessary force to the head pad 110 to hold it in place.

[0085] Figure 3 A non-limiting example of a probe holder 130 configured to hold an ultrasound probe 140 is shown in more detail. In this embodiment, the probe holder 130 is independent of the headrest 110.

[0086] exist Figure 3 In the example shown, the ultrasonic probe 140 includes ultrasonic transducers arranged in a matrix 141 (e.g., a linear matrix). Figure 3The electrical probe cable 145 and strip 142 are shown in the middle section, the strip being hinged along an axis Δ1 perpendicular to the guide axis. In this example, strip 142 includes a mortise 143 configured to receive a tenon 135 of a rotating stop module 132 of the probe holder. The probe holder 130 also includes a body 131. The rotating stop module 132 can be accessed by... Figure 3 The axis shown by the dashed line slides between two tracks and is fixed to the body 131, and interacts magnetically with the body of the probe holder. Ordinary arrows indicate the position of the magnet. The probe holder 130 may also include a locking crank 133 fitted with a screw that inserts into a tenon 135 and slides in the arcuate track. The crank 133 allows the screw to be tightened, which then securely positions the tenon onto the body of the module, thus preventing the probe from rotating.

[0087] exist Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the rotating stopper module 132 is designed for easy replacement. The track and magnet system allows for module replacement directly within the patient's room.

[0088] Alternatively, a probe motor system can be designed, such as using a servo motor, to replace manual rotation of the probe with electronically controlled rotation. This electronically controlled rotation facilitates ultrasound tomography. In fact, by acquiring plane-by-plane B-mode images and Doppler images, 3D volume can be reconstructed from these acquisitions.

[0089] Alternatively, ultrasound probes including rotatable transducer matrices can be used to acquire plane-by-plane B-mode images and Doppler images.

[0090] The process of mounting an ultrasonic probe using the ultrasonic probe holding device according to this instruction manual is greatly simplified.

[0091] First, for example, Figure 1A , Figure 1B The headrest 110 shown can be placed on the baby's fontanelle. Figure 4A , Figure 4B Transfontanelle imaging via the anterior fontanelle is shown; however, transfontanelle imaging can be performed through any fontanelle of the infant. Then, the pad squeezer 120 and headband 150 ( Figure 4A , 4B The headrest 110 is positioned so that it rests on the head of the infant 10. The skin of the head, together with the headrest 110, forms a sealed cavity, which can then be filled with ultrasonic gel. For example... Figure 3 The probe holder 130 described herein can then be secured to the head pad using, for example, a magnet fitted inside the head pad 110; the head pad 110 can thus be adjusted to accommodate the probe holder 130 with minimal looseness. The ultrasound probe 140 can then be positioned around axis Δ1 ( Figure 3 Tilt to image the desired plane. If necessary, all components can be manually moved slightly by adjusting the straps of the pad squeezer 120 and the device holder 150 to properly center the probe on the fontanelle.

[0092] exist Figure 1A , Figure 1B In the example shown, the possibility of the probe holder 130 detaching from the head pad 110 allows for the addition of gel when necessary without altering the position of the head pad 110. Furthermore, the hyperbola of the head pad enables a good seal of the gel reservoir, allowing for simultaneous use of EEG, for example, and positioning the electrodes as close to the head pad as possible without the risk of bridging between the electrodes via the gel. Additionally, the use of... Figure 4A , Figure 4B The headband shown is very easy to attach a squeeze pad, and this headband can be available in different sizes to best fit the baby's shape. For example... Figure 4A , Figure 4B The total weight of the ultrasound device 100 shown can be less than about 50g.

[0093] The ultrasonic probe holding device is designed in a modular manner, which improves the fixation of the pad squeezer 120 without contacting the head pad 110. In addition, it improves the compactness of the ultrasonic equipment.

[0094] The ultrasound probe holding device according to this manual can significantly improve the quality of ultrasound images and enable long recordings of up to 20 minutes.

[0095] Use such as Figure 5 The ultrasound imaging system shown, equipped with the ultrasound device as described in this specification, first studies the sleep stages of an infant. A sequence of repeating basic blocks is executed, each block consisting of ultrafast Doppler acquisition, which comprises three plane waves emitted at a pulse repetition frequency of 1800 Hz at a tilt of [-3°, 0°, 3°], producing a frame rate of 600 Hz. These plane waves are emitted over a period of 570 ms, allowing 342 images at a depth of 30 mm to be acquired. A 430 ms interruption is then made to allow time for data transmission, beamforming, and storage on the hard drive. Thus, the basic block has a total duration of 1 second. The effective transmission time of 570 ms is selected to enable recording at least one cardiac cycle, with the infant's heart rate at 120 beats per minute. The basic block is repeated for 20 minutes, ultimately yielding a film of 1200 power Doppler images at a frame rate of 1 Hz.

[0096] After the ultrasound probe holder is installed, electroencephalography (EEG) electrodes can be mounted on the infant's scalp, in any remaining available space on the skin. These electrodes can also be part of the device holder and installed simultaneously with securing the ultrasound probe holder to the infant's head. The EEG electrodes can then be connected to an EEG recorder for combined EEG-fUSI recording, which combines ultrafast Doppler (UfD) imaging of brain microvessels with simultaneous continuous video EEG recording.

[0097] Although the invention has been described with reference to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, who will benefit from this disclosure, will understand that other embodiments can be devised without departing from the spirit of the invention as disclosed herein. Therefore, the scope of the invention should be defined only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An ultrasound probe holding device configured to be attached to an infant's head for transfontanelle imaging, the ultrasound probe holding device comprising: A headrest, configured to contact the infant's head and including a first central opening, wherein the headrest is configured to receive an ultrasound probe; A pad squeezer, which includes a second central opening and is configured to cooperate with the head pad to allow axial guidance of the head pad along a guide axis substantially perpendicular to the surface of the infant's head; A device retainer configured to attach to the infant's head and apply a downward force to the pad squeezer along the guide axis; as well as A repulsion device configured to apply a repulsive force between the pad extruder and the head pad when the device holder applies a downward force on the pad extruder.

2. The ultrasonic probe holding device according to claim 1, wherein, The repulsion device includes repulsion magnets respectively arranged on the head pad and the pad extruder.

3. The ultrasonic probe holding device according to claim 1, wherein, The surface of the headrest, configured to contact the infant's head, is bent to conform to the shape of the head.

4. The ultrasonic probe holding device according to claim 3, wherein, The curved surface has different curvatures in the two vertical planes.

5. The ultrasonic probe holding device according to claim 1, wherein, The device retainer includes a flexible material headband attached to the pad extruder.

6. The ultrasonic probe holding device according to claim 1, wherein, The device holder is configured to attach electrodes for electroencephalography (EEG).

7. The ultrasonic probe holding device according to claim 1, further comprising: A probe holder configured to receive an ultrasound probe, wherein the probe holder is secured to the head pad.

8. The ultrasonic probe holding device according to claim 7, wherein, The probe holder is removably secured to the head pad.

9. The ultrasonic probe holding device according to claim 8, wherein, The probe holder can be secured to the head pad in at least two locations.

10. An ultrasound device for transfontanelle imaging of an infant, the ultrasound device comprising: An ultrasonic probe holding device according to any one of the preceding claims; An ultrasound probe is configured to be mounted in the head cushion, wherein the ultrasound probe is configured to emit ultrasound waves toward the infant's brain and receive backscattered ultrasound waves.

11. The ultrasonic device according to claim 10, wherein, The ultrasound probe is capable of rotating about a rotation axis that is substantially perpendicular to the guide axis.

12. The ultrasonic device according to claim 10, wherein, The ultrasound probe is capable of rotating about an axis of rotation that is substantially parallel to the guide axis.

13. The ultrasonic device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein: The ultrasonic probe holding device includes a probe holder; and The ultrasound probe is configured to be removably secured to the probe holder.

14. An ultrasound imaging system for transfontanelle imaging of infants, the ultrasound imaging system comprising: The ultrasonic device according to any one of claims 10 to 13; An electronic module configured to receive electrical signals transmitted by the ultrasonic probe and generate a converted signal, wherein the electrical signal is generated by detecting the backscattered ultrasonic waves; A computer configured to receive the conversion signal from the electronic module and to calculate imaging data from the conversion signal.

15. A method for performing ultrasound brain imaging on an infant using the ultrasound imaging system according to claim 14, the method comprising: Position the headrest on the baby's head; The cavity formed by the first central opening of the head pad is filled with ultrasonic gel; Secure the ultrasound probe to the head cushion so that the ultrasound probe makes ultrasound contact with the infant's fontanelle; Position the pad squeezer so that the head pad can be axially guided along the guide axis, wherein the guide axis is substantially perpendicular to the surface tangential to the infant's head; The device holder applies a downward force on the pad extruder along the guide axis; The ultrasonic probe is used to emit ultrasonic waves and detect backscattered ultrasonic waves for fontanelle imaging.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: The ultrasound probe is rotated about an axis substantially perpendicular to the guide axis to image different tilt planes of the brain.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising: The ultrasound probe is rotated from at least one first position to a second position about an axis substantially parallel to the guide axis in order to image the coronal and sagittal sections of the brain.

18. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, further comprising: Electroencephalography (EEG) measurements were performed using EEG electrodes arranged on the device holder.

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