Transcranial doppler dual mode ultrasound probe

Abstract

The application discloses a transcranial Doppler dual-mode ultrasonic detection device, and belongs to the field of medical instruments, which comprises a handle, a cable and an execution probe, wherein a backing layer, a piezoelectric layer, a matching layer and a lens layer are sequentially arranged in a detection direction in the execution probe, the cable penetrates through the handle and is electrically connected with the piezoelectric layer; the piezoelectric layer comprises a TCD piezoelectric ceramic array element and a TCCD piezoelectric ceramic array which is symmetrically distributed on both sides of the TCD piezoelectric ceramic array element; a detection area of the TCD piezoelectric ceramic array element and an imaging area of the TCCD piezoelectric ceramic array at least partially coincide, and the coincident part of the detection area and the imaging area is a coincident area; when the coincident area sweeps a human body part, the TCD piezoelectric ceramic array element acquires Doppler spectrum information of the part, and simultaneously, the TCCD piezoelectric ceramic array acquires an image of the part. Through the above arrangement, the execution probe does not need to be moved when the TCD mode and the TCCD mode are switched.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of medical device technology, specifically relating to a transcranial Doppler dual-mode ultrasound detection device. Background Technology

[0002] Transcranial Doppler ultrasound is an important non-invasive diagnostic tool for assessing cerebrovascular function, primarily comprising two technologies: transcranial Doppler (TCD) and transcranial color-coded duplex (TCCD). TCD, with its deeper detection depth, is suitable for long-term hemodynamic monitoring but cannot provide two-dimensional structural images of blood vessels. TCCD, on the other hand, provides intuitive two-dimensional structural and blood flow images, but its penetration is weaker, its use is highly dependent on the patient's bone window condition, and its probe is relatively large and difficult to position. Chinese patent CN115429324A proposes a dual-mode transcranial Doppler ultrasound imaging device, placing the TCD and TCCD probes at different positions on the operating handle, switching to imaging mode after initial screening and positioning. However, this approach has the following drawbacks:

[0003] The TCD detection area of ​​this device does not overlap with the TCCD detection area. After the initial screening, the probe needs to be moved to perform imaging, resulting in large positioning errors and cumbersome operation.

[0004] Therefore, a positioning imaging device that does not require moving the probe when switching between TCD and TCCD detection is designed. This device is specifically a transcranial Doppler dual-mode ultrasound detection device. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To overcome the problems mentioned in the background art, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A transcranial Doppler dual-mode ultrasound detection device includes: a handle; a cable; and an execution probe. The execution probe has a backing layer, a piezoelectric layer, a matching layer, and a lens layer arranged sequentially along a detection direction. The backing layer is fixedly connected to the piezoelectric layer, the piezoelectric layer is fixedly connected to the matching layer, and the matching layer is fixedly connected to the lens layer. The cable passes through the handle and the backing layer and is electrically connected to the piezoelectric layer.

[0007] The piezoelectric layer includes a TCD piezoelectric ceramic element and a TCCD piezoelectric ceramic array symmetrically distributed on both sides of the TCD piezoelectric ceramic element. The detection area of ​​the TCD piezoelectric ceramic element and the imaging area of ​​the TCCD piezoelectric ceramic array at least partially overlap, and the overlapping part of the detection area and the imaging area is called the overlapping area. When the overlapping area scans across a human body part, the TCD piezoelectric ceramic element acquires the Doppler spectrum information of the corresponding part, and at the same time, the TCCD piezoelectric ceramic array acquires the image of the corresponding part.

[0008] Furthermore, the actuator probe has a connecting end and a probing end, and the probing direction is perpendicular to the probing end from the connecting end; the connecting end is detachably connected to the handle.

[0009] Furthermore, the TCD piezoelectric ceramic element and the TCCD piezoelectric ceramic array each have a transmitting surface facing the detection end, and the transmitting surface of the TCD piezoelectric ceramic element is flush with the transmitting surface of the TCCD piezoelectric ceramic array.

[0010] Furthermore, the TCD piezoelectric ceramic array element is a single element, and its projection shape along the detection direction is either rectangular or circular; when it is circular, its diameter is not greater than the horizontal width of the TCCD piezoelectric ceramic array.

[0011] Furthermore, the operating frequency of the TCD piezoelectric ceramic element is 1-2MHz, and the operating frequency of the TCCD piezoelectric ceramic array is 2-3MHz.

[0012] Furthermore, the TCCD piezoelectric ceramic array is composed of two sets of equal numbers of TCCD piezoelectric ceramic array elements, and the total number of TCCD piezoelectric ceramic array elements is not less than 64.

[0013] In addition, it includes an ultrasound diagnostic system, which includes a transcranial Doppler dual-mode ultrasound detection device; a system host for driving the actuator probe and processing Doppler signals in TCD mode and imaging signals in TCCD mode; and a display unit for simultaneously or time-divisionally displaying TCD spectrum and TCCD image.

[0014] Furthermore, the system host is configured to: when a preset abnormal condition is detected in the TCD mode, shut down the signal transmission of the TCD mode and use only the TCCD mode for imaging, so as to avoid signal interference.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0016] 1. This invention integrates the TCD piezoelectric ceramic array element and the TCCD piezoelectric ceramic array inside the same execution probe, and makes the detection area and imaging area of ​​the two overlap. This allows TCCD imaging to be performed directly after the initial TCD screening and positioning without moving the probe, which significantly improves diagnostic efficiency and accuracy.

[0017] 2. This invention sets up a TCD piezoelectric ceramic array element and a TCCD piezoelectric ceramic array that work simultaneously or in shifts, and also sets up an ultrasound diagnostic system that can identify the probe and drive the probe to switch to TCD mode, TCCD mode or dual mode. Furthermore, the images acquired by the TCCD piezoelectric ceramic arrays on both sides can be stitched together, thereby greatly simplifying the operation process. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort. Wherein:

[0019] Figure 1 This is a front view of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a right view of an overall structure of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along direction A.

[0022] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A magnified schematic diagram of the local structure at point B;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure and detection range of the piezoelectric layer;

[0024] In the diagram, 1. Execution probe; 11. Detection direction; 12. Backing layer; 13. Piezoelectric layer; 131. TCD piezoelectric ceramic array element; 1311. Emitting surface; 132. Detection area; 133. TCD piezoelectric ceramic array; 1331. TCD piezoelectric ceramic array element; 134. Imaging area; 135. Overlapping area; 14. Matching layer; 15. Lens layer; 16. Connection end; 17. Detection end; 2. Handle; 3. Cable; 31. Connector. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention are clearly and completely described below through specific examples. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present invention from the content disclosed in this specification. The present invention can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments. In the absence of conflict, the following embodiments and features in the embodiments can be combined with each other. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0026] A transcranial Doppler dual-mode ultrasound detection device, such as Figure 1-5 As shown, it includes: a handle 2; a cable 3; and an execution probe 1. The execution probe 1 has a backing layer 12, a piezoelectric layer 13, a matching layer 14, and a lens layer 15 arranged sequentially along a detection direction 11. The backing layer 12 is fixedly connected to the piezoelectric layer 13, the piezoelectric layer 13 is fixedly connected to the matching layer 14, and the matching layer 14 is fixedly connected to the lens layer 15. The cable 3 passes through the handle 2 and the backing layer 12 and is electrically connected to the piezoelectric layer 13. The end of the cable 3 away from the handle 2 has a connector 31. More specifically, there is at least one cable 3, and each cable 3 has at least one connector 31 at the end away from the handle 2.

[0027] The backing layer 12 is used to absorb the ultrasonic waves emitted by the piezoelectric layer 13 in the opposite detection direction 11, preventing them from interfering with the main sound beam after reflection. The backing layer 12 is composed of a backing material, specifically a mixture of epoxy resin and tungsten powder and other sound-absorbing materials. The backing layer 12 also enables the piezoelectric crystal to quickly stop vibrating after the electrical pulse stops, thereby shortening the pulse length and improving the axial resolution of the image. The connection method between the backing layer 12 and the piezoelectric layer 13 is as follows: First, the TCD piezoelectric ceramic element 131 and the TCCD piezoelectric ceramic array 133 are fixed in the mold, ensuring that the surfaces of each piezoelectric ceramic element facing the bottom of the mold are flush. After reserving a channel for the cable 3, the backing material is poured into the mold, so that the backing layer 12 and the ends of the piezoelectric ceramic facing the connection end 16 are fixedly connected at high temperature.

[0028] The piezoelectric layer 13 is connected to the system host via cable 3. The piezoelectric ceramic array elements constituting the piezoelectric layer 13 are used to realize bidirectional conversion between electrical signals and mechanical vibrations. When the system host transmits electrical signals via cable 3, the piezoelectric ceramic array elements convert the electrical signals into ultrasonic waves. When the ultrasonic waves are reflected back to the piezoelectric ceramic array elements, they are converted into electrical signals and received by the system host via cable 3.

[0029] The acoustic impedance of piezoelectric ceramics is approximately 30 MRayl, while the average acoustic impedance of the human body is 1.5 MRayl. Therefore, when the ultrasonic waves emitted by the piezoelectric ceramics directly act on the human body, a large amount of ultrasonic waves will be reflected. A matching layer 14, made of a composite material with an acoustic impedance of 7 MRayl (this value is obtained by rounding down the geometric mean of the acoustic impedances of the piezoelectric ceramics and the human body), is used. The composite material can be a mixture of epoxy resin, alumina powder, and tungsten powder. The matching layer 14 is bonded to the piezoelectric layer 13 with an adhesive. This allows most of the ultrasonic energy to be successfully transmitted from the high-impedance piezoelectric ceramic to the intermediate-impedance matching layer 14, and then from the intermediate-impedance matching layer 14 to the low-impedance human tissue, thus avoiding ultrasonic energy waste and ensuring overall transmittance during ultrasonic detection.

[0030] The outer wall of the lens layer 15 is curved to form a surface that can converge the ultrasonic beam, which is beneficial to improving the lateral resolution of the image, and the depth of ultrasonic focusing increases with the curvature of the surface. The lens layer 15 is fixedly connected to the end of the matching layer 14 away from the piezoelectric layer 13 by molding or acoustic adhesive, so that the backing layer 12, piezoelectric layer 13, matching layer 14, and lens layer 15 form a whole, thereby reducing energy loss and internal reflection of ultrasonic waves as they pass through.

[0031] The outer wall of the actuator probe 1 has an opening at the probe end 17. The end of the lens layer 15 that is away from the backing layer 12 is exposed through the opening and is flush with the outer wall of the actuator probe 1, so that the outer wall of the probe end 17 presents a smooth curved surface, preventing the lens layer 15 and the probe end 17 from forming a step on the outer wall of the actuator probe 1, thereby preventing the actuator probe 1 from scratching the patient when it passes over the patient's skin.

[0032] The operating modes of the probe 1 include: TCD mode in which only the TCD piezoelectric ceramic array 131 operates and generates the detection area 132; TCD mode in which only the TCCD piezoelectric ceramic array 133 operates and generates the imaging area 134; and dual mode in which both the TCD piezoelectric ceramic array 131 and the TCCD piezoelectric ceramic array 133 operate simultaneously.

[0033] The piezoelectric layer 13 includes a TCD piezoelectric ceramic element 131 and a TCCD piezoelectric ceramic array 133 symmetrically distributed on both sides of the TCD piezoelectric ceramic element 131. The detection area 132 of the TCD piezoelectric ceramic element 131 and the imaging area 134 of the TCCD piezoelectric ceramic array 133 at least partially overlap, and the overlapping part of the detection area 132 and the imaging area 134 is the overlapping area 135. When the overlapping area 135 scans across a human body part, the TCD piezoelectric ceramic element 131 acquires the Doppler spectrum information of the corresponding part, and at the same time, the TCCD piezoelectric ceramic array 133 acquires the image of the corresponding part. The execution probe 1 also includes a housing, which has openings at both ends in the detection direction 11 to facilitate the connection of the connecting end 16 to the handle 2, and also to facilitate the extension of the lens layer 15 to the outer wall of the execution probe 1 through the detection end 17. Several layered structures distributed along the detection direction 11 within the actuator probe 1 are encapsulated in a housing, making the assembled actuator probe 1 and handle 2 appear identical to a conventional ultrasound probe, facilitating grip and operation. This design makes it suitable for various clinical scenarios and possesses significant practicality and promotional value. During use, the TCD or TCCD can be selectively activated or deactivated based on the needs of initial screening and imaging, thereby avoiding signal interference when both modes operate simultaneously and ensuring image quality.

[0034] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 1-5 As shown, the actuator probe 1 has a connecting end 16 and a probing end 17, and the probing direction 11 points perpendicularly from the connecting end 16 to the probing end 17; the connecting end 16 is detachably connected to the handle 2.

[0035] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 1-5 As shown, the TCD piezoelectric ceramic element 131 and the TCCD piezoelectric ceramic array 133 each have an emitting surface 1311 facing the detection end 17. The emitting surface 1311 of the TCD piezoelectric ceramic element 131 and the emitting surface 1311 of the TCCD piezoelectric ceramic array 133 are flush (to avoid steps or small overlap areas caused by steps). Ultrasonic waves are emitted outward from the end face of the piezoelectric layer 13 that contacts the matching layer 14. If the surfaces of the TCD and the TCCD element facing the matching layer 14 are on the same horizontal plane, their sound wave emission points are at the same height, thereby ensuring that the sound beam emitted by the TCD piezoelectric ceramic element 131 and the sound beam emitted by the TCCD piezoelectric ceramic array 133 can begin to form an overlapping region 135 in the near-field region near the detection end 17.

[0036] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 1-5As shown, the TCD piezoelectric ceramic array element 131 is a single element, and its projection shape along the detection direction 11 is either rectangular or circular. When it is circular, its diameter is no greater than the horizontal width of the TCCD piezoelectric ceramic array 133. The emitted sound beam is conical, and this type of sound beam has no directionality during propagation and its detection characteristics are consistent in any horizontal direction, which helps to simplify the initial screening operation. Conversely, when the shape of the array element is rectangular, the sound beam emitted by the piezoelectric ceramic array element is asymmetrical, which allows for a wider detection range in the direction of the long side of its rectangle.

[0037] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 1-5 As shown, the TCD piezoelectric ceramic array 131 operates at a frequency of 1-2 MHz, and the TCD piezoelectric ceramic array 133 operates at a frequency of 2-3 MHz.

[0038] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 1-5 As shown, the TCCD piezoelectric ceramic array 133 consists of two sets of equal number of TCCD piezoelectric ceramic array elements 1331. The total number of TCCD piezoelectric ceramic array elements 1331 is not less than 64 and not more than 80. Each TCCD piezoelectric ceramic array element 1331 is connected to a corresponding signal line. The signal line is connected to the cable 3 for communication from the end of the piezoelectric ceramic array element.

[0039] In addition, it includes an ultrasound diagnostic system, which includes a transcranial Doppler dual-mode ultrasound detection device; a system host for driving the actuator probe 1 and processing the Doppler signal in TCD mode and the imaging signal in TCCD mode; and a display unit for simultaneously or time-divisionally displaying the TCD spectrum and TCCD image.

[0040] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 1-5 As shown, the system host is configured to shut down the signal transmission of TCD mode and use only TCCD mode for imaging when preset abnormal conditions are detected in TCD mode, in order to avoid signal interference. The preset abnormal conditions are as follows: abnormal blood flow velocity, which can serve as an indicator of vascular stenosis or occlusion; abnormal spectral morphology, which reflects abnormal downstream vascular resistance; abnormal blood flow direction, which indicates blood stealing; and the detection of unidirectional high-intensity acoustic signals in the blood flow (which can characterize the risk of stroke caused by microemboli).

[0041] Some embodiments of this application also include a method for using a transcranial Doppler dual-mode ultrasound detection device, comprising:

[0042] S1. Connect the probe to the system host. The system host will recognize it and enter the dual-mode working state.

[0043] S2. Simultaneously or in turn, the TCD mode of the execution probe 1 is started, and the TCD piezoelectric ceramic array element 131 acquires the Doppler spectrum information of the cerebral blood flow and transmits it back to the system host through the cable 3.

[0044] S3. Start the TCCD mode of the execution probe 1. The TCCD piezoelectric ceramic array 133 acquires the two-dimensional ultrasonic image of the corresponding area and transmits it back to the system host through cable 3.

[0045] S4. Based on the overlap of the detection areas 132 of the TCD piezoelectric ceramic array element 131 and the TCCD piezoelectric ceramic array 133, when an abnormal signal is detected in the TCD mode, the corresponding two-dimensional image is directly obtained in the overlapping area 135 through the TCCD mode. Therefore, there is no need to move the probe in the imaging operation after the initial screening.

[0046] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 1-5 As shown, in TCCD mode, the images acquired by the TCCD piezoelectric ceramic arrays 133 on both sides of the TCD piezoelectric ceramic array element 131 are stitched together in real time to form a complete brightness mode image, which also helps to reduce or avoid the movement of the probe after the initial screening and positioning.

Claims

1. A transcranial Doppler dual-mode ultrasound detection device, comprising a handle and a cable, characterized in that, include: An execution probe is provided, in which a backing layer, a piezoelectric layer, a matching layer and a lens layer are sequentially arranged along a detection direction. The backing layer is fixedly connected to the piezoelectric layer, the piezoelectric layer is fixedly connected to the matching layer, and the matching layer is fixedly connected to the lens layer. A cable passes through the handle and the backing layer and is electrically connected to the piezoelectric layer. The piezoelectric layer includes a TCD piezoelectric ceramic element and a TCCD piezoelectric ceramic array symmetrically distributed on both sides of the TCD piezoelectric ceramic element. The detection area of ​​the TCD piezoelectric ceramic element and the imaging area of ​​the TCCD piezoelectric ceramic array at least partially overlap, and the overlapping part of the detection area and the imaging area is called the overlapping area. When the overlapping area scans across a human body part, the TCD piezoelectric ceramic element acquires the Doppler spectrum information of the corresponding part, and at the same time, the TCCD piezoelectric ceramic array acquires the image of the corresponding part.

2. The transcranial Doppler dual-mode ultrasound detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The actuator probe has a connecting end and a probing end, and the probing direction is perpendicular to the probing end from the connecting end; the connecting end is detachably connected to the handle.

3. The transcranial Doppler dual-mode ultrasound detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The TCD piezoelectric ceramic element and the TCCD piezoelectric ceramic array each have a transmitting surface facing the detection end, and the transmitting surface of the TCD piezoelectric ceramic element is flush with the transmitting surface of the TCCD piezoelectric ceramic array.

4. The transcranial Doppler dual-mode ultrasound detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The TCD piezoelectric ceramic array element is a single element, and its projection shape along the detection direction is either rectangular or circular; when it is circular, its diameter is not greater than the horizontal width of the TCCD piezoelectric ceramic array.

5. A transcranial Doppler dual-mode ultrasound detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The operating frequency of the TCD piezoelectric ceramic element is 1-2MHz, and the operating frequency of the TCCD piezoelectric ceramic array is 2-3MHz.

6. The transcranial Doppler dual-mode ultrasound detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The TCCD piezoelectric ceramic array consists of two sets of equal numbers of TCCD piezoelectric ceramic elements, with a total number of no less than 64 TCCD piezoelectric ceramic elements.

7. An ultrasound diagnostic system, characterized in that, include: The transcranial Doppler dual-mode ultrasound detection device as described in any one of claims 1-6; The system host is used to drive the execution probe and process the Doppler signal in TCD mode and the imaging signal in TCCD mode; The display unit is used to display the TCD spectrum and TCCD image simultaneously or in a time-sharing manner.

8. The system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The system host is configured to shut down the signal transmission of the TCD mode when a preset abnormal condition is detected in the TCD mode, and use only the TCCD mode for imaging to avoid signal interference.

9. A method for using the ultrasound diagnostic system of claim 8, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Connect the probe to the system host, and the system host recognizes it and enters the dual-mode working state; S2. Activate the TCD mode of the execution probe, and the TCD piezoelectric ceramic array element acquires the Doppler spectrum information of cerebral blood flow and transmits it back to the system host via cable; S3. Activate the TCCD mode of the execution probe, and the TCCD piezoelectric ceramic array acquires a two-dimensional ultrasonic image of the corresponding area and transmits it back to the system host via cable; S4. Based on the characteristic that the detection areas of the TCD piezoelectric ceramic array element and the TCCD piezoelectric ceramic array overlap, when the TCD mode detects an abnormal signal, the corresponding two-dimensional image is directly obtained in the overlapping area through the TCCD mode.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, In the TCCD mode, the images acquired by the TCCD piezoelectric ceramic arrays on both sides of the TCD piezoelectric ceramic array element are stitched together in real time to form a complete brightness mode image.

Images