Conformal ultrasonic coupling cushion cover

Abstract

The utility model discloses a conformal ultrasonic coupling cushion cover, which is used for being installed at the front end of an ultrasonic probe to conduct ultrasonic signals, and comprises an isolation sleeve which has an elastic sleeve-shaped structure, is provided with an opening and is sleeved at the front end of the ultrasonic probe through the opening; the coupling pad is arranged in the isolation sleeve, one side, close to the probe, of the coupling pad is attached to the front end of the ultrasonic probe through the elasticity of the isolation sleeve, and the coupling pad is used for transmitting ultrasonic signals generated by the ultrasonic probe. The coupling pad is fixed at the front end of the ultrasonic probe through the isolation sleeve, on one hand, the coupling pad can be prevented from being in direct contact with a human body, the coupling pad can be prevented from being polluted, shrinkage, deformation and sun crack of the coupling pad can be avoided, and the service life of the coupling pad can be prolonged; on the other hand, the coupling pad can be firmly fixed to the front end of the probe through the isolation sleeve, displacement of the coupling pad is prevented, operation is convenient, and the ultrasonic detection accuracy can be guaranteed.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of medical equipment, in particular to a conformable ultrasonic coupling pad. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the process of ultrasonic examination, in order to avoid the ultrasonic probe being contaminated by contacting with body secretions (such as vaginal secretions, feces, pus, etc.), an isolation sound transmission film is generally used to isolate the ultrasonic probe from the human body while obtaining better sound transmission conditions. And in order to improve the detection clarity during ultrasonic detection, a coupling agent needs to be applied on the front end of the ultrasonic probe. Or a flexible and sound-transmitting coupling pad is installed on the front end of the ultrasonic probe. For example, in the Chinese patent with the application number 202320759114.9 and the name "Thickness and length adjustable conformable medical ultrasonic coupling pad", a coupling pad for ultrasonic detection is disclosed.

[0003] However, the above-mentioned ultrasonic isolation and coupling schemes have the following technical problems:

[0004] Firstly, the isolation sound transmission film currently used is relatively small and thin, only having isolation and general sound transmission functions, and still needs to add a coupling agent for examination. The coupling agent is mainly prepared by using water-soluble polymer materials, and when the temperature rises, such as under the condition of body temperature, the coupling agent is easy to become dilute and flow everywhere. The viscosity of the coupling agent brings a bad experience to the patient, and after the examination is completed, a paper towel needs to be used to wipe the examination site, causing waste of energy and increasing the examination cost. Moreover, the coupling agent is soft, and the ultrasonic physician is difficult to stably control the distance between the probe and the lesion, and many times the ideal examination effect cannot be achieved.

[0005] Secondly, the isolation sound transmission film currently used is mainly a columnar sleeve, and the elasticity is general, and excessive pulling is easy to break, which is only limited to columnar vaginal, rectal and cardiac probes, and is not suitable for large-volume superficial probes, abdominal probes and three-dimensional probes. Moreover, coupling agent must be added during examination, which is not conducive to aseptic operation. Thin patients cannot adjust the angle of the cardiac probe due to the lack of chest wall meat, resulting in that the clear cardiac section image cannot be detected, and even if the coupling agent is increased for coverage, the result is still not ideal.

[0006] Three, the current ultrasonic coupling pad (sheet-shaped hydrogel elastomer) is applied to ultrasonic examination, which can increase the distance between the probe and the lesion to reduce the ultrasonic near-field artifact and improve the ultrasonic examination quality. But the existing ultrasonic coupling pad is a disposable product, which is easy to deteriorate after use and difficult to disinfect. The existing ultrasonic coupling pad is exposed to air after use, which is easy to shrink, deform, dry and crack, and is difficult to store for a long time. It is not suitable for open wound examination, is easy to cross infection, and has high disinfection cost. In addition, the material used by the coupling agent is mostly water-soluble polymer substance, and the coupling material is directly contacted with the patient's lesion during ultrasonic examination, which cannot be cleaned and disinfected after use, and repeated use is easy to cause iatrogenic cross infection. In addition, the existing ultrasonic coupling pad is large in size and inconvenient to carry.

[0007] Four, the existing ultrasonic coupling pad is mostly square or circular pad, the thickness of each part of the whole coupling pad is uniform and unchangeable, and the texture is mostly tough, the compressibility is poor, and the coupling agent needs to be used together. When the lesion protrudes from the skin and is uneven, the coupling pad with constant thickness is difficult to conform to the surface of the lesion, which obviously affects the ultrasonic examination effect. In addition, some normal human structures such as elbow and wrist joints are not horizontal, and comprehensive examination around the joints is often needed, but the length of the existing ultrasonic coupling pad on the market is mostly small, which is difficult to completely cover the long-range lesion, and a large amount of coupling agent is often used for ultrasonic examination in clinic. But the coupling agent is easy to fall on the examination bed or the ground, and even to the body or clothes of the examinee or the examiner. Practical new type content

[0008] In view of the above problems, the present application provides a conformable ultrasonic coupling pad set for solving the technical problems existing in the above ultrasonic isolation and coupling.

[0009] In order to achieve the above purpose, the present application provides a conformable ultrasonic coupling pad set for installing on the front end of an ultrasonic probe to conduct ultrasonic signals, which comprises:

[0010] An isolation sleeve having an elastic sleeve structure and provided with an opening, which is sleeved on the front end of the ultrasonic probe through the opening;

[0011] A coupling pad is arranged in the interior of the isolation sleeve, and the coupling pad is attached to the front end of the ultrasonic probe on the side close to the probe through the elasticity of the isolation sleeve, which is used for transmitting the ultrasonic signals generated by the ultrasonic probe.

[0012] Further, an independent sealed capsule is arranged in the interior of the end of the isolation sleeve away from the opening, and the coupling pad is sealingly arranged in the sealed capsule.

[0013] Further, the coupling pad is provided with an arc-shaped fitting surface which is adapted to the front end of the ultrasonic probe and is in close contact with the front end of the ultrasonic probe.

[0014] Further, the thickness of the middle part of the coupling pad is greater than the thickness of the two sides.

[0015] Further, the thickness of the middle part of the coupling pad is greater than or equal to 1.5 cm, and the thickness of the two sides of the coupling pad is greater than or equal to 1.0 cm.

[0016] Further, the depth of the isolation sleeve in the unused state is greater than or equal to 5 cm, the diameter of the opening is less than or equal to 3 cm, and the length of the coupling pad is greater than or equal to 4 cm.

[0017] Further, the coupling pad comprises a stabilizing layer in the interior and a jelly-like conforming layer wrapped around the periphery of the stabilizing layer.

[0018] Further, the isolation sleeve is provided with an elastic shrink ring at the edge of the opening.

[0019] Unlike the prior art, the conforming ultrasonic coupling pad sleeve in the above technical solution comprises a coupling pad arranged at the front end of the ultrasonic probe and an isolation sleeve sleeved outside the coupling pad, and the coupling pad is fixed to the front end of the ultrasonic probe through the isolation sleeve. On the one hand, the isolation sleeve can avoid direct contact of the coupling pad with the human body, can avoid contamination of the coupling pad, and the isolation sleeve is made of silicone, which is easy to clean. The isolation sleeve can avoid shrinkage, deformation and dry cracking of the coupling pad, and can prolong the service life of the coupling pad. On the other hand, the isolation sleeve has a certain elasticity, and the coupling pad can be firmly fixed to the front end of the probe through the isolation sleeve, so as to prevent displacement of the coupling pad, facilitate operation and ensure the accuracy of ultrasonic detection.

[0020] The above content related to the utility model is only a summary of the technical solution of the present application. In order to enable those skilled in the art to more clearly understand the technical solution of the present application, and then can be implemented according to the content recorded in the specification and drawings, and in order to let the above-mentioned purpose and other purposes, characteristics and advantages of the present application can be more easily understood, the following is described in combination with the specific embodiments of the present application and the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0021] The drawings are only used to show the principles, implementation manners, applications, characteristics and effects of the specific embodiments of the present application and other related contents, and cannot be considered as a limitation of the present application.

[0022] In the drawings of the specification:

[0023] Figure 1 The structure schematic diagram of the conforming ultrasonic coupling pad sleeve when it is not installed is described in the specific embodiments.

[0024] Figure 2 Fig. 2 is a schematic view of the conformable ultrasonic coupling pad sleeve cooperating with the ultrasonic probe according to the embodiment described above;

[0025] Figure 3 Fig. 3 is a schematic view of the conformable ultrasonic coupling pad sleeve being fitted into the ultrasonic probe according to the embodiment described above;

[0026] Figure 4 Fig. 4 is a sectional view of the isolating sleeve along A-A direction according to the embodiment described above; Figure 2

[0027] Figure 5 Fig. 5 is a sectional view of the coupling pad along A-A direction according to the embodiment described above; Figure 2

[0028] The reference signs involved in the above-mentioned figures are explained as follows:

[0029] 1, ultrasonic probe; 2, conformable ultrasonic coupling pad sleeve; 21, isolating sleeve; 22, coupling pad;

[0030] 211, opening; 212, main sleeve cavity; 213, airtight capsule; 214, elastic shrink ring;

[0031] 221, jelly-like conformable layer; 222, stabilizing layer; DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] In order to make the possible application scenarios, technical principles, specific implementable schemes, and the purposes and effects achieved by the present application more comprehensible, the following will be described in detail in combination with the specific embodiments listed and the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described herein are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical schemes of the present application, and therefore only serve as examples, but cannot limit the protection scope of the present application.

[0033] In this text, the term "embodiment" means that the specific features, structures or characteristics described in combination with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The term "embodiment" appearing at various positions in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, and does not particularly limit the independence or association between other embodiments. In principle, in the present application, as long as there is no technical contradiction or conflict, the technical features mentioned in each embodiment can be combined in any way to form a corresponding implementable technical scheme.

[0034] Unless otherwise defined, the meanings of the technical terms used herein are the same as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present application belongs; the use of related terms in this text is only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments, and is not intended to limit the present application.

[0035] ​​In the description of the present application, the phrase "and / or" is a description of a logical relationship between objects, which means that there can be three relationships, for example, A and / or B, which means that there are three cases: A exists, B exists, and A and B exist at the same time. In addition, the character " / " herein generally represents that the associated objects before and after are an "or" logical relationship.

[0036] In the present application, the terms such as "first" and "second" are only used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual quantity, primary and secondary, or order relationship between the entities or operations.

[0037] In the present application, without more limitation, the "includes", "contains", "has" or other similar expressions used in the sentence are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, and these expressions do not exclude the presence of other elements in the process, method or product including the described elements, so that the process, method or product including a series of elements can not only include those limited elements, but also include other elements not explicitly listed, or also include the elements inherent to such process, method or product.

[0038] As the same understanding as in the "Guidelines for Examination", in the present application, the expressions such as "greater than", "less than", "exceed" are understood as not including the number; the expressions such as "above", "below", "within" are understood as including the number. In addition, in the description of the embodiments of the present application, the meaning of "multiple" is more than two (including two), and similar expressions related to "multiple" are also understood in this way, for example, "multiple groups", "multiple times" and the like, unless otherwise explicitly limited.

[0039] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the spatial-related expressions used, such as "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "vertical", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", and the like, indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the specific embodiments or the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the specific embodiments of the present application or for the reader to understand, and do not indicate or imply that the indicated device or component must have a specific position, a specific orientation, or be constructed or operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the embodiments of the present application.

[0040] Unless otherwise defined, or limited by context, the terms used herein such as "mount", "connect", "connection", "fixed", "set", and the like, should be understood to be used in a broad sense. For example, "connection" can be fixed connection, or detachable connection, or integrated setting; it can be mechanical connection, or electrical connection, or communication connection; it can be direct connection, or indirect connection through intermediate medium; it can be internal communication of two elements, or interaction relationship between two elements. For those skilled in the art to which the present application belongs, the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of the present application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0041] Please refer to Figures 1 to 5 The present embodiment provides a conformal ultrasonic coupling pad sleeve, which can be applied to various ultrasonic probes in medical ultrasonic detection, such as shallow surface probe, abdominal probe and three-dimensional probe. The conformal ultrasonic coupling pad sleeve has good isolation and ultrasonic coupling characteristics, which can well isolate the ultrasonic probe and the coupling pad, avoid the ultrasonic probe and the coupling pad from being contaminated by contacting with the outside world, and the isolation sleeve can avoid the coupling pad from shrinking, deforming and cracking, thereby prolonging the service life of the coupling pad.

[0042] As Figure 1 shown, Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of the conformal ultrasonic coupling pad sleeve of the present embodiment when not in use; the conformal ultrasonic coupling pad sleeve 2 is used to be installed at the front end of the ultrasonic probe 1 to conduct ultrasonic signals, the ultrasonic signals emitted by the ultrasonic probe 1 are shot to the object to be detected (which can be human body, animal or the like) through the conformal ultrasonic coupling pad sleeve 2, and the ultrasonic signals reflected by the object to be detected enter the ultrasonic probe 1 through the conformal ultrasonic coupling pad 22. The conformal ultrasonic coupling pad sleeve 2 comprises an isolation sleeve 21 and a coupling pad 22.

[0043] As Figure 2 shown, the isolation sleeve 21 has a elastic sleeve structure, and is provided with an opening 211 through which the isolation sleeve 21 is sleeved on the front end of the ultrasonic probe 1; the coupling pad 22 is arranged inside the isolation sleeve 21, and the coupling pad 22 is attached to the front end of the ultrasonic probe 1 through the elasticity of the isolation sleeve 21, so that the side of the coupling pad 22 close to the probe is attached to the front end of the ultrasonic probe 1, and the coupling pad 22 is used to transmit the ultrasonic signals generated by the ultrasonic probe 1.

[0044] The isolation sleeve 21 can be made of existing sound-transmitting film, and in some embodiments, the isolation sleeve 21 can also be made of elastic and excellent silicone or the like. As Figure 1 shown, since the isolation sleeve 21 has a certain elasticity, when the ultrasonic probe 1 is not installed, the elastic contraction of the opening 211 end of the isolation sleeve 21, and as Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, in use, the isolating sleeve 21 is elastically expanded to adapt to the shape of the ultrasonic probe 1, and tightly wraps the front end of the ultrasonic probe 1, so that the coupling pad 22 is tightly attached to the front end of the ultrasonic probe 1. The coupling pad 22 is made of a water gel elastomer of ultrasonic coupling agent. Illustratively, the coupling pad 22 can be composed of the following components in percentage by mass: carrageenan 2%, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose 0.2%, medical glycerol 5%, triclosan 0.2%, and the balance being pure water. However, the coupling pad 22 of the present application is not limited to the components.

[0045] In use, the ultrasonic probe 1 is inserted into the isolating sleeve 21 from the opening 211, so that the front end of the ultrasonic probe 1 is attached to the side of the coupling pad 22 close to the ultrasonic probe 1, and then ultrasonic detection is performed through the ultrasonic probe 1. After use, the isolating sleeve 21 can be sterilized, so that the conformable ultrasonic coupling pad sleeve can be repeatedly used.

[0046] In the embodiment, the conformable ultrasonic coupling pad sleeve includes the coupling pad 22 arranged at the front end of the ultrasonic probe 1 and the isolating sleeve 21 sleeved outside the coupling pad 22, and the coupling pad 22 is fixed to the front end of the ultrasonic probe 1 through the isolating sleeve 21. On the one hand, the isolating sleeve 21 can avoid direct contact of the coupling pad 22 with the human body, and can avoid contamination of the coupling pad 22. The isolating sleeve 21 is made of silicone, which is easy to clean. The isolating sleeve 21 can avoid shrinkage, deformation and dry cracking of the coupling pad 22, and can prolong the service life of the coupling pad 22. On the other hand, the isolating sleeve 21 has a certain elasticity, and the coupling pad 22 can be firmly fixed to the front end of the probe through the isolating sleeve 21, so as to prevent displacement of the coupling pad 22 and ensure the accuracy of ultrasonic detection. In the embodiment, the isolating sleeve 21 has elasticity, and can be applied to almost all ultrasonic probes 1.

[0047] As shown in Figure 2 and Figure 4 In an embodiment, the isolating sleeve 21 is provided with an elastic contraction ring 214 at the edge of the opening 211. The elastic contraction ring 214 and the main body of the isolating sleeve 21 can be made of an integral structure of the same material, and have the same structure and principle as the elastic contraction band thickened at the opening 211 of the disposable silicone glove, which can improve the elasticity of the opening 211, and also prevent tearing of the opening 211.

[0048] As shown in Figure 4As shown, in one embodiment, an independent sealed bladder 213 is disposed within the interior of the isolation sleeve 21 at the end away from the opening 211, and the coupling pad 22 is sealed within the sealed bladder 213. A main cavity 212 is disposed within the isolation sleeve 21. A diaphragm is disposed at the front end of the isolation sleeve 21, separating the main cavity 212 from the sealed bladder, forming the sealed bladder 213 into an independent and sealed cavity. The coupling pad 22 is disposed within the sealed bladder 213, completely isolating it from the front end of the ultrasound probe 1 and the object being examined.

[0049] And, as Figure 4 As shown, the coupling pad 22 includes a stabilizing layer 222 located inside and a jelly-like conformal layer 221 wrapped around the periphery of the stabilizing layer 222. The jelly-like conformal layer 221 is relatively soft and elastic, and will deform to a certain extent when under pressure, thereby enabling the use of ultrasonic probes 1 with different arc shapes and different parts of the detection object. The stabilizing layer 222 means that its texture is more stable than the jelly-like conformal layer 221 and is less prone to deformation. The stabilizing layer 222 and the jelly-like conformal layer 221 can be made of the same component, and the difference in the process makes the stabilizing layer 222 and the jelly-like conformal layer 221 different in texture; or the stabilizing layer 222 and the jelly-like conformal layer 221 can also be made of different components.

[0050] In this embodiment, the coupling pad 22 is placed in the sealed capsule 213 at the front end of the isolation sleeve 21, and is in the shape of an arc. Not only is the nano material used highly compatible with human skin, but the surrounding area is filled with a jelly-like conformable layer 221 (i.e., a jelly-like liquid substance), making the coupling pad 22 more conformable. There is no need to apply coupling agent, and only water molecules need to be sprayed evenly to form a water film, reducing the use of coupling agent and paper, thereby reducing patient discomfort and making the examination more low-carbon and environmentally friendly. It has a better imaging effect for superficial tumors protruding from the body surface. In addition to open wounds and surfaces that come into contact with human body fluids, the invention can be reused for other general examinations, and can be disinfected with alcohol at any time to protect the probe and extend the service life of the probe, thereby saving examination costs.

[0051] Furthermore, the conformable ultrasonic coupling pad 2 in this embodiment meets intraoperative sterility requirements, reduces the need for sterile operation of the ultrasonic probe before surgery, and makes the examination safer and faster. It can also be directly applied to open contaminated wounds.

[0052] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in order to better connect the coupling pad 22 to the front end of the ultrasonic probe 1, a curved fitting surface that is adapted to the front end of the ultrasonic probe 1 is provided on the side of the coupling pad 22 close to the probe, and the curved fitting surface is in contact with the front end of the ultrasonic probe 1.

[0053] like Figure 5As shown, the thickness of the middle part of the coupling pad 22 is greater than that of the two sides. Specifically, as shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in an embodiment, the thickness of the middle part of the coupling pad 22 is greater than or equal to 1.5 cm, and the thickness of the two sides of the coupling pad 22 is greater than or equal to 1.0 cm. The depth of the isolation sleeve 21 in use is greater than or equal to 5 cm, the diameter of the opening 211 is less than or equal to 3 cm (i.e. the diameter of the opening 211 in a natural state is less than or equal to 3 cm), and the length of the coupling pad is greater than or equal to 4 cm. In this embodiment, the diameter of the opening 211 is less than or equal to 3 cm, so it can tightly cover all the ultrasonic probes, avoiding displacement or falling off of the isolation sleeve and the coupling pad.

[0054] In cardiac ultrasound examination, the transmission fulcrum of the sound window needs to be assisted by the patient's chest wall muscle. In this embodiment, the angle can be adjusted to avoid the obstruction of the ribs. The coupling pad 22 provides the fulcrum for patients without chest wall muscle.

[0055] Finally, it should be noted that although the above embodiments have been described in the specification and drawings of the present application, the patent protection scope of the present application should not be limited. Any equivalent structure or equivalent process replacement or modification based on the essential concept of the present application, using the content described in the specification and drawings, and directly or indirectly implementing the technical solutions of the above embodiments in other related technical fields, etc., are all included in the patent protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A conformable ultrasonic coupling pad for installation at the front end of an ultrasonic probe to conduct ultrasonic signals, characterized in that: The conformable ultrasonic coupling cushion comprises: The isolation sleeve has an elastic sleeve-like structure and is provided with an opening, and is sleeved on the front end of the ultrasound probe through the opening; A coupling pad is arranged inside the isolation sleeve, and the side of the coupling pad close to the probe is attached to the front end of the ultrasonic probe through the elasticity of the isolation sleeve, so as to transmit the ultrasonic signal generated by the ultrasonic probe.

2. The conformable ultrasonic coupling gasket according to claim 1, characterized in that: An independent sealed bag is provided inside the end of the isolation sleeve away from the opening, and the coupling pad is sealed in the sealed bag.

3. The conformable ultrasonic coupling gasket according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A curved fitting surface adapted to the front end of the ultrasonic probe is provided on a side of the coupling pad close to the probe, and the curved fitting surface is in contact with the front end of the ultrasonic probe.

4. The conformable ultrasonic coupling gasket according to claim 3, characterized in that: The thickness of the middle portion of the coupling pad is greater than the thickness of the two sides.

5. The conformable ultrasonic coupling gasket according to claim 4, characterized in that: The thickness of the middle portion of the coupling pad is greater than or equal to 1.5 cm, and the thickness of both sides of the coupling pad is greater than or equal to 1.0 cm.

6. The conformable ultrasonic coupling gasket according to claim 1, 4 or 5, characterized in that: The depth of the isolation sleeve in use is greater than or equal to 5 cm, the diameter of the opening is less than or equal to 3 cm, and the length of the coupling pad is greater than or equal to 4 cm.

7. The conformable ultrasonic coupling gasket according to claim 1, 4 or 5, characterized in that: The coupling pad includes an inner stabilizing layer and a jelly-like conformable layer wrapped around the outer periphery of the stabilizing layer.

8. The conformable ultrasonic coupling gasket according to claim 1, characterized in that: The isolation sleeve is provided with an elastic shrink ring at the edge of the opening.

Images