Novel designed probe suitable for newborn lung ultrasonic scanning

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of ultrasonic imaging, in particular to a novel designed probe suitable for newborn lung ultrasonic scanning, which comprises a probe body, a tail section scanning area and a back side scanning area, according to the newborn lung ultrasonic scanning probe, the novel design probe which is similar to a hockey ball and suitable for newborn lung ultrasonic scanning is arranged, and the ultrasonic transducers are arranged in the tail section scanning area and the back side scanning area of the hockey ball probe body; required data can be completely and quietly collected with low disturbance without greatly changing the body position, the examination operation time is greatly shortened, the time deviation is reduced, the blood flow of a child patient is stable, interference factors are reduced, and the consistency of the imaging background of the collected 12-partition image is greatly improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of ultrasound imaging technology, and in particular to a novel probe design suitable for neonatal lung ultrasound scanning. Background Technology

[0002] Neonatal lung ultrasound is a medical imaging technique that uses ultrasound waves to examine the lungs of newborns. This technique has significant advantages such as being radiation-free, non-invasive, highly real-time, easy to operate, and low-cost, making it particularly suitable for newborns. The neonatal lung ultrasound probe is used to examine the lungs of newborns to observe whether there are any lesions. Specifically, this probe emits ultrasound waves and receives their echoes, converting the echoes into images to show the structure and condition of the newborn's lungs. Doctors can use these images to diagnose whether newborns have lung diseases such as pneumonia or neonatal respiratory distress syndrome.

[0003] Existing ultrasound probes suitable for neonatal lung examinations are typically 10-16 MHz high-frequency linear array probes. When using such probes to examine the dorsal side of a newborn's lungs, the infant needs to be placed in a lateral or prone position. However, the hemodynamics of newborns, especially premature infants, are not fully developed. The common use of nest care to simulate the intrauterine environment can cause disturbance to the newborn when turning them over, putting the infant at risk of significant hemodynamic fluctuations.

[0004] Therefore, to address the issue that existing neonatal lung ultrasound probes typically require turning over newborns in nest care during scans, which can easily startle them, a novel hockey-ball shaped probe for neonatal lung ultrasound scanning can be designed. Ultrasonic transducers are installed on both the ventral and dorsal sides of the hockey-ball probe. This allows for complete, quiet, and minimally disturbed data collection during neonatal lung ultrasound examinations without significant changes in the patient's position, greatly shortening the examination time, stabilizing the infant's hemodynamics, and reducing interference factors. Utility Model Content

[0005] To overcome the problem that existing ultrasound probes for neonatal lung scanning usually require turning over newborns in nest care during the scanning process, which can easily disturb the newborns.

[0006] The technical solution of this utility model is as follows: a novel design probe for neonatal lung ultrasound scanning, comprising a probe body, a terminal scanning area and a dorsal scanning area. The upper end and inner side of the probe body are respectively provided with the terminal scanning area and the dorsal scanning area. Ultrasonic transducers for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves are provided in both the terminal scanning area and the dorsal scanning area.

[0007] Preferably, the lower end of the probe body is connected to a handle via an adjustment knob, and the lower end of the handle is fixedly connected to a connecting cable for connecting to an ultrasonic testing instrument.

[0008] Preferably, the probe body is shaped like a hockey ball, and the angle between the probe body and the end transducer can be adjusted by turning the adjustment knob.

[0009] Preferably, a button for switching transducers is provided on the lower left side of the probe body near the handle, and the ultrasonic transducer of the probe body does not have special width requirements.

[0010] As a preferred option, the ultrasound transducer section is appropriately lengthened so that the ultrasound transducer in the dorsal scanning area can simultaneously and completely image the lateral to medial side of one lung.

[0011] Preferably, the patient is scanned in any position using the terminal scanning area to collect anterior and lateral ultrasound image data.

[0012] Preferably, ultrasound image data of the area in contact with the bird's nest nursing blanket is collected by scanning the dorsal scanning area of ​​the child regardless of their position.

[0013] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0014] 1. By designing a novel hockey-ball-shaped probe suitable for neonatal lung ultrasound scanning, and placing ultrasound transducers in the terminal and dorsal scanning areas of the probe body, the required data can be collected quietly and with minimal disturbance without significantly changing the neonatal position during lung ultrasound examinations. This greatly shortens the examination time, reduces time deviation, stabilizes the infant's hemodynamics, reduces interference factors, and significantly improves the consistency of the imaging background of the 12-zone images. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a three-dimensional structural schematic of the novel probe for neonatal lung ultrasound scanning according to this utility model.

[0016] Figure 2 The diagram shown is a three-dimensional structural schematic of the novel probe for neonatal lung ultrasound scanning, designed according to this utility model, from another angle.

[0017] Figure 3 The diagram shown is a three-dimensional structural schematic of the novel probe handle for neonatal lung ultrasound scanning according to this utility model.

[0018] Figure 4 The diagram shown is a three-dimensional structural schematic of the adjustment knob of the novel probe for neonatal lung ultrasound scanning.

[0019] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1. Probe body; 2. Terminal scanning area; 3. Rear scanning area; 4. Button; 5. Handle; 6. Adjustment knob; 7. Connecting cable. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0021] A newborn is an infant who is less than 28 days old.

[0022] Physiological characteristics:

[0023] Newborns' organs are not yet fully developed and their functions are relatively weak, requiring special care and attention; their thermoregulation ability is poor and they are easily affected by the external environment, so it is necessary to maintain a suitable room temperature; newborns have a faster breathing rate, but their lung capacity is small and their respiratory function is not yet fully developed.

[0024] Health risks:

[0025] Newborns are susceptible to various infections, such as pneumonia and sepsis, and require special attention to hygiene and protection. Due to their immature lung development, newborns may develop respiratory diseases such as respiratory distress syndrome and pulmonary hypertension. Premature infants (especially those with a gestational age of less than 24 weeks, known as "survival limit premature infants") face higher health risks and require professional medical treatment and care.

[0026] Medical and Nursing Care:

[0027] Newborns need regular health checkups to detect and address potential health problems in a timely manner. Medically, newborns may require various treatments, such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), to save their lives. In terms of care, newborns need to maintain a suitable room temperature, humidity, and clean environment, as well as proper feeding and care.

[0028] Neonatal lung ultrasound is a method of examining the lungs of newborns using ultrasound technology. It can quickly and effectively assess the condition of the newborn's lungs at the bedside, providing important imaging evidence for diagnosis and treatment, and avoiding the potential harm of radiation to newborns.

[0029] Neonatal lung ultrasound scanning probes are mainly used to transmit and receive ultrasound waves to obtain ultrasound images of the newborn's lungs. Through the probe, normal structures such as pleural lines and A-lines in the newborn's lungs can be clearly seen, as well as the image features corresponding to abnormal conditions such as pulmonary consolidation, pleural effusion, and pneumothorax, providing doctors with intuitive diagnostic information.

[0030] Neonatal lung ultrasound scanning probes are crucial, serving as key tools for acquiring ultrasound images of newborn lungs, detecting lung lesions, and dynamically observing lung conditions. They provide indispensable imaging support for the diagnosis and treatment of neonatal lung diseases. However, neonatal lung ultrasound scanning probes often encounter some problems during practical use. Below are some common problems and their causes: 1. Abnormal image display, such as dark lines or blurriness: The main causes may be damage or aging of the probe chip, leading to poor or distorted signal transmission; a broken or poorly connected cable affecting signal transmission; or a broken probe shielding wire or ground wire causing interference and blurry images. 2. Damaged probe housing: The main cause may be prolonged use or accidental impact causing the housing to crack, allowing coupling agent to penetrate the probe and cause chip oxidation or corrosion. 3. Poor repeatability of B-line detection: The main reason may be that the assessment of B-line features is quite subjective and depends on the operator's experience; different acquisition schemes, multiple scoring systems, and variable machine settings (such as sensor geometry, probe width, and different ultrasound frequencies) may lead to inconsistent assessment results; high technical variability may affect image acquisition and interpretation, reducing repeatability within and between assessors. 4. Difficult or inaccurate image acquisition: The main reason may be the unique structure of the neonatal lungs, which may be affected by respiratory movements, mechanical ventilator settings, etc., leading to difficulties in image acquisition; insufficient operator skill and experience in probe operation may also affect the accuracy of image acquisition.

[0031] Currently, various types of neonatal lung ultrasound scanning probes are available on the market, aiming to provide a safe, accurate, and non-invasive diagnostic method for neonatal lung diseases. For example: 1. High-frequency linear array probes: These probes typically have a high frequency of 9.0MHz or higher, suitable for detailed scanning of the neonatal lungs. During the examination, the probe needs to be perpendicular to the ribs (longitudinal scanning method) and parallel to the ribs (transverse scanning method) to scan each area of ​​the lungs separately to observe for lesions. Problems: Although high-frequency linear array probes perform well in neonatal lung ultrasound scanning, their high frequency may result in a relatively shallow detection depth, potentially failing to completely cover all areas of the lungs. Furthermore, operating skills and experience also significantly affect the accuracy of the examination results. 2. High-frequency convex array probes: Their working principle is similar to high-frequency linear probes, generating ultrasound waves through the inverse piezoelectric effect of piezoelectric crystals. After being emitted into the lung tissue, the reflected ultrasound waves are received and converted into electrical signals, thus generating an ultrasound image. The difference is that the array elements of a convex array probe are arranged in an arc shape, the probe surface is arc-shaped, and the emitted ultrasound beam spreads out in a fan shape, covering a wider area. Problems: Relatively low image resolution: Compared with linear probes, convex array probes have slightly lower resolution, which may not be clear enough for displaying some small lesions or fine lung structures, and may easily miss some early lesions; Slightly poor near-field image quality: In the near-field area close to the probe, the image quality may be affected to some extent due to the diffusion and scattering of ultrasound waves, and the observation of superficial lung tissue may not be as clear as with linear probes.

[0032] The development of neonatal lung ultrasound scanning probes has provided doctors with safe, accurate, and non-invasive diagnostic tools. However, different types of probes differ in their working methods and existing problems. Therefore, it is necessary to fully understand the characteristics and limitations of the probes during use to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the examination results.

[0033] Please see Figures 1-4 This utility model provides an embodiment: a novel probe design for neonatal lung ultrasound scanning, comprising a probe body 1, a terminal scanning area 2, and a dorsal scanning area 3. The terminal scanning area 2 and the dorsal scanning area 3 are respectively provided on the upper end and inner side of the probe body 1. Both the terminal scanning area 2 and the dorsal scanning area 3 are provided with ultrasound transducers for emitting and receiving ultrasound waves. The ultrasound transducers are appropriately lengthened so that the ultrasound transducer in the dorsal scanning area 3 can simultaneously and completely image one side of the lung from the outer to the inner side. The terminal scanning area 2 scans the infant regardless of his position and collects anterior and lateral ultrasound image data. The dorsal scanning area 3 scans the infant regardless of his position and collects ultrasound image data of the posterior, i.e., the part in contact with the bird's nest nursing blanket in the vertical direction.

[0034] Please see Figure 2In this embodiment, the lower end of the probe body 1 is rotatably connected to a handle 5 via an adjustment knob 6. The lower end of the handle 5 is fixedly connected to a connecting cable 7 for connecting to an ultrasonic testing instrument. The probe body 1 is shaped like a hockey stick. The angle between the probe body 1 and the end transducer is adjusted by turning the adjustment knob 6. A button 4 for switching transducers is provided on the lower left side of the probe body 1 near the handle 5. The ultrasonic transducer of the probe body 1 does not have a special width requirement.

[0035] When working, first take the probe to the corresponding position and place it.

[0036] Then, the appropriate lung scan method is selected based on the child's specific posture;

[0037] When the child is in a supine position, the ultrasound transducer in the terminal scanning area 2 is used to perform ultrasound scanning of the child's lungs in the anterior and lateral chest areas and obtain corresponding images. The ultrasound transducer in the dorsal scanning area 3 of the probe body 1 is inserted into the gap between the child's back and the bird's nest nursing blanket to perform scanning imaging.

[0038] When the child is in a prone or lateral position, ultrasound image data of the area in contact with the bird's nest nursing blanket is collected by ultrasound transducers at three locations in the dorsal scanning area.

[0039] During the testing process, the angle between the probe body 1 and the end transducer part is adjusted by turning the adjustment knob 6 at the handle 5 and the probe body 1 to adapt to different personalized positioning and support curvature in bird nest care, and different transducers are switched by pressing the button 4.

[0040] Through the above steps, a novel design probe for neonatal lung ultrasound scanning, shaped like a hockey puck, is used. Ultrasonic transducers are installed in the terminal scanning area 2 and the dorsal scanning area 3 of the hockey puck probe body 1. During neonatal lung ultrasound examinations, the required data can be collected completely, quietly, and with minimal disturbance without significant changes in the patient's position. The examination time is significantly shortened, reducing time deviation. The infant's hemodynamics are stabilized, interference factors are reduced, and the consistency of the 12-zone image background is greatly improved. This addresses the problem that existing neonatal lung ultrasound probes are typically 10-16MHz high-frequency linear array probes. When using similar probes for neonatal dorsal lung examinations, the infant needs to be placed in a lateral or prone position. However, neonates, especially premature infants, have immature hemodynamics and are often placed in nest-like care to mimic the intrauterine environment. Turning the newborn can cause disturbance, putting them at risk of significant hemodynamic fluctuations.

Claims

1. A novel probe design suitable for neonatal lung ultrasound scanning, comprising a probe body (1); characterized in that: It also includes a terminal scanning area (2) and a back scanning area (3). The upper end and the inner side of the probe body (1) are respectively provided with a terminal scanning area (2) and a back scanning area (3). Both the terminal scanning area (2) and the back scanning area (3) are provided with ultrasonic transducers for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves.

2. The novel probe design for neonatal lung ultrasound scanning according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower end of the probe body (1) is connected to a handle (5) by adjusting the knob (6), and the lower end of the handle (5) is fixedly connected to a connecting cable (7) for connecting to the ultrasonic testing instrument.

3. A new design probe suitable for neonatal lung ultrasound according to claim 2, characterized in that: The probe body (1) is shaped like a hockey ball. The angle between the probe body (1) and the end transducer part can be adjusted by turning the adjustment knob (6).

4. A new design probe suitable for neonatal lung ultrasound scanning according to claim 2, characterized in that: The lower left end of the probe body (1) near the handle (5) is provided with a button (4) for switching transducers. The ultrasonic transducer of the probe body (1) does not have special width requirements.

5. A new design probe suitable for neonatal lung ultrasound scanning according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ultrasound transducer section is appropriately lengthened so that the ultrasound transducer in the dorsal scanning area (3) can simultaneously and completely image the lateral to medial side of one lung.

6. A novel probe for neonatal lung ultrasound scanning according to claim 1, characterized in that: The terminal scanning area (2) is used to scan the child in any position and collect anterior and lateral ultrasound image data.

7. A new design probe suitable for neonatal lung ultrasound scanning according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ultrasound image data of the part in contact with the bird's nest nursing blanket in the posterior vertical direction is collected by scanning the dorsal scanning area (3) regardless of the child's position.

Images