An oesophageal ultrasound probe protective sleeve

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of ultrasonic probe protection devices, and provides a transesophageal ultrasonic probe protection sleeve, which comprises a bite sleeve, a protection sleeve and an elastic constriction ring, a probe hole is arranged through the bite sleeve, the protection sleeve is coaxially arranged in the probe hole, the protection sleeve has opposite open ends and a closed end, the open end is connected with the bite sleeve, the elastic constriction ring is sleeved on the protection sleeve, and the protection sleeve is constrained by the elastic constriction ring to form a sealed coupling agent cavity for accommodating the coupling agent. The utility model discloses the closed end of the protection sleeve is formed into a sealed coupling agent cavity by arranging the elastic constriction ring sleeve on the protection sleeve, the coupling agent cavity can be pre-filled with the coupling agent before use or in production, pollution caused by manual smearing can be avoided during use, the elastic constriction ring is stretched by being extruded by the probe when the protection sleeve is sleeved, the probe can be inserted into the elastic constriction ring at the moment, a sealed cavity is formed between the probe and the closed end of the protection sleeve, the coupling agent is difficult to disperse, and the image acquisition quality is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of ultrasonic probe protection devices, and more particularly to a protective sleeve for a transesophageal ultrasonic probe. Background Technology

[0002] Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is an examination method that involves inserting an ultrasound probe through the mouth into the esophagus to examine the heart's structure and blood flow from behind. Because it allows observation of internal cardiac lesions from behind the heart, it eliminates the influence of lung gas on the cardiac examination, thus providing clearer images than traditional transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). It is suitable for obese patients, those with emphysema (or other conditions where transthoracic echocardiography is ineffective), and for surgeries requiring intraoperative monitoring of cardiac function. TEE can provide detailed assessments of valvular function, intracardiac thrombi, and cardiac tumors, and can also monitor cardiac motion and function in real time, providing crucial information for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

[0003] Currently, transesophageal ultrasound probes are generally not covered by protective sleeves during use, requiring thorough cleaning and disinfection after each use, which is quite cumbersome. Protective sleeves have been developed to address this issue, preventing direct contact between the transesophageal ultrasound probe and the patient, thus significantly reducing the workload of cleaning the probe. However, current protective sleeves often have poor fit with the probe, leading to gaps of varying sizes between the probe and the sleeve during examination, affecting image quality. Therefore, medical staff often add coupling gel inside the protective sleeve to improve image quality. However, manually applying the coupling gel can easily cause contamination, and the gel can be easily dispersed by pressure from the protective sleeve, resulting in less coupling gel around the probe tip and further impacting image quality. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of this application is to provide a protective sleeve for a transesophageal ultrasound probe, which aims to solve the problem that existing probe protective sleeves can easily affect the image acquisition quality of the probe.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by this application to solve the technical problem is as follows: a transesophageal ultrasound probe protective sleeve, comprising: a mouthpiece sleeve, the mouthpiece sleeve having a proximal end and a distal end opposite to each other, the mouthpiece sleeve having a probe hole through it facing the distal end, the distal end being used for insertion into the oral cavity;

[0006] A protective sleeve is coaxially disposed inside the probe hole. The protective sleeve has an open end and a closed end facing each other. The open end is connected to the bite sleeve, and the closed end is oriented toward the distal end.

[0007] An elastic retaining ring is sleeved on the protective sleeve, and the protective sleeve is constrained by the elastic retaining ring to form a sealed coupling agent cavity, which is used to contain the coupling agent.

[0008] Furthermore, the transesophageal ultrasound probe protective sleeve also includes a sealing cap, which is detachably mounted on the bite sleeve and is used to form a sealed cavity with the probe hole and the protective sleeve.

[0009] Furthermore, the transesophageal ultrasound probe protective sleeve also includes: a lubricant groove, the lubricant groove being disposed within the bite sleeve, the lubricant groove being used to contain lubricant, and the lubricant groove being disposed between the proximal end and the open end;

[0010] An isolation membrane is provided to cover the opening of the lubricant tank, and the isolation membrane is used to separate the lubricant tank from the probe hole.

[0011] Furthermore, a lubricant cavity is formed between the lubricant groove and the isolation membrane, and the lubricant cavity is used to create a positive pressure environment.

[0012] Furthermore, the lubricant groove is annular in shape and is coaxially arranged with the bite sleeve.

[0013] Furthermore, the isolation membrane protrudes from the inner wall of the probe hole.

[0014] Furthermore, the transesophageal ultrasound probe protective sleeve also includes a storage groove, the storage groove being annular in shape and coaxially arranged with the bite sleeve, the storage groove being used to store the protective sleeve, and the open end passing through the opening of the storage groove and connected to the inner wall of the storage groove.

[0015] Furthermore, the surface of the storage slot facing the far end is an arc surface.

[0016] Furthermore, the transesophageal ultrasound probe protective sleeve also includes: an anti-scratch ring, which is fitted onto the bite sleeve, the hardness of the anti-scratch ring is not greater than the hardness of the bite sleeve, and the storage groove is respectively provided on the anti-scratch ring and the bite sleeve.

[0017] Furthermore, the transesophageal ultrasound probe protective sleeve also includes a fixing strap, the two ends of which are detachably disposed at the proximal end.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, this utility model sets an elastic convergence ring on the protective sleeve, thereby forming a sealed coupling agent cavity at the closed end of the protective sleeve. Coupling agent can be pre-filled in the coupling agent cavity before use or during production. This avoids contamination caused by manual application during use. When the protective sleeve is put on, the elastic convergence ring is stretched by the pressure of the probe, and the probe can be inserted into it, so that a sealed cavity is formed between the probe and the closed end of the protective sleeve, making it difficult for the coupling agent to disperse and improving the image acquisition quality. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the transesophageal ultrasound probe protective sleeve provided in this embodiment in one state;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the transesophageal ultrasound probe protective sleeve provided in this embodiment in another state;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the transesophageal ultrasound probe protective sleeve provided in another embodiment;

[0023] Figure 4 This is another embodiment. Figure 3 A magnified schematic diagram of the structure at point A in the middle.

[0024] In the diagram: 100, bite sleeve; 110, proximal end; 120, distal end; 130, probe hole; 140, lubricant tank; 150, isolation membrane; 160, storage tank; 200, protective sleeve; 210, open end; 220, closed end; 230, coupling agent cavity; 300, elastic gathering ring; 400, anti-scratch ring; 500, fixing strap. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0026] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0027] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0028] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of the present invention described above can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0029] This utility model provides, for example Figures 1 to 4 The present invention provides a transesophageal ultrasound probe protective sleeve, which aims to address the shortcomings of existing probe protective sleeves 200 that easily affect the quality of probe image acquisition.

[0030] The protective sleeve for this transesophageal ultrasound probe mainly includes: a mouthpiece 100, a protective sleeve 200, and an elastic constriction ring 300. The mouthpiece 100 has a proximal end 110 and a distal end 120 facing each other. The mouthpiece 100 has a probe hole 130 through it facing the distal end 120. The distal end 120 is used for insertion into the oral cavity.

[0031] Specifically, the bite cover 100 is used to isolate the patient's teeth and is placed on the probe to prevent the patient's teeth from directly contacting the probe.

[0032] The protective sleeve 200 is coaxially disposed inside the probe hole 130. The protective sleeve 200 has an open end 210 and a closed end 220, which are opposite to each other. The open end 210 is connected to the bite sleeve 100, and the closed end 220 is set towards the distal end 120.

[0033] In actual use, medical staff can insert the distal end 120 of the bite sleeve 100 into the patient's mouth. The patient can bite on the bite sleeve 100 to indirectly fix the protective sleeve 200. Then, the medical staff can insert the probe into the probe hole 130 through the opening at the proximal end 110. When the probe moves, it will contact the closed end 220 of the protective sleeve 200. As the probe continues to move, it will drive the closed end 220 of the protective sleeve 200 toward the patient's mouth. Since the open end 210 is connected to the bite sleeve 100, the bite sleeve 100 can provide a force away from the patient's mouth on the protective sleeve 200. Therefore, the probe can be gradually inserted into the protective sleeve 200, so that the protective sleeve 200 wraps around the probe, completing the process of putting on the protective sleeve 200.

[0034] The elastic constriction ring 300 is sleeved on the protective sleeve 200. The protective sleeve 200 is constrained by the elastic constriction ring 300 to form a sealed coupling agent cavity 230, which is used to contain the coupling agent.

[0035] Specifically, if the protective sleeve 200 does not fit snugly against the probe, gaps of varying sizes may exist between the probe and the patient's tissue during examination, affecting image quality. Therefore, coupling agent needs to be added inside the protective sleeve 200 to improve image quality. However, if a smaller protective sleeve 200 is used to ensure a tight fit, the coupling agent will be compressed and dispersed, reducing the amount of coupling agent around the probe tip and affecting image quality. Therefore, with the above structure, after the probe is inserted into the protective sleeve 200 and the elastic retaining ring 300, the elastic retaining ring 300 can press the protective sleeve 200 tightly against the probe, forming a sealed cavity between the probe and the closed end 220 of the protective sleeve 200. The coupling agent within the sealed cavity is difficult to disperse and concentrates at the probe tip, effectively improving image quality.

[0036] Currently, transesophageal ultrasound probes are generally not covered by protective sleeves during use, requiring thorough cleaning and disinfection after each use, which is quite cumbersome. Protective sleeves have been developed to address this issue, preventing direct contact between the transesophageal ultrasound probe and the patient, thus significantly reducing the workload of cleaning the probe. However, current protective sleeves often have poor fit with the probe, leading to gaps of varying sizes between the probe and the sleeve during examination, affecting image quality. Therefore, medical staff often add coupling gel inside the protective sleeve to improve image quality. However, manually applying the coupling gel can easily cause contamination, and the gel can be easily dispersed by pressure from the protective sleeve, resulting in less coupling gel around the probe tip and further impacting image quality.

[0037] This invention creates a sealed coupling agent cavity 230 at the closed end 220 of the protective sleeve 200 by setting an elastic constriction ring 300 on the protective sleeve 200. Coupling agent can be pre-filled in the coupling agent cavity 230 before use or during production, avoiding contamination caused by manual application during use. When the protective sleeve 200 is put on, the elastic constriction ring 300 is stretched by the probe, allowing the probe to be inserted into it, thus forming a sealed cavity between the probe and the closed end 220 of the protective sleeve 200. This makes it difficult for the coupling agent to disperse, improving the image acquisition quality.

[0038] In some embodiments, the transesophageal ultrasound probe protective sleeve further includes a sealing cap (not shown in the figure), the sealing cap being detachably disposed on the bite sleeve 100, the sealing cap being used to form a sealed cavity with the probe hole 130 and the protective sleeve 200.

[0039] Specifically, the sealing cap can be made of plastic and connected by threads or snaps, or it can be made of waterproof paper and bonded by adhesive or other methods. In actual use, the elastic retractable ring 300 may not be able to ensure a complete seal of the coupling agent cavity 230, which may easily lead to the coupling agent leaking into the probe hole 130. By setting the sealing cap, a sealed cavity (which can be filled with inert gas) can be formed between the probe hole 130 and the protective sleeve 200, preventing the coupling agent from leaking to the outside through the probe hole 130. At the same time, it can also keep the coupling agent sealed and extend its shelf life.

[0040] In some embodiments, such as Figures 3 to 4 As shown, the transesophageal ultrasound probe protective sleeve also includes: a lubricant groove 140, which is disposed inside the bite sleeve 100, and is used to contain lubricant. The lubricant groove 140 is disposed between the proximal end 110 and the open end 210.

[0041] An isolation membrane 150 is provided to cover the opening of the lubricant tank 140 and is used to separate the lubricant tank 140 from the probe hole 130.

[0042] Specifically, the lubricant groove 140 can also be used to hold coupling agent, mainly to reduce the friction of the probe during insertion into the protective sleeve 200 to protect the protective sleeve 200. It should be noted that the isolation diaphragm 150 can be made of a material with high hardness, which can easily cause deformation of the isolation diaphragm 150 when the probe comes into contact with it, thus making it more prone to breakage.

[0043] In actual use, medical staff can insert the probe into the probe hole 130 with the distal end 120 facing outwards. When the probe comes into contact with the isolation membrane 150, it will apply pressure to the isolation membrane 150. When the probe continues to move towards the distal end 120, it can break the isolation membrane 150, thereby allowing the lubricant in the lubricant groove 140 to flow out and cover the outer surface of the probe, thereby filling the gap between the probe and the protective sleeve 200, thereby reducing the friction between the probe and the protective sleeve 200, making it easier to insert the protective sleeve 200 into the probe.

[0044] In some embodiments, such as Figures 3 to 4 As shown, furthermore, a lubricant cavity is formed between the lubricant groove 140 and the isolation membrane 150, the lubricant cavity being used to create a positive pressure environment.

[0045] Specifically, when the probe comes into contact with the diaphragm 150, it will cause the diaphragm 150 to deform. Since the lubricant cavity is under positive pressure, the diaphragm 150 will be more likely to rupture.

[0046] In some embodiments, such as Figures 3 to 4 As shown, the lubricant groove 140 is annular in shape and is coaxially arranged with the bite sleeve 100.

[0047] Specifically, the isolation membrane 150 is also annular. In actual use, when the probe comes into contact with the isolation membrane 150, the isolation membrane 150 will wrap around the probe. When the probe breaks the isolation membrane 150, it will cause multiple ruptures in the isolation membrane 150, so that the lubricant can be evenly "coated" on the probe, thus replacing the effect of manually applying the lubricant.

[0048] In some embodiments, such as Figures 3 to 4 As shown, the isolation membrane 150 protrudes from the inner wall of the probe hole 130.

[0049] Specifically, the above structure can increase the contact area between the probe and the isolation membrane 150, and also increase the pressure applied by the probe to the isolation membrane 150, thereby making it easier for the probe to break the isolation membrane 150.

[0050] In some embodiments, such as Figures 3 to 4 As shown, the transesophageal ultrasound probe protective sleeve also includes: a storage groove 160, which is annular in shape and coaxially arranged with the bite sleeve 100. The storage groove 160 is used to store the protective sleeve 200, and the open end 210 passes through the opening of the storage groove 160 and is connected to the inner wall of the storage groove 160.

[0051] In practical use, most of the protective sleeves 200 can be stored in the storage slot 160, and the protective sleeves 200 can be stacked in the storage slot 160. During actual use, medical personnel can insert the probe into the probe hole 130 with the distal end 120 facing outwards. When the probe contacts the closed end 220 of the protective sleeve 200, it provides a force towards the distal end 120, thereby driving the protective sleeve 200 away from the storage slot 160 in the direction towards the distal end 120. It should be noted that the open end 210 can be connected to the inner wall of the storage slot 160 by means of adhesive, snap-fit, or other methods.

[0052] In some embodiments, such as Figures 3 to 4 As shown (not indicated), the surface of the end of the storage slot 160 facing the distal end 120 is curved.

[0053] In actual use, when the protective cover 200 leaves the storage slot 160 in the direction toward the far end 120, it will come into contact with the surface of the storage slot 160 toward the far end 120. By setting this surface as an arc surface, the friction force on the protective cover 200 can be reduced, thus preventing the protective cover 200 from being scratched and serving the function of the protective cover 200.

[0054] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the transesophageal ultrasound probe protective sleeve also includes: an anti-scratching ring 400, which is fitted onto the bite sleeve 100. The hardness of the anti-scratching ring 400 is not greater than the hardness of the bite sleeve 100, and the storage groove 160 is respectively provided on the anti-scratching ring 400 and the bite sleeve 100.

[0055] Specifically, the anti-scratch ring 400 can cover the distal end 120 of the mouthpiece 100, which can prevent the mouthpiece 100 from cutting the patient's gums.

[0056] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the transesophageal ultrasound probe protective sleeve also includes: a fixing strap 500, the two ends of which are detachably disposed at the proximal end 110.

[0057] In actual use, the fixing strap 500 is detachable, which makes it convenient for conscious outpatients to use (conscious outpatients do not need the fixing strap 500, and can fix the protective sleeve 200 by biting the straight bite mouth cover 100).

[0058] In summary, a transesophageal ultrasound probe protective sleeve is provided, comprising a bite-on sleeve, a protective sleeve, and an elastic retaining ring. The bite-on sleeve has a probe hole through it, and the protective sleeve is coaxially disposed within the probe hole. The protective sleeve has opposing open and closed ends, with the open end connected to the bite-on sleeve. The elastic retaining ring is fitted onto the protective sleeve, and the protective sleeve, constrained by the elastic retaining ring, forms a sealed couplant cavity for containing the couplant. This invention, by providing an elastic retaining ring on the protective sleeve, creates a sealed couplant cavity at the closed end of the protective sleeve. Coupling agent can be pre-filled into the cavity before use or during production, avoiding contamination caused by manual application during use. Furthermore, when the protective sleeve is fitted, the elastic retaining ring is stretched by the probe, allowing the probe to be inserted, thus forming a sealed cavity between the probe and the closed end of the protective sleeve, making it difficult for the couplant to disperse and improving image quality.

[0059] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely illustrative examples for clear explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. However, obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A protective sleeve for a transesophageal ultrasound probe, characterized in that, include: A mouthpiece, having a proximal end and a distal end facing each other, wherein a probe hole is provided through the mouthpiece toward the distal end, and the distal end is used for insertion into the oral cavity; A protective sleeve is coaxially disposed inside the probe hole. The protective sleeve has an open end and a closed end facing each other. The open end is connected to the bite sleeve, and the closed end is oriented toward the distal end. An elastic retaining ring is sleeved on the protective sleeve, and the protective sleeve is constrained by the elastic retaining ring to form a sealed coupling agent cavity, which is used to contain the coupling agent.

2. The transesophageal ultrasound probe protective sleeve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transesophageal ultrasound probe protective sleeve also includes a sealing cap, which is detachably mounted on the bite sleeve and is used to form a sealed cavity with the probe hole and the protective sleeve.

3. The transesophageal ultrasound probe protective sleeve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transesophageal ultrasound probe protective sleeve also includes: a lubricant groove, which is disposed inside the bite sleeve and is used to contain lubricant. The lubricant groove is located between the proximal end and the opening end. An isolation membrane is provided to cover the opening of the lubricant tank, and the isolation membrane is used to separate the lubricant tank from the probe hole.

4. The transesophageal ultrasound probe protective sleeve according to claim 3, characterized in that, A lubricant cavity is formed between the lubricant tank and the isolation membrane, and the lubricant cavity is used to create a positive pressure environment.

5. The transesophageal ultrasound probe protective sleeve according to claim 3, characterized in that, The lubricant groove is annular in shape and is coaxially arranged with the bite sleeve.

6. The transesophageal ultrasound probe protective sleeve according to claim 3, characterized in that, The isolation membrane protrudes from the inner wall of the probe hole.

7. The transesophageal ultrasound probe protective sleeve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transesophageal ultrasound probe protective sleeve also includes a storage groove, which is annular in shape and coaxially arranged with the bite sleeve. The storage groove is used to store the protective sleeve, and the open end passes through the opening of the storage groove and is connected to the inner wall of the storage groove.

8. The transesophageal ultrasound probe protective sleeve according to claim 7, characterized in that, The surface of the end of the storage slot facing the far end is curved.

9. The transesophageal ultrasound probe protective sleeve according to claim 7, characterized in that, The transesophageal ultrasound probe protective sleeve also includes: an anti-scratch ring, which is fitted onto the bite sleeve. The hardness of the anti-scratch ring is not greater than the hardness of the bite sleeve, and the storage groove is respectively provided on the anti-scratch ring and the bite sleeve.

10. The transesophageal ultrasound probe protective sleeve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transesophageal ultrasound probe protective sleeve also includes a fixing strap, the two ends of which are detachably disposed at the proximal end.

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