Ultrasound probe with lateral configuration

Abstract

Ultrasound probe with lateral configuration The present disclosure relates to a non-invasive ultrasound probe (30) comprising a proximal portion (34), extending along a longitudinal axis (A1), and a distal portion (32) comprising: an output surface (36) configured to contact a medium of interest; and a plurality of transducer elements (38) configured to emit ultrasound (W) through the output surface (36) towards the medium of interest; wherein the output surface (36) is oriented laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis (A1). Figure for abstract: Figure 4

Description

Title of the invention: Ultrasonic probe with lateral configuration Prior art

[0001] The present disclosure relates to non-invasive ultrasound probes.

[0002] Ultrasonic devices today find numerous applications, in particular in the fields of acoustics, the study of materials, medical and veterinary imaging, as well as in the field of biomedicine.

[0003] For this purpose, an ultrasound device generally comprises an ultrasound probe controlled by means of electrical signals, these signals being for example transmitted between the probe and a control unit. The ultrasound probe comprises ultrasound transducer elements intended to emit and / or receive ultrasound waves to and / or from a region of interest. Thus, electrical signals representing ultrasound waves can be transmitted to and / or received from these transducer elements, causing the emission and / or reception of ultrasound waves in and / or from the medium in question.

[0004] Thus, from a series of insonifications of the medium by the transducer elements, it is possible to receive and analyze the echoes backscattered by this same medium. In ultrasound imaging for example, also called echography, the processing of these ultrasonic echoes makes it possible to generate various information relating to the medium studied, such as an image according to an appropriate mode, such as a B mode (i.e. a two-dimensional brightness mode), a Doppler mode or a shear wave elastography mode also called SWE for “ShearWave® Elastography”.

[0005] There is now a wide range of ultrasound probes with very varied configurations, particularly in terms of shape and dimensions. Unlike invasive probes, non-invasive probes are designed to be positioned on the surface of the medium to be studied, from outside the region (or medium) of interest, that is to say without intrusion of the probe into the medium in question. In the case, for example, of an ultrasound examination in a medical context, the non-invasive ultrasound probe is positioned in contact with the subject, with typically a gel deposited between the probe and the skin, promoting contact of the probe with the subject's skin. It is thus possible to examine an anatomical part without intrusion into the subject's body. It is then up to the operator to choose an ultrasound probe of suitable configuration depending on the desired objective and the implementation conditions.

[0006] During the examination, the operator can thus hold the ultrasound probe in his hand and apply it to the region of interest. However, it has been observed that, in certain cases, existing ultrasound probes do not always allow approaching and / or to access the region of interest satisfactorily. For example, if the space surrounding the region of interest is cramped or has particular access constraints, the operator may encounter difficulties in positioning and orienting the probe adequately. Such difficulties may also arise when the region of interest is relatively small, for example on the body of a child or an infant or small animal.

[0007] [Fig. 1] represents a particular example in which an operator holds an ultrasound probe 1 comprising a proximal part 4 and a distal part 2 extending in the extension of the proximal part 4. The operator applies the distal part 2 in contact with the region of interest 12 to be studied, namely a finger in this example. However, the restricted access conditions, linked in particular to the reduced size of the finger 12 as well as to the proximity of the other fingers of the hand in the close environment, hinder or prevent the correct positioning of the distal part 2 of the probe 1 opposite the region of interest. In this example, certain parts of the finger 12 may then be difficult, or even impossible, to scan correctly. Disclosure Statement

[0008] One of the objects of the present disclosure is to solve at least one of the problems or deficiencies described above.

[0009] In particular, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a non-invasive ultrasound probe guaranteeing good ergonomics and ease of use, including in situations where the region of interest is difficult to access.

[0010] In particular, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a non-invasive ultrasound probe capable of efficiently probing a medium of interest in a confined environment, for example an environment offering limited space in relation to the region of interest.

[0011] To this end, according to a first aspect, the present disclosure relates to a non-invasive ultrasound probe comprising: - a proximal portion extending along a longitudinal axis; and - a distal part comprising: • an output surface configured to contact a medium of interest; and • a plurality of transducer elements configured to emit ultrasound through the output surface toward the medium of interest; in which the outlet surface is oriented laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis.

[0012] The probe according to the first aspect of the disclosure may comprise other features which may be taken separately or in combination, in particular among the following embodiments which are presented for illustration purposes only and may be combined or associated unless otherwise stipulated.

[0013] According to one example, the proximal portion forms a grippable handle.

[0014] According to one example, the outlet surface is arranged so as to be distant from the longitudinal axis.

[0015] According to one example, the output surface is planar and is oriented according to a normal forming a non-zero angle 01 with the longitudinal axis.

[0016] According to one example, the outlet surface extends in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0017] According to one example, the output surface is convex and is oriented along an axis of symmetry forming a non-zero angle 01 with the longitudinal axis.

[0018] According to one example, the angle 01 is between 50° and 130°.

[0019] According to one example, the distal part, positioned in the extension of the part proximal, defines a lateral face relative to the longitudinal axis, the exit surface being defined in the lateral surface which is planar.

[0020] According to one example, the transducer elements are oriented to emit the ultrasound laterally relative to the longitudinal axis through the output surface.

[0021] According to one example, the transducer elements are oriented to emit the ultrasounds in at least one emission direction (D2) forming with the longitudinal axis an angle 02 of between 50° and 130°.

[0022] According to one example, at least a portion of the transducer elements forms a line of transducer elements extending along a second axis forming a non-zero angle θ3 with the longitudinal axis.

[0023] According to one example, the angle 03 is between 50° and 130°.

[0024] According to one example, the output surface is at least partly transparent in the frequency range of ultrasound emitted by the transducer elements.

[0025] According to one example, the transducer elements are piezoelectric transducers.

[0026] According to a second aspect, the present disclosure relates to an ultrasonic system comprising a probe according to the first aspect of the disclosure and a control unit configured to control the probe.

[0027] The present disclosure thus advantageously makes it possible to offer a non-invasive ultrasound probe guaranteeing good ergonomics and ease of use, including in situations where the region of interest is difficult to access. In particular, the disclosure advantageously makes it possible to offer a non-invasive ultrasound probe capable of effectively probing a medium of interest in a confined environment, for example an environment in which there is limited space available in relation to the region of interest. The disclosure also makes it possible to effectively probe relatively small elements.

[0028] The characteristics and advantages of the disclosure will appear more precisely on reading the description which follows, given solely as a non-limiting example, and made with reference to the appended figures. In particular, the illustrated examples in the figures may be combined with each other, except in the case of a mentioned or notorious inconsistency. Brief description of the figures

[0029] Other characteristics and advantages of the present disclosure will emerge from the description of the non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure below, with reference to the appended figures 1 to 9, in which:

[0030] [Fig-1] illustrates an ultrasonic probe, according to an example of the prior art;

[0031] [Fig.2] illustrates an ultrasonic probe, according to an example of the prior art;

[0032] [Fig.3] illustrates an ultrasonic probe, according to an example of the prior art;

[0033] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates an ultrasonic probe, according to at least one example of making this disclosure;

[0034] [Fig.5] represents an ultrasonic probe, according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] [Fig.6] represents an ultrasonic probe, according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] [Fig.7] represents an ultrasonic probe, according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] [Fig.8] schematically illustrates an ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic system comprising such a probe, according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0038] [Fig.9] schematically illustrates an ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic system comprising such a probe, according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Description of the embodiments

[0039] An ultrasonic probe, also called an ultrasonic probe or ultrasonic device or transducer device, is a device for transmitting and / or receiving ultrasonic waves, controllable by means of electrical signals, these signals being for example transmitted between the ultrasonic probe and a control unit of a control system.

[0040] [Fig. 2] represents the non-invasive ultrasound probe 1 of [Fig. 1], according to an example of the prior art. This probe 2 comprises a proximal part 4 and a distal part 2 extending in the extension of the proximal part 4. As illustrated, the distal part 2 constitutes the useful part comprising transducer elements 8 and an output surface 6. The transducer elements 8 are configured to emit ultrasonic waves W towards a region of interest 12 through the output surface 6. In use, the operator positions the output surface 6 in contact with the region of interest 12 in order to send ultrasonic waves W there, and possibly to receive an ultrasonic echo from the region 12 in response to the sent W waves. The operator can in particular use the proximal part 4 to hold the probe 1, this part 4 then serving as a handle.

[0041] As illustrated, the probe 1 has a conventional arrangement according to which the distal part 2 is positioned in the extension of the proximal part 4, along the longitudinal axis A1 (along the z direction) of this proximal part 4. The transducer elements 8 are further configured to emit the ultrasonic waves W along the longitudinal axis A1, i.e. towards the front of the probe. To do this, the transducer elements 8 can be arranged (or spatially distributed) so as to form at least one line of transducers along an axis A2 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A1.

[0042] In the example of [Fig.2], the contact surface 8 is flat so that it is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis AL. In other words, this contact surface 8 is oriented so that its normal (not shown) is parallel to the longitudinal axis AL.

[0043] The ultrasonic probe 1 of figures 1 and 2 is therefore structured according to a conventional straight configuration, that is to say a configuration designed to emit the ultrasonic waves W in the extension of the proximal part 4.

[0044] [Fig. 3] shows a non-invasive ultrasound probe 20 according to another example of the prior art. In this example, the probe 20 comprises a proximal portion 24 and a distal portion 22 extending in the extension of the proximal portion 24, in a manner analogous to the arrangement of the probe 1 shown in Figures 1-2. The probe 20 differs mainly from the probe 1 in that it comprises a convex (curved) contact surface 26, and not a flat surface like the surface 6 (Figures 1 and 2). This probe 20 nevertheless also has a conventional straight configuration in the sense that the output surface 26, through which the transducer elements (not shown) emit ultrasonic waves W, is oriented forwards, that is to say so that the axis of symmetry of the output surface 26 is parallel to the longitudinal axis A1 of the proximal part 24.

[0045] The straight configuration of the probes 1 and 20 shown in Figures 1 to 3 according to conventional arrangements presents constraints and limitations that the present disclosure intends to address. Indeed, this conventional configuration may be particularly unsuitable in certain use cases presenting certain constraints of access to the medium of interest, in particular when the environment of the region of interest is cramped or offers limited space opposite the region of interest, or when the element to be probed is relatively small. In certain cases, such as that illustrated for example in [Fig.l], it may be difficult, or even impossible, to correctly position and orient the ultrasonic probe in contact with the region of interest.

[0046] To this end, the disclosure provides a non-invasive ultrasound probe having a configuration allowing easy access to certain areas or regions of interest normally difficult to access with a conventional probe arrangement.

[0047] According to various embodiments, the non-invasive ultrasound probe of the disclosure comprises: - a proximal portion extending along a longitudinal axis; and - a distal part comprising: • an output surface configured to contact a medium of interest; and • a plurality of transducer elements configured to emit ultrasound through the output surface toward the medium of interest; in which the output surface is oriented laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis.

[0048] Thus, the ultrasonic probe of the disclosure has a lateral configuration according to which the output surface, through which the ultrasonic waves are emitted, is oriented laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the proximal part of the probe. This proximal part can, if necessary, be advantageously used as a gripping handle in the case where this probe is used, and therefore held manually, by a human operator or a robotic arm. This lateral configuration advantageously offers freedom of positions and movements near the region of interest, including in cramped environments or with limited space in relation to the region of interest.

[0049] Other aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will emerge from the exemplary embodiments described below with reference to the figures mentioned above.

[0050] Examples of implementation of a non-invasive ultrasound probe according to the disclosure will now be described in conjunction with Figures 3 to 9 provided for purely illustrative purposes.

[0051] Unless otherwise indicated, elements common or similar to several figures bear the same reference signs and have identical or similar characteristics, so that these common elements are generally not described again for the sake of simplicity.

[0052] The terms "first(s)", "second(s)", etc.) are used in this document by arbitrary convention to enable different elements (such as operations, devices, etc.) implemented in the embodiments described below to be identified and distinguished.

[0053] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the ultrasound probe of the disclosure are described without limitation in the context of medical imaging. More generally, the present disclosure can be implemented for purposes in particular of imaging and / or scanning, for example in the field of imaging. medical, radar, sonar, seismology, wireless communications, radio astronomy, acoustics and biomedicine.

[0054] Figures 4-7 depict an ultrasonic probe 30 according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

[0055] As illustrated, the ultrasonic probe 30 comprises a proximal portion 34, extending along a longitudinal axis A1, and a distal portion 32 positioned in the extension of the proximal portion 34. The proximal and distal portions may have various shapes and dimensions depending on the specific case and the desired purpose. In the examples considered, the proximal portion 34 forms an elongated member at the end of which the distal portion 32 is integrally arranged.

[0056] In the examples considered, the proximal portion 34 forms a grippable handle. A user (or operator) can then manually hold the ultrasound probe 34 by this handle, which guarantees a good grip of the device. It should be noted, however, that variants in which the probe 30 is designed to be handled or held by a machine are possible. In this case, the proximal portion 34 does not necessarily form a handle as such, although it extends along the longitudinal axis A1 as previously described.

[0057] The distal portion 32 comprises an output surface 36 (also called an ultrasonic interface surface or an ultrasonic interface window) configured to come into contact with a medium (or region) of interest denoted M. The distal portion 32 further comprises a plurality of transducer elements 38 (also called ultrasonic transducers or transducers) configured to emit ultrasound W through the output surface 36 towards the medium of interest M. To do this, the output surface 36 is at least partly transparent in the frequency range of the ultrasound W emitted by the transducer elements 38. The output surface 36 thus allows the ultrasonic waves W exchanged between the transducers 38 and the medium of interest M to pass, at least partially. The ultrasonic waves W emitted by the transducers 38 can thus propagate through the output surface 36 towards the region of interest M.If necessary, ultrasonic waves W forming an echo of the region of interest in response to the emitted waves can also propagate through this output surface 36 towards the transducers 38.

[0058] The transducer elements 38 may for example comprise piezoelectric elements (or crystals), and / or other components (for example CMUT elements for “capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer”), configured to generate, and possibly also to receive, ultrasonic waves. Each transducer element 38 may thus be configured to convert an electrical signal received (for example from a control unit as described below) into ultrasonic waves and / or vice versa. The nature of these waves depends on the probe 2 and the system to which it belongs, in particular in view of the use made of it and the objective sought.

[0059] As illustrated, the exit surface 36 is oriented laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis A1 of the proximal part 34. The structure of the probe 30 thus adopts a so-called lateral configuration, which is distinguished from the conventional straight configuration previously described by the fact that the exit surface 36 is not oriented forward, that is to say along the longitudinal axis A1, but is oriented laterally, that is to say along a lateral (or transverse) direction denoted DI ([Fig.4]) with respect to this longitudinal axis A1.

[0060] Due to its non-invasive nature, this ultrasound probe 30 is therefore designed to scan and / or probe the region of interest M by contact from outside said region, i.e. without intrusion into the region considered. Thus, in the use phase, the output surface 36 is applied, in contact (via for example a gel or fluid ensuring better contact), on the region of interest M to allow the exchange of ultrasound waves W between the transducer elements 38 and the region of interest M. An intermediate agent, such as a gel or other, may optionally be applied to the interface between the output surface 36 and the region of interest M to promote the transmission of the ultrasound waves W.

[0061] As illustrated by way of example in Figures 5-7, one side of the distal portion 32 comprising the output surface 36 is applied in contact against the region of interest M, namely a wall of a jaw or the edge of a finger to allow the emission of ultrasonic waves W from the transducer elements 38 towards the region of interest M.

[0062] The present disclosure thus advantageously makes it possible to offer a non-invasive ultrasound probe 30 guaranteeing good ergonomics and ease of use, including in situations where the region of interest M is difficult to access. This is possible in particular thanks to the lateral configuration of the output surface 36.

[0063] The disclosure advantageously makes it possible to offer a non-invasive ultrasound probe 30 capable of effectively probing a medium of interest M in a confined environment, for example an environment in which there is limited space opposite (or in the vicinity of) the region of interest M. The disclosure also makes it possible to effectively probe elements of relatively small size, such as for example a jaw wall or a lateral face of a finger.

[0064] As shown for example in [Fig. 5], if the ultrasound probe 20 had a traditional straight configuration (and not a lateral configuration as shown here), it would not allow easy access to the region of interest M. The presence of anatomical parts of the subject in the vicinity of the region of interest M would make it difficult, if not impossible, to perform ultrasound probing with an exit surface located in the extension of the longitudinal axis Al of the proximal part of the probe (according to a traditional straight configuration).

[0065] It is understood that the configuration of an ultrasound probe depends on its function and therefore on the intended use. The ultrasound probe according to the disclosure is a non-invasive probe which imposes certain technical constraints linked to its non-invasive use, this type of probe having to respond to constraints and challenges very different from invasive ultrasound probes (different operational environments, different technical constraints, different operating conditions, etc.). By nature, the probe of the disclosure is therefore not intended to be inserted into the region of interest, such as for example in the body of a subject in the case of an ultrasound examination.The non-invasive use of the probe of the disclosure requires the presence of a contact surface large enough to probe the region of interest considered from outside of it, unlike invasive ultrasound probes which generally have limited dimensions to allow easy introduction into the medium of interest. Non-invasive examinations typically require a forward-facing exit surface, which may prove to be the most ergonomic in use in certain situations since the user naturally aims forward, that is to say in the extension of the proximal part (along the longitudinal axis of the proximal part).However, unlike the straight configuration which is generally adopted for non-invasive use, the disclosure provides a so-called lateral configuration as previously described, which overcomes the problems and limitations of conventional non-invasive ultrasound probe arrangements.

[0066] As illustrated in particular in the example of [Fig.6], the outlet surface 36 is arranged so as to be distant from the longitudinal axis A1 of the proximal part 34. In other words, the outlet surface 36 is deposited opposite the longitudinal axis A1. This axis A1 therefore does not intersect the contact surface 36. This offset lateral configuration can advantageously facilitate the application of the contact surface 36 to the region of interest M in certain constrained environments.

[0067] According to one example, the exit surface 36 is a planar surface oriented laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis A1 of the proximal part 34, which may be particularly suitable for probing certain media of interest. The planar exit surface 36 may for example be oriented according to a normal (not shown) forming a non-zero angle θ1 with the longitudinal axis A1 ([Fig.4]). In other words, the normal of the exit surface 36 defines a non-zero angle θ1 with the longitudinal axis A1. This angle θ1 may for example be between 50° and 130° in the case of a planar exit surface 36, for example equal or substantially equal to 90°, which allows advantageously to easily probe a region of interest M positioned laterally relative to the distal portion 32 of the probe 30.

[0068] According to one example, the output surface 36 is planar and arranged so that its normal forms with the longitudinal axis A1 an angle 01 equal, or substantially equal, to 90° (normal perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A1). In this case, the output surface 36 then extends in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis. In the example considered in FIGS. 4 to 7, the plane in which the output surface 36 extends is distinct from (does not include) the longitudinal axis A1. According to one variant, the ultrasonic probe 30 is configured so that the plane in which the output surface 36 extends includes the longitudinal axis A1.

[0069] Exemplary embodiments in which the output surface 36 is not planar are also possible. According to one example, the output surface 36 is convex and oriented along an axis of symmetry forming a non-zero angle θ1 with the longitudinal axis A1. This angle θ1 may for example be between 50° and 130°. According to one example, the output surface 36 is convex and arranged so that its normal forms with the longitudinal axis A1 an angle θ1 equal, or substantially equal, to 90° (normal perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A1). This advantageously makes it possible to easily probe a region of interest M positioned laterally relative to the distal portion 32 of the probe 30.

[0070] According to one example, the distal portion 32 extends along a second axis A2 forming a non-zero angle 03 with the longitudinal axis A1. This angle 03 is for example between 50° and 90°. According to one example, the proximal 34 and distal 32 portions together define an elbow or an L-shape.

[0071] According to one example, the transducer elements 38 are oriented to emit the ultrasounds W laterally relative to the longitudinal axis Al through the output surface 36. The transducer elements 38 may for example be oriented to emit the ultrasounds W in at least one emission direction D2 (figures 4 and 6-7) forming with the longitudinal axis Al an angle 02 of between 50° and 130°, which advantageously allows optimal access for optimal visualization of the region of interest M.

[0072] According to one example, at least a portion of the transducer elements 38 forms a line of transducer elements 38 extending along an axis which may for example be the axis A2 (or an axis parallel to A2) along which the distal portion 32 extends, although other orientations of this line of transducers are possible.

[0073] According to an example shown in figures 5 to 7, the distal part 32, positioned in the extension of the proximal part 34, defines a lateral face 33 relative to the longitudinal axis A1. The lateral face 33 is planar and the outlet surface 36 is defined (or included) in this lateral surface 33. This lateral face 33 can for example extend parallel, or substantially parallel, to the longitudinal axis A1. The provision of such a flat lateral face 33 can advantageously facilitate the positioning of the output surface 36 against the region of interest M in certain cases, for example in the case of a region of interest having a relatively flat surface to be probed and / or comprising materials (for example organic tissues, human or other, such as a finger, adipose tissues, etc.) which are relatively soft or elastic (for example materials which are deformable in contact with the lateral face 33).

[0074] According to one example, the lateral face 33 has a general foot shape extending from the distal end of the proximal part 34. The distal part 32 thus forms a free part comprising the lateral face 33 in which the outlet surface 36 is formed.

[0075] As shown in [Fig.8] by way of example, the ultrasound probe 30 previously described can be controlled by means of electrical signals SGI sent by a control unit 31. In response to these signals, the probe 30 thus emits ultrasonic waves (or pulses) W towards the region of interest M. In the case where the probe 30 also operates in reception, the control unit 31 can also be configured to receive and process electrical signals SGI generated by the probe 30 in response to ultrasonic echoes W received from the region of interest M.

[0076] To do this, the ultrasonic probe 30 and the control unit 31 can be associated in various ways depending on the case, for example by a wired connection or by a wireless connection. The ultrasonic probe 30 and the control unit 31 together form an ultrasonic system SY1.

[0077] The ultrasound system S Y1 may be an imaging system, for example in the medical field. Consequently, the ultrasound probe 30 may for example be an ultrasound probe.

[0078] For example, the control unit 31 can be associated with the ultrasound probe 30, in order to study a medium M, in particular to collect ultrasound data from such a medium M. The medium M thus observed can be of various natures depending on the case. It can be for example living tissues and / or in particular human tissues. The observation of a medium M comprising one or more mineral structures for example is also possible (gravel, volcano, etc.).

[0079] According to other examples, the ultrasound probe 30, and more generally the system SY1, are configured for communication, imaging or scanning purposes, for example in the field of medical imaging, radar, sonar, seismology, wireless communications, radio astronomy, acoustics and biomedicine.

[0080] [Fig.9] represents an example of implementation of the ultrasound probe 30 and the ultrasound system SY1 taking here the form of an ultrasound imaging system. The control unit 31, connected in this example by a wired connection to the ultrasound probe 30, is included in the body of a control station. This station may include various components (control panel, display screen, etc.) useful for controlling the probe 30 and for implementing various functions such as an ultrasound imaging function.

[0081] The data processed by the control unit 31 can be associated with an ultrasound image of different types, which can be:

[0082] - a middle B-mode image (B-mode image) usually displayed in levels gray allowing to visualize the organs present inside the environment, and / or

[0083] - a so-called Doppler image, showing the movements of fluids in the medium observed, for example the speed of movement and / or the flow of fluids in the medium (image often using color codes), for example useful for visualizing blood vessels and their activities in the medium, or

[0084] - an image showing a mechanical characteristic of the medium (elasticity), for useful example for identifying areas of different hardness that may turn out to be tumors present in the medium (e.g., ShearWave™ Elastography image data).

[0085] As understood by a person skilled in the art, all the embodiments and variants described above, some of which have been deliberately simplified to facilitate explanations, constitute only non-limiting examples of implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, a person skilled in the art may envisage any adaptation or combination of the embodiments and variants described above, in order to meet a particular need.

[0086] The present disclosure is therefore not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above but extends in particular to a control method which would include secondary steps without thereby departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The same would apply to a control device, or more generally to a control system, for the implementation of such a method.

Claims

Claims

1. A non-invasive ultrasound probe (30) comprising: - a proximal portion (34) extending along a longitudinal axis (Al); and - a distal portion (32) comprising: • an output surface (36) configured to come into contact with a medium of interest (M); and • a plurality of transducer elements (38) configured to emit ultrasound through the output surface towards the medium of interest; wherein the output surface is oriented laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis.

2. A probe according to claim 1, wherein the proximal portion forms a grippable handle.

3. A probe according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the outlet surface is arranged to be spaced from the longitudinal axis.

4. Probe according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the output surface (36) is planar and is oriented according to a normal forming a non-zero angle 01 with the longitudinal axis (Al).

5. A probe according to claim 4, wherein the outlet surface (36) extends in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis (Al).

6. Probe according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the output surface (36) is convex and is oriented along an axis of symmetry forming a non-zero angle 01 with the longitudinal axis (Al).

7. A probe according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the angle θ1 is between 50° and 130°.

8. Probe according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in which the distal part, positioned in the extension of the proximal part, defines a lateral face (33) relative to the longitudinal axis, the exit surface being defined in the lateral face which is planar.

9. A probe according to any preceding claim, wherein the transducer elements (38) are oriented to emit the ultrasound (W) laterally relative to the longitudinal axis through the output surface.

10. A probe according to claim 9, wherein the transducer elements are oriented to emit ultrasound in at least one direction an emission direction (D2) forming with the longitudinal axis (Al) an angle 02 between 50° and 130°.

11. A probe according to any preceding claim, wherein at least a portion of the transducer elements forms a line of transducer elements extending along a second axis (A2) forming a non-zero angle θ3 with the longitudinal axis (A1).

12. A probe according to claim 11, wherein the angle θ3 is between 50° and 130°.

13. A probe according to any preceding claim, wherein the output surface (36) is at least partly transparent in the frequency range of the ultrasound emitted by the transducer elements.

14. A probe according to any preceding claim, wherein the transducer elements are piezoelectric transducers.

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