Ultrasound probe disinfection system and method

Abstract

A system and method for sterilizing an ultrasonic probe includes a sterilization module operatively and physically coupled to an ultrasound imaging system including the ultrasonic probe. The sterilization module is configured to define a high-level sterilization process by exposing an exterior surface of the ultrasonic probe to UV light. A sensor determines when the ultrasonic probe is placed within a sterilization cavity of the sterilization module, and logic manages operation of a UV light source. The logic determines the contamination level of the probe and defines an appropriate sterilization level. Exposing the probe to hydrogen peroxide is an alternative to UV light. Upon placing the probe within the cavity, the logic may initiate the high-level sterilization process.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] The application of ultrasound imaging during medical procedures continues to expand. As a result, the risk of patients contracting diseases or infections through the ultrasound imaging process also increases. Because ultrasound probes are in direct contact with patients, including bodily fluids such as blood, disinfecting ultrasound probes is a key aspect in preventing the transmission of viruses, bacteria, or other forms of contamination between patients. The disinfection process for ultrasound probes is sometimes performed manually by clinicians and can require a significant amount of time, resulting in labor costs and downtime for the ultrasound probe.

[0002] Disclosed herein is a system and method for automatically applying a high-level disinfection process to an ultrasound probe that addresses the foregoing. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to some embodiments, disclosed herein is an ultrasound imaging system including: (i) an ultrasonic probe having a probe body extending between a proximal end and a distal end, the probe body defining an exterior surface; (ii) a sterilization module configured to apply a high-level sterilization process to at least a portion of the exterior surface, the sterilization module including a sterilization housing defining a cavity configured to receive the ultrasonic probe therein; and (iii) a system module having a display and a console coupled to the ultrasonic probe and the sterilization module, the console including one or more processors and a non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon logic that, when executed by the one or more processors, causes operations including initiating a high-level sterilization process to sterilize at least a portion of the exterior surface.

[0004] In some embodiments, the sterilization module and the system module are mounted on a wheeled stand. In some embodiments, the disinfection housing is at least one of: (i) directly coupled to the housing of the system module; or (ii) integrated into the housing of the system module.

[0005] In some embodiments, the disinfecting housing includes a drawer that defines a cavity. In some embodiments, the cavity includes a slot extending downward from the top end of the disinfectant housing, the slot configured to receive the ultrasonic probe therein such that (i) at least a portion of the outer surface is disposed within the cavity and (ii) the distal end of the probe body faces toward the bottom end of the disinfectant housing.

[0006] In some embodiments, at least one of the sterilization module or the ultrasonic probe includes a presence sensor configured to detect the presence of the ultrasonic probe in the cavity, and the operation includes initiating a high-level sterilization process based on a signal from the presence sensor.

[0007] In some embodiments, the cavity is configured to orient the ultrasonic probe so that the distal end of the probe body faces vertically upward. In some embodiments, the ultrasonic probe includes an orientation sensor including at least one of a gyroscope or an accelerometer configured to determine that the distal end of the probe body faces vertically upward.

[0008] In some embodiments, the action includes initiating the high-level disinfection process upon receiving input from a clinician, including one or more of pressing a button, touching a user interface screen, or issuing a voice command.

[0009] In some embodiments, the operations include comparing a usage parameter of the ultrasound probe to a usage threshold stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium. As a result of the comparison, the operations may include (i) applying a first disinfection level when the usage parameter is less than the threshold, or (ii) applying a second disinfection level greater than the first disinfection level when the usage parameter exceeds the threshold.

[0010] In some embodiments, applying a high-level disinfection process comprises exposing at least a portion of the exterior surface to ultraviolet light having a wavelength of about 100 nm to 400 nm, hi some embodiments, applying a high-level disinfection process comprises exposing at least a portion of the exterior surface to a hydrogen peroxide solution.

[0011] Also disclosed herein, according to some embodiments, is an ultrasonic probe including a probe body extending between a proximal end and a distal end, the probe body defining an exterior surface, the ultrasonic probe configured to disinfect at least a portion of the exterior surface via a high-level disinfection process when the ultrasonic probe is positioned within a cavity of a disinfection module, and the ultrasonic probe and disinfection module are coupleable to an ultrasonic system module.

[0012] In some embodiments of the probe, at least one of the ultrasonic probe or the sterilization module includes a presence sensor, in which the ultrasonic probe is configured to activate the presence sensor based on the presence of the ultrasonic probe in the cavity, and the ultrasonic system module is configured to activate the high-level sterilization process based on a signal from the presence sensor.

[0013] In some embodiments of the probe, the cavity is configured to orient the ultrasonic probe so that the distal end of the probe body faces vertically upward, and the ultrasonic probe includes an orientation sensor including at least one of a gyroscope or an accelerometer configured to determine that the distal end of the probe body faces vertically upward. In such embodiments, the ultrasonic system module is configured to activate a high-level disinfection process based on a signal from the orientation sensor.

[0014] Also disclosed herein, according to some embodiments, is a method of sterilizing an ultrasonic probe, the method comprising: (i) detecting the presence of an ultrasonic probe within a cavity of a sterilization module, the ultrasonic probe including a probe body defining an outer surface extending between a proximal end and a distal end of the ultrasonic probe; and (ii) applying a high-level sterilization process to at least a portion of the outer surface once the ultrasonic probe is positioned within the cavity of the sterilization module.

[0015] In some embodiments of the method, applying the high-level disinfection process includes exposing at least a portion of the exterior surface to at least one of ultraviolet light having a wavelength of about 100 nm to 400 nm, or a hydrogen peroxide solution.

[0016] In some embodiments, applying the high-level disinfection process includes initiating the high-level disinfection process based on input from a clinician, the input including one or more of pressing a button, touching a user interface screen, or issuing a voice command.

[0017] In some embodiments of the method, at least one of the sterilization module or the ultrasonic probe includes a presence sensor configured to detect the presence of the ultrasonic probe in the cavity, and applying the high-level sterilization process includes activating the high-level sterilization process based on a signal from the presence sensor.

[0018] In some embodiments of the method, the cavity is configured to orient the ultrasonic probe so that the distal end of the probe body faces vertically upward, and the ultrasonic probe includes an orientation sensor including at least one of a gyroscope or an accelerometer configured to determine that the distal end of the probe body faces vertically upward. In such embodiments, applying the high-level disinfection process includes activating the high-level disinfection process based on a signal from the orientation sensor.

[0019] In some embodiments of the method, applying the high-level disinfection process includes comparing a usage parameter of the ultrasound probe to a usage threshold. As a result of the comparison, applying the high-level disinfection process may include (i) applying a first disinfection level when the usage parameter is less than the threshold, or (ii) applying a second disinfection level greater than the first disinfection level when the usage parameter exceeds the threshold.

[0020] These and other features of the concepts provided herein will become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the accompanying drawings and the following description, which describe in more detail certain embodiments of such concepts. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates an ultrasound imaging system in accordance with some embodiments. [Figure 2] 2 shows a block diagram of a console of the ultrasound imaging system of FIG. 1 in accordance with some embodiments. [Figure 3] 1 illustrates a portion of another embodiment of an ultrasound imaging system, according to some embodiments. [Figure 4] 10 illustrates another embodiment of the sterilization module of the system of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments. [Figure 5] 1 is a flowchart of a method for disinfecting an ultrasound probe, according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Before disclosing some specific embodiments in more detail, it should be understood that the specific embodiments disclosed herein do not limit the scope of the concepts provided herein. It should also be understood that a specific embodiment disclosed herein may have features that are readily separable from the specific embodiment and that can be combined or substituted in any way with features of any of the numerous other embodiments disclosed herein.

[0023] Regarding the terms used herein, it should also be understood that these terms are intended to describe certain specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the concepts provided herein. Ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third, etc.) are generally used to distinguish or identify different features or steps within a group of features or steps and do not provide sequential or numerical limitations. For example, "first," "second," and "third" features or steps do not necessarily have to appear in that order, and a particular embodiment including such features or steps is not necessarily limited to three features or steps. Designations such as "left," "right," "up," "down," "front," and "rear" are used for convenience and do not imply, for example, a specific fixed location, orientation, or direction. Instead, such designations are used to reflect, for example, a relative location, orientation, or direction. The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0024] The terms "proximal" and "distal" refer to the opposite ends of a medical device, including the devices disclosed herein. As used herein, the proximal portion of a medical device is the portion closest to the practitioner during use, while the distal portion is the portion at the opposite end. For example, the proximal end of an ultrasound probe is defined as the end closest to the practitioner during use of the ultrasound probe. The distal end is the end along the length of the ultrasound probe opposite the proximal end.

[0025] The term "logic" may refer to hardware, firmware, or software configured to perform one or more functions. As hardware, the term logic may refer to or include circuitry having data processing and / or storage capabilities. Examples of such circuitry may include, but are not limited to or restricted to, a hardware processor (e.g., a microprocessor, one or more processor cores, a digital signal processor, a programmable gate array, a microcontroller, an application-specific integrated circuit "ASIC," etc.), semiconductor memory, or combinational elements.

[0026] Additionally or alternatively, the term logic may refer to or include software, such as one or more processes, one or more instances, application programming interfaces (APIs), subroutines, functions, applets, servlets, routines, source code, object code, shared libraries / dynamic link libraries (DLLs), or one or more instructions. This software may be stored on any type of suitable non-transitory or transitory storage medium (e.g., electrical, optical, acoustic, or other form of propagated signal, such as a carrier wave, infrared signal, or digital signal). Examples of non-transitory storage media may include, but are not limited to, programmable circuits, non-persistent storage devices such as volatile memory (e.g., any type of random access memory “RAM”), or persistent storage devices such as non-volatile memory (e.g., read-only memory “ROM,” power-backed RAM, flash memory, phase-change memory, etc.), solid-state drives, hard disk drives, optical disk drives, or portable memory devices. As firmware, logic may be stored on persistent storage devices.

[0027] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Similar references are made throughout this specification, such as by use of the term "substantially." For each such reference, it is understood that in some embodiments, the value, feature, or characteristic may be specified without the similar. For example, when modifiers such as "about" and "approximately" are used, these terms include within their scope the modified word without the modifier. For example, when the term "substantially linear" is described with respect to a feature, it is understood that in further embodiments, the feature may be in a strictly linear configuration.

[0028] Any method disclosed herein includes one or more steps or actions that perform the described method. Method steps and / or actions may be interchanged with one another. In other words, the order and / or use of certain steps and / or actions may be modified unless a certain order of steps or actions is required for proper operation of an embodiment.

[0029] 1 generally illustrates an ultrasound imaging system (system) 100 configured to acquire ultrasound images from a patient and display the ultrasound images on a display 111 of a system module 110. The system module 110 may include several input devices 115, such as buttons and dials, configured to accept input from a clinician. Similarly, the display 111 may include a graphic user interface (GUI), including a touch screen configured to accept input from the clinician. The system module 110 includes a console 112 disposed within a system module housing 116. In some embodiments, the system module 110 may be mounted to a support structure 130, which may include a wheeled stand as shown.

[0030] The system 100 generally includes an ultrasound probe (probe) 120 operably coupled to a system module 110. The probe 120 includes a probe body 123 extending between a proximal end 121 and a distal end 122 of the probe 120. The probe body 123 defines an exterior surface 124. Like the system module 110, the probe 120 may include several input devices 125, such as buttons and dials, configured to accept input from a clinician. During use, the exterior surface 124 may become contaminated, such as by contact with a patient or clinician. Therefore, the probe 120 may require disinfection between uses of the probe 120.

[0031] The system further includes a sterilization module 150 coupled to the system module 115. The sterilization module 150 is generally configured to apply a high-level sterilization process to the ultrasound probe 120. More specifically, the sterilization module 150 is configured to apply a high-level sterilization process to the exterior surface 124 of the probe body 123. In some embodiments, the sterilization module 150 may be configured to apply the high-level sterilization process to only a portion of the exterior surface 124, such as a distal portion of the exterior surface 124, which may be the portion of the exterior surface 124 that typically contacts a patient during use. The distal portion may include the distal end 122 and may further include a portion of the exterior surface extending proximally from the distal end 122.

[0032] The sterilization module 150 is communicatively coupled to the console 112, for example, via a cable. In the illustrated embodiment, the sterilization module 150 is operably coupled to the console 112 such that it receives power from the console 112 and logic in the console 112 manages the operation of the sterilization module 150. Alternatively, the sterilization module 150 may be wirelessly coupled to the console 112. In such an alternative embodiment, the sterilization module 150 may comprise a separate console that communicates with the console 112. Such an alternative embodiment may be advantageous when the sterilization module 150 is added to an existing ultrasound imaging system 100.

[0033] Similar to the system module 110, the sterilization module 150 may be mounted to the support structure 130. In some embodiments, the housing 151 may be mounted directly to the system module housing 116. In some embodiments, the housing 151 may be integrated into the system module housing 116. In some embodiments, the sterilization module 150 may be mounted to the support structure 130 such that the housing 151 (including the cavity 152) is positioned in a defined orientation. In some embodiments, the cavity 152 may be vertically oriented such that the ultrasonic probe 120 faces vertically when positioned within the cavity 152. More specifically, the cavity 152 may orient the ultrasonic probe 120 vertically such that the distal end 122 faces vertically upward.

[0034] The sterilization module 150 includes a housing 151 defining a cavity 152 configured to receive the ultrasonic probe 120 therein. The sterilization module 150 is generally configured to apply a high-level sterilization process to the ultrasonic probe 120 when the ultrasonic probe 120 is disposed within the cavity 152. The cavity 152 may also define a storage location for the ultrasonic probe 120. In some embodiments, the housing 151 may completely surround the ultrasonic probe 120 when the ultrasonic probe 120 is disposed within the cavity 152.

[0035] The sterilization module 150, according to some embodiments, may include several (e.g., one, two, or more) presence sensors 156 configured to detect the presence of the ultrasonic probe 120 in the cavity 112 and thereby provide a presence signal to the console 112 indicating that the ultrasonic probe 120 is disposed in the cavity 152. The presence sensors 156 may include any suitable sensor configured to detect the presence of the ultrasonic probe 120, such as, for example, a switch, a proximity sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, an optical sensor, or a Hall-effect sensor. Similar to the presence sensors 156 of the sterilization module 150, the probe 120 may include several (e.g., one, two, or more) probe presence sensors 126 instead of or in addition to the presence sensors 156, configured to detect the presence of the ultrasonic probe 120 in the cavity 112 and thereby provide a presence signal to the console 112 indicating that the ultrasonic probe 120 is disposed in the cavity 152.

[0036] In some embodiments, the probe 120 may include several (e.g., one, two, or more) probe orientation sensors 128 configured to determine the orientation of the probe 120, such as, for example, a gyroscope or an accelerometer. By way of example, the orientation sensor 128 may determine whether the probe 120 is oriented so that the distal end 122 points vertically upward, consistent with placement of the probe 120 in the cavity 152. The orientation sensor 128 may also determine whether the probe 120 is oriented so that the distal end 122 points generally downward (or not vertically upward), consistent with use of the probe 120 in obtaining ultrasound images. In summary, the probe orientation sensor 128 may provide one orientation signal indicating that the probe 120 is placed in the cavity 152 and another orientation signal indicating that the probe 120 is in use.

[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, the sterilization module 150 includes multiple (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more) ultraviolet light sources 154. The ultraviolet (UV) light sources 154 are positioned and arranged around the cavity 152 within the housing 151 to project UV light onto the exterior surface 124, or portions thereof, when the probe 120 is placed within the cavity 152. Studies have shown that UV light can be effective in performing high-level disinfection processes on reusable medical surfaces, such as the exterior surface 124 of the reusable probe 120. More specifically, UV light within the UV-C wavelength range (i.e., 100 nm to 280 nm) has been shown to be advantageous for performing high-level disinfection. In some embodiments, the UV light sources 154 may emit UV light having a wavelength of approximately 100 nm to 400 nm. In some embodiments, the sterilization module 150 may provide irradiation of different UV light intensities. The different intensities may be defined by activating different subsets of the UV light sources 154 or by activating individual UV light sources 154 at different excitation levels. Thus, the sterilization module 150 may be configured to perform different levels of sterilization. The UV light sources 154 are coupled to the console 112 such that logic in the console 112 can manage the activation of the UV light sources 154.

[0038] 2 shows a block diagram of the console 112 of the ultrasound imaging system 100 in accordance with some embodiments. The console 112 receives power from an external power source 202, and a power converter 203 regulates and distributes the power to other console components. The console 112 includes several processors 205 coupled to a memory 210, which includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Logic stored in the memory 210 includes usage logic 212, presence logic 214, and sterilization logic 216. The presence sensors 126 and 156 are coupled to the console 112 and receive power from the console 112 via the power converter 203, and a signal conditioner 232 receives sensor signals and converts them into sensor data for processing by the presence logic 214. The UV light source 154 is coupled to the console 112 and receives power from the power converter 203.

[0039] In some embodiments, the console 112 may include a wireless module 240. The wireless module 240, according to some embodiments, can facilitate communication between the system module 110 and the sterilization module 150. According to some embodiments, the wireless module 240 can also facilitate communication between the system module 110 and an external computing device, such as a cell phone, tablet, or electronic medical record system.

[0040] The sterilization logic 216 generally manages the operation of the UV light source 154. In some embodiments, the sterilization logic 216 may manage the operation of the UV light source 154 according to usage data received from the usage logic 212 and / or presence data received from the presence logic 214. For example, the sterilization logic 216 may activate the UV light source 154 only if the data from the presence logic 214 indicates that the probe 120 is placed in the cavity 152. In some embodiments, the sterilization logic 216 may activate (i.e., turn “on” and / or “off”) the UV light source 154 according to (i.e., based on) an input signal from one or more of the input device 115, the probe input device 125, or the GUI.

[0041] In some embodiments, the sterilization logic 216 maintains the activation of the UV light source 154 for a defined duration. For example, in some embodiments, the sterilization logic 216 may maintain the activation of the UV light source 154 for a first duration or a second duration that is different from the first duration. In some embodiments, the UV light source 154 may be configured to emit UV light at different intensities. Thus, in some embodiments, the sterilization logic 216 may activate (i.e., energize or energize) the UV light source 154 at a first intensity or a second intensity that is different from the first intensity. In summary, the sterilization logic 216 may be configured to apply a first sterilization level and a second sterilization level that is different from the first sterilization level.

[0042] In some embodiments, instead of exposing the exterior surface 124 to UV light to disinfect the exterior surface 124, the sterilization module 150 may be configured to expose the exterior surface 124 to a hydrogen peroxide solution to chemically disinfect the exterior surface 124. Thus, the sterilization module 150 may include a hydrogen peroxide applicator 155 instead of a UV light source 154. The applicator 155 may include hydraulic components such as a container, tubing, a pump, valves, and / or a spray nozzle to enable the sterilization module 150 to apply the hydrogen peroxide solution to the exterior surface 124. The applicator 155 may be coupled to the console 112 so that the sterilization logic 216 can manage the operation of the applicator 155.

[0043] The presence logic 214 is configured to receive presence signals from the presence sensors, i.e., the presence sensor 156 and / or the probe presence sensor 126, and provide presence data to the sanitization logic 216 such that the sanitization logic 216 can initiate a high-level sanitization process based on the presence signals from the presence sensor 156 and / or the probe presence sensor 126. For example, the sanitization logic 216 may not initiate a high-level sanitization process unless the presence signal indicates that the probe 120 is located in the cavity 152. In some embodiments, the sanitization logic 216 may automatically initiate a high-level sanitization process in direct response to a presence signal indicating that the probe 120 is located in the cavity 152.

[0044] The presence logic 214 may also be configured to receive the orientation signal from the orientation sensor 128 and provide orientation data to the sterilization logic 216 so that the sterilization logic 216 can initiate a high-level sterilization process based on the orientation signal from the orientation sensor 128. For example, the sterilization logic 216 may not initiate a high-level sterilization process unless the orientation signal indicates that the probe 120 is oriented with the distal end 122 pointing vertically upward in line with the probe 120 being positioned within the cavity 152. In some embodiments, the sterilization logic 216 may automatically initiate a high-level sterilization process in direct response to an orientation signal indicating that the probe 120 is oriented with the distal end 122 pointing vertically upward in line with the probe 120 being positioned within the cavity 152.

[0045] In some embodiments, the presence logic 214 may determine a presence period, i.e., a period during which the probe 120 is continuously placed within the cavity 152. Similarly, the presence logic 214 may determine an absence period, i.e., a period during which the probe 120 is continuously removed from (i.e., not present within) the cavity 152. In some embodiments, the sterilization logic 216 may utilize the absence period to determine the duration or intensity of the UV light (i.e., the sterilization level).

[0046] The usage logic 212 may determine different usage levels for the probe 120. For example, the usage logic 212 may determine the duration of usage of the probe 120, such as the duration of time that the probe 120 is energized. In some examples, the duration of usage of the probe 120 may correspond to the contamination level of the probe 120, and the contamination level of the probe 120 may define the required level of disinfection for the probe 120. For example, a low level of usage (e.g., a short duration of usage) of the probe 120 may indicate a low level of contamination requiring a reduced level of disinfection. Similarly, a high level of usage (e.g., a long duration of usage) of the probe 120 may indicate a high level of contamination requiring a higher level of disinfection.

[0047] In some embodiments, the usage logic 212 may compare a usage parameter indicative of the contamination level of the probe 120 to a usage threshold stored in memory (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable medium). As a result of the comparison, the usage data may include a first sterilization level required to sterilize the probe 120 when the usage parameter is below the usage threshold. Alternatively, the usage data may include a second sterilization level, higher than the first sterilization level, required to sterilize the probe 120 when the usage parameter exceeds the usage threshold.

[0048] In some embodiments, the usage logic 212 may accept input from a clinician regarding the contamination level of the probe 120. For example, the clinician may provide input to the system 100 that the probe 120 has been used in a high contamination risk procedure, such as direct exposure to blood or use on a high-risk patient. In such cases, the usage logic 212 may include a second disinfection level.

[0049] FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of an ultrasound imaging system 300 that may be similar in some respects to the components of the ultrasound imaging system 100 described with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2 . It will be understood that all illustrated embodiments may have similar features. Accordingly, similar features are indicated with similar reference numerals. Accordingly, the relevant disclosure set forth above with respect to similarly identified features may not be repeated hereafter. Furthermore, certain features of the ultrasound imaging system 100 and related components shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 may not be indicated or identified by reference numerals in the drawings or specifically described in the following description. However, such features may clearly be the same or substantially the same as features shown in and / or described with respect to other embodiments. Accordingly, the relevant descriptions of such features apply equally to the features of the ultrasound imaging system 300 of FIG. 3 . Any suitable combinations and variations of the features described with respect to the ultrasound imaging system 100 and components shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 may be used with the ultrasound imaging system 300 and components of FIG. 3 , and vice versa. This pattern of disclosure applies equally to further embodiments shown in subsequent figures and described below.

[0050] 3 is a perspective view of a portion of an ultrasound imaging system (system) 300 including an ultrasound probe 320. System 300 includes a system module 310 and a sterilization module 350. A housing 351 of sterilization module 350 is incorporated within system module housing 316. A cavity 352 includes a slot 353 extending downward from a top surface of system module housing 316. Cavity 352 is configured to receive a distal portion of probe 320 when probe 320 is inserted into slot 353. Sterilization module 350 is configured to apply a high-level disinfection process to a distal portion of outer surface 324, such as the distal portion of outer surface 324 including distal end 322 and the portion of the outer surface extending proximally from distal end 322.

[0051] 4 illustrates another embodiment of a sterilization module 450, which may be similar in some respects to the components and functionality of the sterilization module 150 described in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2. The sterilization module 450 includes a housing 451 and a housing drawer 451A configured to be slidably displaceable into and out of the housing 451. The housing drawer 451A defines a cavity 452 configured to receive the ultrasonic probe 420 such that the ultrasonic probe 420 is completely enclosed by the housing 451 when the housing drawer 451A is fully closed. The sterilization module 450 may include a drawer sensor 455 configured to determine when the housing drawer 451A is fully closed and to provide a drawer status signal to logic (e.g., the presence logic 214) indicating that a high-level sterilization process may be initiated.

[0052] 5 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for sterilizing an ultrasonic probe, which may include all or a subset of the following steps or processes, according to some embodiments. Method 500 includes detecting the presence of an ultrasonic probe in a cavity of a sterilization module (block 510). During use, a clinician may place the ultrasonic probe in the cavity. A presence sensor may then detect the presence of the ultrasonic probe in the cavity. In some embodiments, detecting the presence of the ultrasonic probe in the cavity may include determining that the ultrasonic probe is oriented so that the distal end of the ultrasonic probe points vertically upward. In some embodiments, detecting the presence of the ultrasonic probe in the cavity may include determining that a drawer of the sterilization module is fully closed.

[0053] The method 500 further includes applying a high-level sterilization process to at least a portion of an exterior surface of the ultrasonic probe once the ultrasonic probe is positioned within the cavity of the sterilization module (block 520). In some embodiments, applying the high-level sterilization process includes exposing at least a portion of the exterior surface of the ultrasonic probe to ultraviolet light having a wavelength between about 100 nm and 400 nm. In some embodiments, applying the high-level sterilization process includes exposing at least a portion of the exterior surface of the ultrasonic probe to a hydrogen peroxide solution.

[0054] In some embodiments, applying the high-level sterilization process includes initiating the high-level sterilization process in response to pressing a button, touching a user interface screen, or issuing a voice command. In some embodiments, applying the high-level sterilization process includes initiating the high-level sterilization process based on receiving a presence signal from a presence sensor that an ultrasonic probe is in the cavity. In some embodiments, applying the high-level sterilization process includes automatically initiating the high-level sterilization process in direct response to receiving a signal from a presence sensor that an ultrasonic probe is in the cavity 10.

[0055] In some embodiments, applying the high-level disinfection process includes initiating the high-level disinfection process based on an orientation signal from an orientation sensor of the ultrasonic probe that the distal end of the ultrasonic probe is pointing vertically upward.

[0056] In some embodiments, applying the high-level disinfection process includes comparing a usage parameter of the ultrasound probe to a usage threshold. As a result of the comparison, applying the high-level disinfection process may include (i) applying a first disinfection level when the usage parameter is less than the threshold, or (ii) applying a second disinfection level greater than the first disinfection level when the usage parameter exceeds the threshold.

[0057] Although some specific embodiments are disclosed herein, and the specific embodiments are disclosed in some detail, the specific embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the concepts provided herein. Additional adaptations and / or modifications may be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the broader aspects also encompass these adaptations and / or modifications. Thus, departures can be made from the specific embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the scope of the concepts provided herein.

Claims

1. 1. An ultrasound imaging system comprising: an ultrasonic probe having a probe body extending between a proximal end and a distal end, the probe body defining an outer surface; a sterilization module configured to apply a high-level sterilization process to at least a portion of the exterior surface, the sterilization module including a sterilization housing defining a cavity configured to receive the ultrasonic probe therein; a system module, The display and and a system module having a console coupled to the ultrasound probe and the sterilization module, the console including one or more processors and a non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon logic that, when executed by the one or more processors, causes operations including initiating the high-level sterilization process to sterilize at least a portion of the exterior surface.

2. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the sterilization module and the system module are mounted on a wheeled stand.

3. 3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the disinfecting housing is at least one of: (i) directly coupled to the housing of the system module; or (ii) incorporated into the housing of the system module.

4. 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the cavity includes a slot extending downward from an upper end of the disinfectant housing, the slot configured to receive the ultrasonic probe therein such that the at least a portion of the outer surface is disposed within the cavity and the distal end of the probe body faces toward a lower end of the disinfectant housing.

5. The system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the disinfecting housing includes a drawer defining the cavity.

6. at least one of the sterilization module or the ultrasonic probe includes a presence sensor configured to detect the presence of the ultrasonic probe within the cavity; The system of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the action includes triggering the high-level disinfection process based on a signal from the presence sensor.

7. The system of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cavity is configured to orient the ultrasound probe so that the distal end of the probe body faces vertically upward.

8. the ultrasound probe includes an orientation sensor including at least one of a gyroscope or an accelerometer configured to determine whether the distal end of the probe body is oriented vertically upward; The system of claim 7 , wherein the action includes initiating the high-level disinfection process based on a signal from the orientation sensor.

9. 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the operation includes initiating the high-level disinfection process upon receiving input from a clinician, the input comprising one or more of pressing a button, touching a user interface screen, or issuing a voice command.

10. The operation is comparing usage parameters of the ultrasound probe to usage thresholds stored in the non-transitory computer readable medium; 10. The system of claim 1, comprising activating the high-level disinfection process according to a result of the comparison: (i) a first disinfection level when the usage parameter is below the threshold value; or (ii) a second disinfection level higher than the first disinfection level when the usage parameter exceeds the threshold value.

11. 11. The system of claim 1, wherein initiating the high-level disinfection process comprises exposing the at least a portion of the exterior surface to ultraviolet light having a wavelength of about 100 nm to 400 nm.

12. The system of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the operation further comprises initiating a high-level disinfection process comprising exposing the at least a portion of the exterior surface to a hydrogen peroxide solution.

13. An ultrasound probe, a probe body extending between a proximal end and a distal end, the probe body defining an outer surface; the ultrasonic probe is configured to disinfect at least a portion of the exterior surface via a high-level disinfection process when the ultrasonic probe is positioned within a cavity of a disinfection module; The ultrasonic probe and the sterilization module are connectable to an ultrasonic system module.

14. at least one of the ultrasonic probe or the sterilization module includes a presence sensor; the ultrasonic probe is configured to activate the presence sensor based on the presence of the ultrasonic probe within the cavity; The probe of claim 13 , wherein the ultrasound system module is configured to activate the high-level disinfection process based on a signal from the presence sensor.

15. the cavity is configured to orient the ultrasonic probe so that the distal end of the probe body faces vertically upward; the ultrasound probe includes an orientation sensor including at least one of a gyroscope or an accelerometer configured to determine whether the distal end of the probe body is oriented vertically upward; The probe of claim 13 or 14, wherein the ultrasound system module is configured to activate the high-level disinfection process based on a signal from the orientation sensor.

16. 1. A method for disinfecting an ultrasound probe, comprising: detecting the presence of the ultrasonic probe within a cavity of a sterilization module, the ultrasonic probe including a probe body defining an outer surface extending between a proximal end and a distal end of the ultrasonic probe; applying a high-level disinfection process to at least a portion of the exterior surface once the ultrasonic probe is positioned within the cavity of the disinfection module.

17. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein applying the high-level disinfection process comprises exposing the at least a portion of the exterior surface to at least one of: (i) ultraviolet light having a wavelength of about 100 nm to 400 nm; or (ii) a hydrogen peroxide solution.

18. 18. The method of claim 16 or 17, wherein applying the high-level disinfection process comprises initiating the high-level disinfection process based on input from a clinician, the input comprising one or more of pressing a button, touching a user interface screen, or issuing a voice command.

19. at least one of the sterilization module or the ultrasonic probe includes a presence sensor configured to detect the presence of the ultrasonic probe within the cavity; The method of any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein applying the high-level disinfection process comprises triggering the high-level disinfection process based on a signal from the presence sensor.

20. the cavity is configured to orient the ultrasonic probe so that the distal end of the probe body faces vertically upward; the ultrasound probe includes an orientation sensor including at least one of a gyroscope or an accelerometer configured to determine whether the distal end of the probe body is oriented vertically upward; 20. The method of any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein applying the high-level disinfection process comprises triggering the high-level disinfection process based on a signal from the orientation sensor.

21. applying the high-level disinfection process comparing a usage parameter of the ultrasound probe to a usage threshold; 21. The method of any one of claims 16 to 20, comprising, as a result of the comparison: (i) applying a first disinfection level when the usage parameter is below the threshold; or (ii) applying a second disinfection level that is higher than the first disinfection level when the usage parameter exceeds the threshold.

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