Ultrasound systems and methods for simultaneously disinfecting and imaging

Abstract

An ultrasound system can simultaneously disinfect skin of a patient while ultrasound imaging thereunder. The ultrasound system can include a console, an ultrasound probe operably connected to the console, and a stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel selected from at least a sonoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel and a photoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel. The ultrasound probe can include an ultrasound sensor array for both the ultrasound imaging and the disinfecting of the skin with the sonoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel via one or more sonosensitizers thereof. The ultrasound probe can also include one or more light emitters configured to emit light toward the skin for the disinfecting of the skin with the photoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel via one or more photosensitizers thereof.

Description

ULTRASOUND SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SIMULTANEOUSLYDISINFECTING AND IMAGINGPRIORITY

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 568,393, filed March 21, 2024, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety into this application.BACKGROUND

[0002] Infection control is an integral part of the safe and effective use of ultrasound in medicine.” (American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine. Guidelines for Cleaning and Preparing External- and Internal-Use Ultrasound Probes Between Patients, Safe Handling, and Use of Ultrasound Coupling Gel, 2018.) Such infection control is particularly important when ultrasound transducers are used on non-intact skin or during percutaneous procedures including vascular access, thoracentesis, paracentesis, arthrocentesis, pericardiocentesis, lumbar puncture, regional anesthesia, or other such procedures.

[0003] Disclosed herein are ultrasound systems including a stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel that addresses the foregoing.SUMMARY

[0004] Disclosed herein is an ultrasound system for simultaneously disinfecting a patient’s skin while ultrasound imaging thereunder. The ultrasound system includes, in some embodiments, a console, an ultrasound probe operably connected to the console, and a stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel. The console includes electronic circuitry having memory and one or more processors. The memory includes executable instructions configured to cause the console to instantiate one or more processes for the disinfecting and the ultrasound imaging. The ultrasound probe includes an ultrasound sensor array disposed in a probe head of the ultrasound probe. The ultrasound sensor array is configured to emit ultrasound signals into the patient and receive echoed ultrasound signals from the patient when sliding the probe head over the patient’s skin. The stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel includes one or more stimulosensitizers configured to produce reactive oxygen species that disinfect the patient’s skin when the stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel is stimulated by one or more stimuli emitted by the ultrasound probe.

[0005] In some embodiments, the stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel is a sonoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel. The one-or-more stimulosensitizers are one or more sonosensitizers configured to produce the reactive oxygen species that disinfect the patient’s skin when the sonoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel is insonifed by the ultrasound sensor array while sliding the probe head over the patient’s skin.

[0006] In some embodiments, the one-or-more sonosensitizers are selected from chlorin e6, optionally, conjugated to polyvinyl pyrrolidone; sonoflora 1; and sonnelux-1.

[0007] In some embodiments, the ultrasound probe further includes one or more light emitters disposed in the probe head or a probe body of the ultrasound probe configured to emit light toward the patient’s skin. The stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel is a photoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel. The one-or-more stimulosensitizers are one or more photosensitizers configured to produce the reactive oxygen species that disinfect the patient’s skin when the photoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel is irradiated by the one- or-more light emitters while sliding the probe head over the patient’s skin.

[0008] In some embodiments, the one-or-more photosensitizers are selected from organic photosensitizers and organometallic photosensitizers.

[0009] In some embodiments, the light emitted by the one-or-more light emitters is selected from broad spectrum ultraviolet (“UV”)-visible light, broad spectrum UV light, UVA light, UVB light, UVC light, broad spectrum visible light, violet light, blue light, cyan light, green light, yellow light, orange light, red light, near infrared (“NIR”) light, infrared (“IR” light, and modulated light thereof, the modulated light being modulated with respect to frequency, power, duration, or a combination thereof.

[0010] In some embodiments, the one-or-more light emitters are disposed in the probe head.

[0011] In some embodiments, a plurality of light emitters are disposed about a perimeter of the probe head.

[0012] In some embodiments, the plurality of light emitters are disposed about the perimeter of the probe head proximal of the ultrasound sensor array.

[0013] In some embodiments, the plurality of light emitters are disposed about the perimeter of the probe head substantially in plane with the ultrasound sensor array but outboard of the ultrasound sensor array.

[0014] In some embodiments, the one-or-more light emitters are disposed in a face of the probe body.

[0015] In some embodiments, the one-or-more light emitters are one or more light sources selected from light-emitting diodes (“LEDs”), superluminescentLEDs (“SLEDs”), and laser diodes.

[0016] In some embodiments, the one-or-more light emitters are one or more optical- fiber termini corresponding to one or more optical fibers operably connected to one or more light sources selected from LEDs, SLEDs, laser diodes, and light bulbs.

[0017] In some embodiments, the ultrasound system further includes a display integrated into the console or a monitor operably connected to the console. The one-or-more processes instantiated by the console are further for sending display signals to the display for displaying selectable options in a graphical user interface (“GUI”) for disinfecting the patient’s skin. The selectable options correspond to at least different types of photoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gels for corresponding disinfection profiles.

[0018] Also disclosed herein is a stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel for simultaneously disinfecting a patient’s skin while ultrasound imaging thereunder. The stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel includes one or more stimulosensitizers disposed in water, glycerin, propylene glycol, or some combination thereof. The one-or-more stimulosensitizers are configured to produce reactive oxygen species that disinfect the patient’s skin when the stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel is stimulated by one or more stimuli emitted by an ultrasound probe.

[0019] In some embodiments, the stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel is a sonoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel. The one-or-more stimulosensitizers are one or more sonosensitizers configured to produce the reactive oxygen species that disinfect the patient’s skin when the sonoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel is insonifed by an ultrasound sensor array of the ultrasound probe while sliding a probe head of the ultrasound probe over the patient’s skin.

[0020] In some embodiments, the one-or-more sonosensitizers are selected from chlorin e6, optionally, conjugated to polyvinyl pyrrolidone; sonoflora 1; and sonnelux-1.

[0021] In some embodiments, the stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel is a photoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel. The one-or-more stimulosensitizers are one or more photosensitizers configured to produce the reactive oxygen species that disinfect the patient’s skin when the photoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel is irradiated by one or more light emitters of the ultrasound probe while sliding a probe head of the ultrasound probe over the patient’s skin.

[0022] In some embodiments, the one-or-more photosensitizers are selected from organic photosensitizers and organometallic photosensitizers.

[0023] In some embodiments, the one-or-more photosensitizers are configured to produce one or more reactive oxygen species when the photoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel is irradiated by the light emitted by the one-or-more light emitters.

[0024] In some embodiments, the light is selected from broad spectrum ultraviolet UV- visible light, broad spectrum UV light, UVA light, UVB light, UVC light, broad spectrum visible light, violet light, blue light, cyan light, green light, yellow light, orange light, red light, NIR light, IR light, and modulated light thereof, the modulated light being modulated with respect to frequency, power, duration, or a combination thereof.

[0025] Also disclosed herein is a method of simultaneously disinfecting a patient’s skin while ultrasound imaging thereunder. The method includes, in some embodiments, enabling electronic circuitry including memory and one or more processors in a console of an ultrasound system to instantiate one or more processes from instructions stored in the memory for the disinfecting and the ultrasound imaging; applying a stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel to the patient’s skin; and sliding a probe head of an ultrasound probe operably connected to the console over the patient’s skin. Sliding the probe head of the ultrasound probe over the patient’s skin emits ultrasound signals into the patient with an ultrasound sensor array disposed in the probe head of the ultrasound probe and receives echoed ultrasound signals from the patient by the ultrasound sensor array for the ultrasound imaging. In addition, sliding the probe head of the ultrasound probe over the patient’s skin stimulates the stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel with one or more stimuli emitted toward the patient’s skin by the ultrasound probe. The stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel includes one or morestimulosensitizers that produce reactive oxygen species when stimulated for the disinfecting of the patient’s skin.

[0026] In some embodiments, the stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel is a sonoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel. The one-or-more stimulosensitizers are one or more sonosensitizers configured to produce the reactive oxygen species for disinfecting the patient’s skin when the sonoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel is insonifed by the ultrasound sensor array while sliding the probe head over the patient’s skin.

[0027] In some embodiments, the one-or-more sonosensitizers are selected from chlorin e6, optionally, conjugated to polyvinyl pyrrolidone; sonoflora 1; and sonnelux-1.

[0028] In some embodiments, the ultrasound probe includes one or more light emitters disposed in the probe head or a probe body of the ultrasound probe configured to emit light toward the patient’s skin. The stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel is a photoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel. The one-or-more stimulosensitizers are one or more photosensitizers configured to produce the reactive oxygen species for disinfecting the patient’s skin when the photoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel is irradiated by the one- or-more light emitters while sliding the probe head over the patient’s skin.

[0029] In some embodiments, the one-or-more photosensitizers are selected from organic photosensitizers and organometallic photosensitizers.

[0030] In some embodiments, the light emitted by the one-or-more light emitters is selected from broad spectrum UV-visible light, broad spectrum UV light, UVA light, UVB light, UVC light, broad spectrum visible light, violet light, blue light, cyan light, green light, yellow light, orange light, red light, NIR light, IR light, and modulated light thereof, the modulated light being modulated with respect to frequency, power, duration, or a combination thereof.

[0031] In some embodiments, the one-or-more light emitters are disposed about a perimeter of the probe head.

[0032] In some embodiments, the one-or-more light emitters are disposed in a face of the probe body.

[0033] In some embodiments, the one-or-more light emitters are one or more light sources selected from LEDs, SLEDs, and laser diodes. Alternatively, the one-or-more light emitters are one or more optical-fiber termini corresponding to one or more optical fibers operably connected to the foregoing one-or-more light sources.

[0034] In some embodiments, the method further includes selecting an option for disinfecting the patient’s skin from selectable options displayed in a GUI on a display integrated into the console or a monitor operably connected to the console. The selectable options correspond to at least different types of photoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gels for corresponding disinfection profiles.

[0035] These and other features of the concepts provided herein will become more apparent to those of skill in the art in view of the accompanying drawings and following description, which describe particular embodiments of such concepts in greater detail.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0036] FIG. 1 illustrates an ultrasound system in accordance with some embodiments.

[0037] FIG. 2 illustrates an ultrasound probe of the ultrasound system having a light emitter disposed in a probe body of the ultrasound probe in accordance with some embodiments.

[0038] FIG. 3 illustrates the ultrasound probe having a plurality of light emitters disposed in a probe head of the ultrasound probe in accordance with some embodiments.

[0039] FIG. 4 illustrates the ultrasound probe having the plurality of light emitters disposed in the probe head of the ultrasound probe in accordance with some other embodiments.

[0040] FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of the ultrasound probe operably coupled to a console of the ultrasound system in accordance with some embodiments.

[0041] FIG. 6 illustrates a mechanism for producing reactive oxygen species for disinfection of a patient’s skin when a photoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel of the ultrasound system is irradiated by light from one or more light emitters of the ultrasound probe in accordance with some embodiments.DESCRIPTION

[0042] Before some particular embodiments are disclosed in greater detail, it should be understood that the particular embodiments disclosed herein do not limit the scope of the concepts provided herein. It should also be understood that a particular embodiment disclosed herein can have features that can be readily separated from the particular embodiment and optionally combined with or substituted for features of any of a number of other embodiments disclosed herein.

[0043] Regarding terms used herein, it should also be understood the terms are for the purpose of describing some particular embodiments, and the terms do not 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 in a group of features or steps, and do not supply a serial or numerical limitation. For example, “first,” “second,” and “third” features or steps need not necessarily appear in that order, and the particular embodiments including such features or steps need not necessarily be limited to the three features or steps. In addition, any of the foregoing features or steps can, in turn, further include one or more features or steps unless indicated otherwise. Labels such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” and the like are used for convenience and are not intended to imply, for example, any particular fixed location, orientation, or direction. Instead, such labels are used to reflect, for example, relative location, orientation, or directions. Singular forms of “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0044] “Proximal” is used to indicate a portion, section, piece, element, or the like of a medical device intended to be near or relatively nearer to a clinician when the medical device is used on a patient. For example, a “proximal portion” or “proximal section” of the medical device includes a portion or section of the medical device intended to be near the clinician when the medical device is used on the patient. Likewise, a “proximal length” of the medical device includes a length of the medical device intended to be near the clinician when the medical device is used on the patient. A “proximal end” of the medical device is an end of the medical device intended to be near the clinician when the medical device is used on the patient. The proximal portion, the proximal section, or the proximal length of the medical device need not include the proximal end of the medical device. Indeed, the proximal portion, the proximal section, or the proximal length of the medical device can be short of the proximal end of the medical device. However, the proximal portion, the proximal section, or the proximal lengthof the medical device can include the proximal end of the medical device. Should context not suggest the proximal portion, the proximal section, or the proximal length of the medical device includes the proximal end of the medical device, or if it is deemed expedient in the following description, “proximal portion,” “proximal section,” or “proximal length” can be modified to indicate such a portion, section, or length includes an end portion, an end section, or an end length of the medical device for a “proximal end portion,” a “proximal end section,” or a “proximal end length” of the medical device, respectively.

[0045] “Distal” is used to indicate a portion, section, piece, element, or the like of a medical device intended to be near, relatively nearer, or even in a patient when the medical device is used on the patient. For example, a “distal portion” or “distal section” of the medical device includes a portion or section of the medical device intended to be near, relatively nearer, or even in the patient when the medical device is used on the patient. Likewise, a “distal length” of the medical device includes a length of the medical device intended to be near, relatively nearer, or even in the patient when the medical device is used on the patient. A “distal end” of the medical device is an end of the medical device intended to be near, relatively nearer, or even in the patient when the medical device is used on the patient. The distal portion, the distal section, or the distal length of the medical device need not include the distal end of the medical device. Indeed, the distal portion, the distal section, or the distal length of the medical device can be short of the distal end of the medical device. However, the distal portion, the distal section, or the distal length of the medical device can include the distal end of the medical device. Should context not suggest the distal portion, the distal section, or the distal length of the medical device includes the distal end of the medical device, or if it is deemed expedient in the following description, “distal portion,” “distal section,” or “distal length” can be modified to indicate such a portion, section, or length includes an end portion, an end section, or an end length of the medical device for a “distal end portion,” a “distal end section,” or a “distal end length” of the medical device, respectively.

[0046] “Stimuloresponsive” is used to indicate a compound, substance, material, composition, mixture, formulation, or the like such as the stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel set forth below that can be stimulated by one or more stimuli to produce reactive oxygen species. In an example, the stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel can be a sonoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel including one or more sonosensitizers configured to produce reactive oxygen species when insonified with ultrasound. In another example, thestimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel can be a photoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel including one or more photosensitizers configured to produce reactive oxygen species when irradiated with light.

[0047] Stimulosensitizer” is used to indicate a compound, substance, material, or the like having a relatively constant chemical composition that can be stimulated by one or more stimuli to produce reactive oxygen species. In an example, the stimulosensitizer can be a sonosensitizer configured to produce reactive oxygen species when insonified with ultrasound. In another example, the stimulosensitizer can be a photosensitizer configured to produce reactive oxygen species when irradiated with light.

[0048] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0049] As set forth above, infection control is an integral part of the safe and effective use of ultrasound in medicine. Such infection control is particularly important when ultrasound transducers are used on non-intact skin or during percutaneous procedures including vascular access, thoracentesis, paracentesis, arthrocentesis, pericardiocentesis, lumbar puncture, regional anesthesia, or other such procedures.

[0050] Disclosed herein are ultrasound systems including a stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel that addresses the foregoing.Ultrasound systems

[0051] FIG. 1 illustrates an ultrasound system 100 for simultaneously disinfecting a patient’s skin S while ultrasound imaging thereunder in accordance with some embodiments.

[0052] As shown, the ultrasound system 100 can include a console 102, an ultrasound probe 104 operably connected to the console 102, and a stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel 106 such as a sonoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel or a photoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel. Notably, the ultrasound system 100 can further include the display 108 integrated into the console 102, as set forth below, or the ultrasound system 100 can include an external monitor operably connected to the console 102.Console

[0053] FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of the console 102 in accordance with some embodiments.

[0054] As shown, the console 102 can include electronic circuitry including memory 110, one or more processors 112, and logic 114 for use in any one or more processes of those set forth below. The one-or-more processors 112 and the memory 110 (e.g., primary memory such as non-volatile memory including electrically erasable, programmable, read-only memory [“EEPROM”] and volatile memory including static or dynamic random-access memory [“SRAM”] or [“DRAM”]) of the console 102 can be configured for controlling various functions of the ultrasound system 100. Indeed, the memory 110 can include executable instructions 116 configured to cause the console 102 to instantiate one or more processes for at least disinfecting the patient’s skin S while ultrasound imaging thereunder when the instructions 116 are executed by the one-or-more processors 112.

[0055] The one-or-more processes performed by the console 102 can also include, as set forth above, a process for ultrasound imaging. Such a process can include emitting ultrasound signals into the patient with the ultrasound probe 104 and transforming echoed ultrasound signals received from the patient to produce ultrasound images.

[0056] The one-or-more processes performed by the console 102 can include, as set forth above, a process for disinfecting the patient’s skin S. In an example, the process for disinfecting the patient’s skin S can include operating the ultrasound sensor array 142 of the ultrasound probe 104 or some selection of transducers of the ultrasound sensor array 142. Operating the ultrasound sensor array 142 or the selection of transducers thereof can include using the logic 114 to modulate ultrasound emitted by the ultrasound sensor array 142 with respect to frequency, power, duration, or a combination thereof in accordance with inputted conditions, selected disinfection profiles, system-determined conditions, or the like. In another example, the process for disinfecting the patient’s skin S can include operating the one-or-more light sources corresponding to the one-or-more light emitters 136 of the ultrasound probe 104. Indeed, in addition to switching any one or more of the light sources on or off, operating the one-or-more light sources can include using the logic 114 to modulate light emitted by the one- or-more light emitters 136 with respect to frequency, power, duration, or a combination thereof in accordance with the inputted conditions, selected disinfection profiles, system-determined conditions, or the like.

[0057] The one-or-more processes performed by the console 102 can also include a process for sending display signals to the display 108 for displaying information in a GUI. Such a process can include sending display signals to the display 108 for displaying ultrasound images as well as any disinfection-related information, options, or the like.

[0058] The console 102 can also include a digital controller or analog interface 118, which can be in communication with the one-or-more processors 112 and any of the additional components set forth below to govern interfacing between the console 102 and the ultrasound probe 104, as well as any other components of the additional components set forth below.

[0059] The console 102 can also include a display 108 having a display screen such as a liquid crystal display (“LCD”) screen integrated into the console 102 for displaying information to a clinician before, during, or after an ultrasound procedure in which the patient’ s skin S is disinfected while ultrasound imaging. Alternatively, as set forth above, the ultrasound system 100 can include an external monitor that can be operably connected to the console 102. Regardless, the display 108 can be configured to display 108 ultrasound images as well as any disinfection-related information, options, or the like. For example, the disinfection-related options can include selectable options as buttons in the GUI for disinfecting the patient’s skin S. Such selectable options can correspond to at least different types of stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gels for corresponding disinfection profiles, which could require certain types of stimulus. In an example, the sonoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel could require a certain type of ultrasound including a certain range of frequencies, a peak frequency, exposure time, power, or some combination thereof. In another example, the photoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel could require a certain type of light including a certain range of wavelengths, a peak wavelength, exposure time, power, or some combination thereof.

[0060] The console 102 can also include a console button interface 120. In combination with control buttons 122 on at least the console 102, the console button interface 120 can be used by a clinician to immediately call up a desired mode (e.g., ultrasound mode, disinfection mode incorporating a certain disinfection profile, etc.) of the ultrasound system 100 on the display 108 for use by the clinician.

[0061] The console 102 can also include ports 124 for connecting any additional components of the ultrasound system 100, if not integrated into the console 102, the ultrasound probe 104, or other optional components 126 such as a printer, a storage device, a keyboard, amouse, etc. The ports 124 can be universal serial bus (“USB”) ports, though other ports or a combination of various ports can be used.

[0062] The console 102 can also include a power connection 128 for connecting an external power supply 130. An internal power supply 132 (e.g., a disposable or rechargeable battery) can also be employed, either with the external power supply 130 or exclusive of the external power supply 130. The console 102 can also include power management circuitry 134 such as part of the digital controller or analog interface 118 of the console 102 to regulate power use and distribution.Ultrasound probe

[0063] FIGS. 2-4 illustrates the ultrasound probe 104 of the ultrasound system 100 having one or more light emitters 136 disposed in the ultrasound probe 104 in accordance with some embodiments. In addition, FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of the ultrasound probe 104 in accordance with some embodiments.

[0064] As shown, the ultrasound probe 104 can include a probe head 138 in a distal portion of the ultrasound probe 104, wherein the probe head 138 extends from a probe body 140 in a proximal portion of the ultrasound probe 104. In addition, the ultrasound probe 104 can include an ultrasound sensor array 142 disposed in the probe head 138 of the ultrasound probe 104. When present, the one-or-more light emitters 136 can be disposed in the probe head 138 of the ultrasound probe 104, the probe body 140 of the ultrasound probe 104, or some combination thereof.

[0065] The ultrasound sensor array 142 can include a plurality of transducers such as piezoelectric transducers or capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers (“CMUTs”). Configured as such, the ultrasound probe 104 can emit the ultrasound signals into the patient and receive the echoed ultrasound signals from the patient when sliding the probe head 138 over the patient’s skin S. In addition, the ultrasound probe 104 can be configured with a continuous wave or a pulsed-wave imaging mode. For example, the ultrasound probe 104 can be configured with a pulsed-wave Doppler imaging mode for emitting the ultrasound signals into the patient and receiving the echoed ultrasound signals from the patient. Such an imaging mode is useful for estimating blood flow through one or more blood vessels.

[0066] As alluded to above, some selection of transducers of the plurality of transducers of the ultrasound sensor array 142 inclusive of an entirety of the ultrasound sensor array 142 can be configured to emit ultrasound toward the patient’s skin S when sliding the probe head 138 thereover for the purpose of disinfecting the patient’s skin S. When not the entirety of the ultrasound sensor array 142, the foregoing selection of transducers of the ultrasound sensor array 142 can be a permanent selection of transducers such as a plurality of dedicated transducers of the ultrasound sensor array 142 for disinfecting the patient’s skin S while ultrasound imaging with a remainder of the plurality of transducers of the ultrasound sensor array 142. Whether or not the entirety of the ultrasound sensor array 142, the foregoing selection of transducers of the ultrasound sensor array 142 can alternatively be a temporal selection of transducers such as a plurality of activated transducers of the ultrasound sensor array 142 specifically activated for disinfecting the patient’s skin S while ultrasound imaging with a remainder of the plurality of transducers of the ultrasound sensor array 142. Indeed, such a plurality of activated transducers of the ultrasound sensor array 142 can be activated by the process for disinfecting the patient’s skin S and modulated by the logic 114 with respect to frequency, power, duration, or a combination thereof, as needed, for disinfecting the patient’s skin S. That said, the sonoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel can include one or more sonosensitizers configured to produce reactive oxygen species when insonified with ultrasound used for routine ultrasound imaging, thereby employing the entirety of the ultrasound sensor array 142 for both ultrasound imaging and disinfecting the patient’s skin S.

[0067] When present, the one-or-more light emitters 136 can be disposed in the probe head 138 of the ultrasound probe 104, the probe body 140 of the ultrasound probe 104, or some combination thereof such that the one-or-more light emitters 136 are configured to emit light toward the patient’s skin S when sliding the probe head 138 thereover for the purpose of disinfecting the patient’s skin S while ultrasound imaging with the plurality of transducers of the ultrasound sensor array 142. FIGS. 2-4 illustrate the one-or-more light emitters 136 in accordance with different embodiments.

[0068] FIG. 2 illustrates a single light emitter 136 disposed in the probe body 140 of the ultrasound probe 104 in accordance with some embodiments.

[0069] The one-or-more light emitters 136 can be disposed in one or more faces of the probe body 140 as shown in FIG. 2 by the single light emitter 136 in an anterior face of the probe body 140. Locating the one-or-more light emitters 136 in the anterior face of the probebody 140 can be advantageous in that a posterior face of the probe body 140 is often occupied by the bulk of a clinician’s hand while ultrasound imaging, thereby leaving the anterior face of the ultrasound probe 104 unobstructed for emitting light from the one-or-more light emitters 136 toward the patient’s skin S. That said, the one-or-more light emitters 136 can be located in the one-or-more faces of the probe body 140 distal of that shown FIG. 2, such as closer to the probe head 138 of the ultrasound probe 104. Like the anterior face of probe body 140, the one- or-more faces of the probe body 140 remain largely unobstructed closer to the probe head 138 of the ultrasound probe 104, thereby allowing the one-or-more light emitters 136 to emit light toward the patient’s skin S while ultrasound imaging.

[0070] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a plurality of light emitters 136 disposed in the probe head 138 of the ultrasound probe 104 in accordance with some embodiments.

[0071] The one-or-more light emitters 136 can be disposed in one or more faces of the probe head 138 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 by the plurality of light emitters 136 disposed about a perimeter of the probe head 138. Like that set forth above, locating the one-or-more light emitters 136 in the one-or-more faces of the probe head 138 such that the plurality of light emitters 136 are disposed about the perimeter of the probe head 138 can be advantageous in that the probe body 140, not the probe head 138, is often occupied by the bulk of the clinician’s hand while ultrasound imaging. This leaves the probe head 138 of the ultrasound probe 104 unobstructed for emitting light from the one-or-more light emitters 136 toward the patient’s skin S. As shown in FIG. 3, the one-or-more emitters can be disposed in the probe head 138 proximal of the ultrasound sensor array 142. Such a configuration, particularly when it is the plurality of light emitters 136 disposed about the perimeter of the probe head 138, advantageously provides a relatively larger illumination area over the patient’s skin S. As shown in FIG. 4, the one-or-more light emitters 136 can be disposed about the probe head 138 substantially in plane with the ultrasound sensor array 142 but outboard of the ultrasound sensor array 142. While such a configuration, particularly when it is the plurality of light emitters 136 disposed about the perimeter of the probe head 138, provides a relatively smaller illumination area over the patient’s skin S, it advantageously provides the ultrasound probe 104 with a familiar form factor for the clinician.

[0072] The one-or-more light emitters 136 can be one or more light sources selected from LEDs, SLEDs, laser diodes, or the like. Alternatively, the one-or-more light emitters 136 can be one or more optical-fiber termini corresponding to one or more optical fibers operablyconnected to the one-or-more light sources. While not shown in the block diagram illustrated in FIG. 5, the one-or-more light sources in such embodiments of the ultrasound system 100 can be disposed in the console 102, and each of the console 102 and the ultrasound probe 104 can include their corresponding portions of the one-or-more optical fibers for operable connection of the one-or-more light emitters 136 to the one-or-more light sources.

[0073] The light emitted by the one-or-more light emitters 136 can be selected from broad spectrum UV-visible light, broad spectrum UV light, UVA light, UVB light, UVC light, broad spectrum visible light, violet light, blue light, cyan light, green light, yellow light, orange light, red light, NIR light, IR light, and modulated light thereof, the modulated light being modulated with respect to frequency, power, duration, or a combination thereof. Advantageously, when the light emitted by the one-or-more light emitters 136 includes UV light, the photoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel and the UV light can synergistically disinfect the patient’s skin S while ultrasound imaging thereunder.

[0074] Adverting back to FIG. 5, the ultrasound probe 104 can include a button-and- memory controller 144 for governing operation of the ultrasound probe 104 and control buttons 145 thereof. The button-and-memory controller 144 can include non-volatile memory such as EEPROM. The button-and-memory controller 144 can be in operable communication with the control buttons 145 of the ultrasound probe 104 and an ultrasound probe interface 146 of the console 102, which ultrasound probe interface 146 include a sensor input-output (“VO”) component 148 for interfacing with the ultrasound sensor array 142 of the ultrasound probe 104 and a button-and-memory VO component 150 for interfacing with the button-and-memory controller 144 of the ultrasound probe 104.Stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel

[0075] FIG. 1 illustrates the stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel 106 in two different packaging formats in accordance with some embodiments.

[0076] As set forth above, the stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel 106 is configured for simultaneously disinfecting the patient’s skin S while ultrasound imaging thereunder. Such a stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel 106 can include one or more stimulosensitizers 152 configured to produce the reactive oxygen species that disinfect the patient’s skin S when the stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel 106 is stimulated by one or more stimuli emitted by the ultrasound probe 104. Indeed, the stimuloresponsiveantimicrobial ultrasound gel 106 can be the sonoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel including the one-or-more sonosensitizers for the one-or-more stimulosensitizers 152, which sonoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel is configured to produce the reactive oxygen species that disinfect the patient’s skin S when insonified with ultrasound by the ultrasound sensor array 142 of the ultrasound probe 104. Alternatively, the stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel 106 can be the photoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel including the one-or-more photosensitizers for the one-or-more stimulosensitizers 152, which photoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel is configured to produce the reactive oxygen species that disinfect the patient’s skin S when irradiated with light by the one-o-more light emitters 136 of the ultrasound probe 104. That said, the stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel 106 can be characterized as sonoresponsive, photoresponsive, or both sonoresponsive and photoresponsive if the stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel 106 includes some combination of at least one sonosensitizer and at least one photosensitizer. Further, the stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel 106 can be characterized as sonoresponsive, photoresponsive, or both sonoresponsive and photoresponsive if the stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel 106 includes a stimulosensitizer configured to produce the reactive oxygen species when either insonified with ultrasound or irradiated with light.

[0077] The stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel 106 can include the one-or- more stimulosensitizers 152 disposed in liquid- or gel -like medium. Such a liquid- or gel-like medium of the stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel 106 can be, but is not limited to, water, glycerin, propylene glycol, or some combination thereof.

[0078] As to the sonoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel, the one-or-more sonosensitizers are, again, configured to produce the reactive oxygen species that disinfect the patient’s skin S when the sonoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel is insonifed with ultrasound by the ultrasound sensor array 142 while sliding the probe head 138 over the patient’s skin S. The one-or-more sonosensitizers can be selected from at least organic sonosensitizers and organometallic sonosensitizers. Indeed, the one-or-more sonosensitizers can be selected from those set forth below for the one-or-more photosensitizers as various sonosensitizers follow the same mechanism as that illustrated in FIG. 6 for photosensitizers subsequent to production of sonoluminescent light via cavitation bubble implosion. Preferably, the one-or-more sonosensitizers are soluble in the liquid- or gel-like medium, thereby allowingthe one-or-more sonosensitizers to diffuse therethrough. Optionally, the sonoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel includes an efflux pump inhibitor (EPI) or an electron acceptor with the one-or-more sonosensitizers.

[0079] The ultrasound for producing the reactive oxygen species can include, but is not limited to, 1.0-2.0 MHz ultrasound at an intensity of 0.5-3.0 W / cm2and modulated ultrasound thereof. Indeed, such ultrasound can form cavitation bubbles in the sonoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel when the sonoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel is insonified by the ultrasound from the ultrasound sensor array 142 of the ultrasound probe 104. As set forth in the mechanism below, the cavitation bubbles formed in the sonoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel subsequently implode to produce sonoluminescent light, which produces the reactive oxygen species as shown in FIG. 6. Additionally or alternatively, the one- or-more sonosensitizers can be sensitized to such ultrasound to form antimicrobial sonolysis products.

[0080] As to the photoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel, the one-or-more photosensitizers are, again, configured to produce the reactive oxygen species that disinfect the patient’s skin S when the photoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel is irradiated with light by the one-or-more light emitters 136 while sliding the probe head 138 over the patient’s skin S. The one-or-more photosensitizers can be selected from at least organic photosensitizers and organometallic photosensitizers. Indeed, the one-or-more photosensitizers can be selected from a phenothiazine such as a phenothiazinium dye, a benzophenothiazine such as a benzophenothiazinium dye, a naphthoxazine such as a naphthoxazinium dye, a fluorescein or fluorescein-related compound, a chlorin, a porphyrin, a porphyrazin, a phthalocyanine, and a fullerene. In an example, the one-or-more photosensitizers can be a phenothiazine such as methylene blue, dimethylmethylene blue, new methylene blue, methylene green, toluidine blue, azure A, or azure B. In another example, the one-or-more photosensitizers can be a benzophenothiazine such as 5-ethylamino-9-diethylaminobenzo(a)phenothiazinium, which is also known as EtNBS, or an analog of EtNBS such as EtNBS-OH, EtNBS-COOH, EtNBS-2C- COOH, or EtNBS-NH2. In another example, the one-or-more photosensitizers can be a naphthoxazine such as nile blue. In another example, the one-or-more photosensitizers can be a fluorescein or fluorescein-related compound such as rose bengal. In another example, the one-or-more photosensitizers can be a porphyrin such as 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(l- methylpyridinium-4-yl)porphyrin tetra-iodide; 5,10,15-tris(l-methylpyridinium-4-yl)-20-(pentafluorophenyl)porphyrin tri-iodide; hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether; chlorin e6, optionally, conjugated to polyvinyl pyrrolidone; sonoflora 1, or sonnelux-1. Preferably, the one-or-more photosensitizers are soluble in the liquid- or gel-like medium, thereby allowing the one-or-more photosensitizers to diffuse therethrough. Optionally, the photoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel includes an efflux pump inhibitor (EPI) or an electron acceptor with the one-or-more photosensitizers.

[0081] The light for producing the reactive oxygen species can be selected from broad spectrum UV-visible light, broad spectrum UV light, UVA light, UVB light, UVC light, broad spectrum visible light, violet light, blue light, cyan light, green light, yellow light, orange light, red light, NIR light, IR light, and modulated light thereof. Indeed, the one-or-more photosensitizers can be sensitized to such light, the one-or-more photosensitizers producing the reactive oxygen species when the photoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel is irradiated by the light from the one-or-more light emitters 136 of the ultrasound probe 104.

[0082] FIG. 6 illustrates a mechanism for producing the reactive oxygen species for disinfection of the patient’s skin S when the photoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel is irradiated by light from the one-or-more light emitters 136 in accordance with some embodiments.

[0083] As shown, the light from the one-or-more light emitters 136 can produce the reactive oxygen species by way of the one-or-more photosensitizers (see photosensitizer “PS” in FIG. 6) when the photoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel is irradiated by the light from one-or-more light emitters 136. Indeed, upon irradiation with the light from the one-or-more light emitters 136, some population of photosensitizers of the one-or-more photosensitizers can enter an excited singlet state (see photosensitizer “JPS” in FIG. 6). Such photosensitizers can lose energy by way of fluorescence, but some population of the one-or-more photosensitizers in the excited single state can alternatively enter an excited triplet state (see photosensitizer “3PS” in FIG. 6) through intersystem crossing. And, depending upon whether such photosensitizers are type-I photosensitizers or type-II photosensitizers, the population of photosensitizers in their excited triplet state can react with oxygen by way of electron transfer or energy transfer to produce the reactive oxygen species for disinfecting the surface of the patient’s skin S while ultrasound imaging. Indeed, any type-I photosensitizer in its excited triplet state can react with oxygen by way of electron transfer to produce superoxide (’Ch ) by reduction of oxygen, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) by disproportionation of the superoxide, andhydroxyl radical (*OH) by reduction of the hydrogen peroxide. Any type-II photosensitizer in its excited triplet state can react with oxygen by way of energy transfer to produce singlet oxygen (102). The reactive oxygen species, in turn, lead to microbial death and inactivation of microbial endotoxins by various reaction mechanisms involving the reactive oxygen species.

[0084] While such a mechanism is not shown for producing the reactive oxygen species from the sonoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel, it should be understood that the mechanism for producing the reactive oxygen species from the sonoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel can, in some embodiments, incorporate the mechanism shown in FIG. 6 for producing the reactive oxygen species when the photoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel is irradiated by light from the one-or-more light emitters 136. Indeed, when the sonoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel is insonified by ultrasound from the ultrasound sensor array 142 of the ultrasound probe 104, cavitation bubbles can form and, subsequently, implode, thereby producing sonoluminescent light. Like the light from the one-or-more light emitters 136 for producing the reactive oxygen species from the one-or-more photosensitizers, the sonoluminescent light can excite some population of sonosensitizers of the one-or-more sonosensitizers into the excited singlet state shown in FIG. 6 for ultimately producing the reactive oxygen species by the illustrated mechanism.

[0085] Notably, as shown in FIG. 1, the stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel 106 can be packaged in at least two different packaging formats. In an example, the stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel 106 can be packaged in a multi-use container such as a squeeze bottle. In another example, the stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel 106 can be packaged in a single-use package such as pouches or packets, which are generally recommended when ultrasound transducers are used on non-intact skin or during percutaneous procedures. Advantageously, however, the stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel 106 need not be sterile as packaged because the stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel 106 is self-disinfecting or self-sterilizing upon stimulation by the one-or-more stimuli emitted by the ultrasound probe 104.Methods

[0086] Methods include methods of disinfecting the patient’s skin S while ultrasound imaging thereunder. For example, a method of disinfecting the patient’s skin S while ultrasound imaging thereunder can include the following steps or operations.

[0087] The method can include enabling the electronic circuitry including the memory 110 and the one-or-more processors 112 in the console 102 of the ultrasound system 100 to instantiate the one-or-more processes from the instructions 116 stored in the memory 110 for the disinfecting of the patient’s skin S and the ultrasound imaging thereunder.

[0088] The method can also include applying the stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel 106 to the patient’s skin S.

[0089] The method can also include sliding the probe head 138 of the ultrasound probe 104 operably connected to the console 102 over the patient’s skin S. Sliding the probe head 138 of the ultrasound probe 104 over the patient’s skin S emits ultrasound signals into the patient with the ultrasound sensor array 142 disposed in the probe head 138 of the ultrasound probe 104. Also, sliding the probe head 138 of the ultrasound probe 104 over the patient’s skin S receives echoed ultrasound signals from the patient by the ultrasound sensor array 142 for the ultrasound imaging. In addition, sliding the probe head 138 of the ultrasound probe 104 over the patient’s skin S stimulates the stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel 106 with the one-or-more stimuli emitted toward the patient’ s skin S by the ultrasound probe 104. Again, the stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel 106 includes the one-or-more stimulosensitizers 152 that produce the reactive oxygen species when stimulated for the disinfecting of the patient’s skin S.

[0090] The method can also include selecting an option for disinfecting the patient’s skin S from selectable options displayed in the GUI on the display 108 integrated into the console 102 or the monitor operably connected to the console 102. As set forth above, the selectable options can correspond to at least different types of stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gels for corresponding disinfection profiles.

[0091] While some particular embodiments have been disclosed herein, and while the particular embodiments have been disclosed in some detail, it is not the intention for the particular embodiments to limit the scope of the concepts provided herein. Additional adaptations or modifications can appear to those of ordinary skill in the art, and, in broader aspects, these adaptations or modifications are encompassed as well. Accordingly, departures may be made from the particular embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the scope of the concepts provided herein.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An ultrasound system for disinfecting during ultrasound imaging, comprising: a console having electronic circuitry including memory and one or more processors, the memory including executable instructions configured to cause the console to instantiate one or more processes for disinfecting and ultrasound imaging; an ultrasound probe operably connected to the console, the ultrasound probe including an ultrasound sensor array disposed in a probe head of the ultrasound probe, the ultrasound sensor array configured to emit ultrasound signals into the patient and receive echoed ultrasound signals from the patient when sliding the probe head over skin of a patient; and a stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel including one or more stimulosensitizers configured to produce reactive oxygen species that disinfect the skin when the stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel is stimulated by one or more stimuli emitted by the ultrasound probe.

2. The ultrasound system according to claim 1, wherein the stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel is a sonoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel, and wherein the one-or-more stimulosensitizers are one or more sonosensitizers configured to produce the reactive oxygen species that disinfect the skin when the sonoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel is insonifed by the ultrasound sensor array while sliding the probe head over the skin.

3. The ultrasound system according to claim 2, wherein the one-or-more sonosensitizers are selected from chlorin e6, optionally, conjugated to polyvinyl pyrrolidone; sonoflora 1; and sonnelux-1.

4. The ultrasound system according to claim 1, wherein the ultrasound probe further includes one or more light emitters disposed in the probe head or a probe body of the ultrasound probe configured to emit light toward the skin, the stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel is a photoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel, and the one-or-more stimulosensitizers are one or more photosensitizers configured to produce the reactive oxygenspecies that disinfect the skin when the photoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel is irradiated by the one-or-more light emitters while sliding the probe head over the skin.

5. The ultrasound system according to claim 4, wherein the one-or-more photosensitizers are selected from organic photosensitizers and organometallic photosensitizers.

6. The ultrasound system according to either claim 4 or 5, wherein the light emitted by the one-or-more light emitters is selected from broad spectrum ultraviolet (“UV”)-visible light, broad spectrum UV light, UVA light, UVB light, UVC light, broad spectrum visible light, violet light, blue light, cyan light, green light, yellow light, orange light, red light, near infrared (“NIR”) light, infrared (“IR”) light, and modulated light thereof, the modulated light being modulated with respect to frequency, power, duration, or a combination thereof.

7. The ultrasound system according to any of claims 4-6, wherein the one-or-more light emitters are disposed in the probe head.

8. The ultrasound system according to claim 7, wherein a plurality of light emitters are disposed about a perimeter of the probe head.

9. The ultrasound system according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of light emitters are disposed about the perimeter of the probe head proximal of the ultrasound sensor array.

10. The ultrasound system according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of light emitters are disposed about the perimeter of the probe head substantially in plane with the ultrasound sensor array but outboard of the ultrasound sensor array.

11. The ultrasound system according to claim 7, wherein the one-or-more light emitters are disposed in a face of the probe body.

12. The ultrasound system according to any of claims 4-11, wherein the one-or- more light emitters are one or more light sources selected from light-emitting diodes (“LEDs”), superluminescent LEDs (“SLEDs”), and laser diodes.

13. The ultrasound system according to any of claims 4-11, wherein the one-or- more light emitters are one or more optical-fiber termini corresponding to one or more opticalfibers operably connected to one or more light sources selected from light-emitting diodes (“LEDs”), superluminescent LEDs (“SLEDs”), laser diodes, and light bulbs.

14. The ultrasound system according to any of claims 4-13, further comprising a display integrated into the console or a monitor operably connected to the console, the one-or- more processes instantiated by the console further for sending display signals to the display for displaying selectable options in a graphical user interface (“GUI”) for disinfecting the skin, the selectable options corresponding to at least different types of photoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gels for corresponding disinfection profiles.

15. A stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel, comprising: one or more stimulosensitizers configured to produce reactive oxygen species that disinfect skin of a patient when the stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel is stimulated by one or more stimuli emitted by an ultrasound probe; and water, glycerin, propylene glycol, or some combination thereof in which the one-or-more photosensitizers are disposed.

16. The stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel according to claim 15, wherein the stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel is a sonoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel, and the one-or-more stimulosensitizers are one or more sonosensitizers configured to produce the reactive oxygen species that disinfect skin of a patient when the sonoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel is insonifed by an ultrasound sensor array of the ultrasound probe while sliding a probe head of the ultrasound probe over the skin.

17. The stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel according to claim 16, wherein the one-or-more sonosensitizers are selected from chlorin e6, optionally, conjugated to polyvinyl pyrrolidone; sonoflora 1; and sonnelux-1.

18. The stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel according to claim 15, wherein the stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel is a photoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel, and the one-or-more stimulosensitizers are one or more photosensitizers configured to produce the reactive oxygen species that disinfect skin of a patient when the photoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel is irradiated by one or more light emitters of the ultrasound probe while sliding a probe head of the ultrasound probe over the skin.

19. The stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel according to claim 18, wherein the one-or-more photosensitizers are selected from organic photosensitizers and organometallic photosensitizers.

20. The stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel according to either claim 18 or 19, wherein the one-or-more photosensitizers are configured to produce one or more reactive oxygen species when the photoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel is irradiated by the light emitted by the one-or-more light emitters.

21. The stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel according to any of claims 18-20, wherein the light is selected from broad spectrum ultraviolet (“UV”)-visible light, broad spectrum UV light, UVA light, UVB light, UVC light, broad spectrum visible light, violet light, blue light, cyan light, green light, yellow light, orange light, red light, near infrared (“NIR”) light, infrared (“IR”) light, and modulated light thereof, the modulated light being modulated with respect to frequency, power, duration, or a combination thereof.

22. A method of disinfecting during ultrasound imaging, comprising: enabling electronic circuitry including memory and one or more processors in a console of an ultrasound system to instantiate one or more processes from instructions stored in the memory for the disinfecting and the ultrasound imaging; applying a stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel to skin of a patient; and sliding a probe head of an ultrasound probe operably connected to the console over the skin, comprising: emitting ultrasound signals into the patient with an ultrasound sensor array disposed in the probe head of the ultrasound probe and receiving echoed ultrasound signals from the patient by the ultrasound sensor array for the ultrasound imaging; and stimulating the stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel with one or more stimuli emitted toward the skin by the ultrasound probe, the stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel including one or more stimulosensitizers that produce reactive oxygen species when stimulated for the disinfecting of the skin.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein the stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel is a sonoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel, and the one-or-more stimulosensitizers are one or more sonosensitizers configured to produce the reactive oxygen species for disinfecting the skin when the sonoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel is insonifed by the ultrasound sensor array while sliding the probe head over the skin.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein the one-or-more sonosensitizers are selected from chlorin e6, optionally, conjugated to polyvinyl pyrrolidone; sonoflora 1; and sonnelux-1.

25. The method according to claim 22, wherein the ultrasound probe includes one or more light emitters disposed in the probe head or a probe body of the ultrasound probe configured to emit light toward the skin, the stimuloresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel is a photoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel, and the one-or-more stimulosensitizers are one or more photosensitizers configured to produce the reactive oxygen species for disinfecting the skin when the photoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gel is irradiated by the one-or-more light emitters while sliding the probe head over the skin.

26. The method according to claim 25, wherein the one-or-more photosensitizers are selected from organic photosensitizers and organometallic photosensitizers.

27. The method according to either claim 25 or 26, wherein the light emitted by the one-or-more light emitters is selected from broad spectrum ultraviolet (“UV”)-visible light, broad spectrum UV light, UVA light, UVB light, UVC light, broad spectrum visible light, violet light, blue light, cyan light, green light, yellow light, orange light, red light, near infrared (“NIR”) light, infrared (“IR”) light, and modulated light thereof, the modulated light being modulated with respect to frequency, power, duration, or a combination thereof.

28. The method according to any claim of claims 25-27, wherein the one-or-more light emitters are disposed about a perimeter of the probe head.

29. The method according to claim 28, wherein the one-or-more light emitters are disposed in a face of the probe body.

30. The method according to any of claims 25-29, wherein the one-or-more light emitters are one or more light sources selected from light-emitting diodes (“LEDs”),superluminescent LEDs (“SLEDs”), and laser diodes, or the one-or-more light emitters are one or more optical-fiber termini corresponding to one or more optical fibers operably connected to the foregoing one-or-more light sources.

31. The method according to any of claims 25-30, further comprising selecting an option for disinfecting the skin from selectable options displayed in a graphical user interface (“GUI”) on a display integrated into the console or a monitor operably connected to the console, the selectable options corresponding to at least different types of photoresponsive antimicrobial ultrasound gels for corresponding disinfection profiles.

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