Connectorized Transesophageal Ultrasound Probe for Patient Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing ultrasound probes for transesophageal echocardiography are cumbersome and difficult to manage when patients need to be moved, as the large and heavy handle and cabling attached to the patient complicate movement and patient care.
Innovation Solution
A connectorized ultrasound probe design where the distal section is inserted into the patient and the proximal section is detachable, allowing for easy disconnection of the handle and cabling, enabling the distal section to remain in place while minimizing bulk and weight outside the patient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the probe is kept connected to the ultrasound system during patient movement, then the imaging function is maintained, but the patient movement becomes extremely difficult due to the large and heavy handle and cabling
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is divided into two separable components: a distal section that remains in the patient and a proximal section that connects to the ultrasound system. This segmentation allows the heavy handle and cabling to be detached from the patient, eliminating the obstacle to patient movement while maintaining imaging capability through the remaining distal section.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle and cabling portions are extracted from the patient-connected configuration and left outside the patient's body on a tray or hook. This extraction removes the source of difficulty (large and heavy components) from the patient movement scenario while the distal section continues to provide imaging function.
2Ease of operation
If the probe is detached from the ultrasound system before patient movement, then patient movement becomes easier, but the device requires an extra degree of awareness to avoid dislodging or causing problems
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the probe into detachable distal and proximal sections, the system allows the handle to be disconnected from the patient-connected distal section. This reduces the management complexity compared to handling the entire probe assembly, as only the small distal section needs to be monitored during patient movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle and cabling are extracted and left outside the patient's body, eliminating the need for attendants to constantly monitor and manage the entire probe assembly. The only component requiring attention is the small distal section, significantly reducing the extra degree of awareness required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional connected probe design is used, then the ultrasound system can control the bending mechanism, but the handle and cabling create bulk and weight that complicates patient care
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is segmented into a distal section that can remain in the patient without the heavy handle and cabling, and a proximal section that connects to the ultrasound system. This allows the bending control functionality to be maintained through the proximal section while eliminating the weight burden on the patient during movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The heavy handle and cabling are extracted from the patient-connected configuration. The distal section can remain in the patient with minimal weight, while the proximal section with the bending control mechanism and ultrasound system connection is left outside the patient's body.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design simplifies patient movement and care by reducing the bulk and weight of hardware attached to the patient, allowing for more efficient and comfortable long-term transesophageal ultrasound imaging.
Implementation Method 1
The distal end 116 is manipulated into position in the esophagus, and a bending mechanism is then actuated using actuator 102, which causes the bending section 114 of the probe to bend. In the context of echocardiography, this bending action is used to position the ultrasound transducer 118 in the fundus of the stomach to obtain an image of the transgastric short axis view of the heart.
Data Source
AI summary
A connectorized ultrasound probe includes a distal section that is configured for insertion into a patient's body and a proximal section configured to interface the distal section with an ultrasound system. The distal section is easily attachable and detachable from the proximal section using at least one set of connectors. When connected, a user-operated actuator located on the proximal section controls the bending of the distal section, and the ultrasound system sends driving signals to and receives return signals from the ultrasound transducer via the proximal section. This arrangement is particularly advantageous for long term monitoring, because the disconnectability of the proximal section makes it possible to leave the distal section in place in the patient for longer periods of time without undue discomfort.