TEE Probe Holder with Articulating Joint and Elastic Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) probes and endoscopic probes are prone to instability and require manual manipulation, leading to loss of image during acquisition and storage, especially in confined surgical environments, and are often difficult to handle with contaminated hands, necessitating additional operators or cumbersome controls.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a probe holder with user-operable controls and a wireless transceiver, coupled with a clamp assembly and elastic members to maintain the probe in a fixed position, allowing single-handed operation and secure image acquisition, and a transport apparatus with coiled tube for easy mobility and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the TEE probe is manually manipulated by a physician to provide live images, then the probe can be positioned and oriented for imaging, but the operator must remove hands from the probe to press buttons on the console or use a foot pedal, leading to probe instability and loss of image
Solution Approach 1:
The control functions are segmented from the probe manipulation task. The probe holder includes a control panel with buttons and a foot pedal that allow the operator to control the ultrasound machine without touching the probe, separating the imaging acquisition function from the probe positioning function.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe holder acts as an intermediary device between the operator and the probe. It provides a stable mounting structure with control interfaces that mediate the interaction between the operator's commands and the ultrasound machine operations, eliminating the need for direct hand contact with the probe during imaging.
2Productivity
If a second operator is used to interact with the echocardiographic cart, then image acquisition can be performed, but it is expensive, impractical in confined spaces, and cumbersome requiring constant dialogue
Solution Approach 1:
The probe holder combines multiple functions into a single device: it provides stable probe mounting, integrates control panels with buttons for image acquisition, and includes foot pedal control. This merging of functions into one unit eliminates the need for a second operator and reduces operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe holder is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously performs probe stabilization, local control of ultrasound imaging parameters, and foot pedal control integration. This universal design allows one operator to perform all necessary functions without requiring additional personnel or complex coordination.
3Ease of operation
If the probe is held manually during procedures, then the physician can manipulate the probe, but difficulty arises when hands are contaminated by liquid or gel
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is extracted from direct manual handling by the operator. The probe holder provides a stable mounting structure that holds the probe securely, allowing the operator to interact with the system through the control panel and foot pedal rather than directly manipulating the probe with contaminated hands.
4Productivity
If the probe is manually held during image acquisition, then real-time imaging can be performed, but operator fatigue occurs and probe stability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is pre-positioned and secured in the holder before image acquisition begins. The holder provides stable mounting with adjustment mechanisms that allow the probe to be positioned and locked in place beforehand, eliminating the need for continuous manual holding during prolonged imaging procedures.
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
Enables stable and precise imaging without operator fatigue, reduces the need for additional personnel, and maintains probe cleanliness during storage and transport, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
elastic members to maintain the probe in a fixed position
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a first retainer plate, a second retainer plate, a connector link, and a clamp. The second retainer plate has a clearance aperture. The connector link has a first end and a second end. The first retainer plate is coupled to the first end and the second retainer plate is coupled to the second end. The first retainer plate and second retainer plate are in parallel alignment. At least one of the first retainer plate and the second retainer plate are elastically urged to converge. The clamp is coupled to the connector link by a joint. The joint is configured to articulate in at least two degrees of freedom and configured to retain a selected fixed alignment as to the connector link relative to the clamp.