Ultrasound Probe Coupler with Self-Lubricating Solid Gel Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasound gel applications in medical settings are problematic due to issues with sterility, infection control, messiness, discomfort, and the need for repeated application, which can lead to contamination and reduced probe lifespan, while gel pads are costly and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A semi-rigid, self-supporting ultrasound coupler with a three-dimensional shape and a probe attachment member that extends upwardly, made from materials like polyhydric alcohols, thickening agents, and surfactants, which self-lubricates and dries on skin, allowing for a sterile and efficient interface between the probe and patient without the need for external gel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ultrasound gel is applied in bulk, then the transmission of sound waves is improved, but sterility cannot be maintained and infection risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the ultrasound gel into individual single-use pouches, each containing a predetermined amount of gel. This segmentation allows each pouch to be independently sterilized and sealed, maintaining sterility until use. The gel is dispensed from a bulk reservoir through sterile filtration into individual pouches, ensuring each unit remains sterile and preventing cross-contamination between patients.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a sterile barrier system as an intermediary between the bulk gel reservoir and the patient. This includes sterile filtration mechanisms and sealed pouches that act as intermediaries to transfer gel while maintaining sterility. The system mediates between the need for bulk gel storage and the requirement for sterile single-use application.
2Measurement precision
If ultrasound gel is reapplied during procedures, then image clarity can be maintained, but contamination risk increases and probe lifespan is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs disposable single-use gel pouches that are discarded after one use. This eliminates the need to clean and reuse gel containers, reducing the risk of contamination and the need for repeated probe cleaning. Each new pouch ensures fresh, sterile gel for the next patient or procedure, maintaining image quality without compromising probe longevity through reduced cleaning cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to discard used gel pouches after a single use rather than attempting to recover or reuse them. This approach prioritizes sterility and simplicity over resource recovery, ensuring that each patient receives fresh gel while minimizing the complexity of sterilization and cleaning protocols that would otherwise be required.
3Ease of operation
If gel is applied directly onto patient skin, then ultrasound transmission is facilitated, but the process becomes messy and patient discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a flexible pouch as a containment shell for the ultrasound gel. This thin film structure allows for controlled dispensing of gel directly onto the probe or patient skin in a manageable manner. The pouch acts as a portable, flexible container that can be easily handled and applied, reducing messiness compared to bulk gel containers while maintaining the necessary gel transmission properties.
4Reliability
If gel pads are used instead of bulk gel, then sterility is improved, but cost increases and convenience decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The single-use pouch design serves multiple functions: it maintains sterility like gel pads, but also allows for flexible dispensing and application similar to bulk gel. The pouch can be used to apply gel to various probe types and can be stored in bulk like traditional gel containers. This multi-functionality combines the advantages of both gel pads and bulk gel while eliminating their respective disadvantages.
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
The solution provides a sterile, efficient, and comfortable ultrasound imaging process by reducing infection risks, eliminating the need for external gel, and extending probe lifespan, while being cost-effective and easy to use.
Implementation Method 1
The coupler body can be configured to be press-fit to a target ultrasound probe so that the end of the ultrasound probe resides in the cavity and the coupler self-attaches thereto. The coupler body can have a bottom surface that comprises a material corresponding to a solid deodorant. The coupler body can be formed of a material that self-lubricates and dries as it is applied to skin of a subject to thereby facilitate sliding of the coupler and the probe as a unitary assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
Couplers for ultrasound probes can have a solid coupler body and a probe attachment member that is secured to a coupler body. The probe attachment member may extend upwardly from the coupler body. The probe attachment member may frictionally and/or adhesively engage with an ultrasound probe, thereby attaching and/or holding the coupler body to an end of the ultrasound probe. The coupler body may include at least one open channel that that extends through the coupler body to define a fluid path. The at least one open channel may be sized to hold and/or contain a fluid and/or gel in and/or on the coupler body and only release the fluid and/or gel when a force is exerted at a top surface of the coupler body. A coupler may be provided in a package in an orientation and easy to use fashion that may aid in attaching the coupler to an end of an ultrasound probe.