Ultrasound Probe Guide with Angled Skin Surface for Single-Operator Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasound-guided medical probe placement techniques are challenging due to difficulties in visualizing the probe tip, requiring two operators and limited ultrasonic energy reflection, which complicates accurate percutaneous probe insertion and increases the risk of complications.
Innovation Solution
A medical probe device with a skin contacting surface featuring angled portions to improve visualization and ultrasonic coupling, combined with a sterilizable shield and clamp for secure probe placement, allowing single-operator use and real-time visualization of the probe tip on a sonogram.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two-operator ultrasound guided technique is used, then probe placement accuracy can be improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of ultrasound imaging and probe guidance into a single integrated device. The probe guide is attached to the ultrasound transducer housing, allowing one operator to simultaneously control ultrasound imaging and probe placement, eliminating the need for two separate operators while maintaining placement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasound device is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides real-time ultrasound imaging of internal targets, visualizes the probe itself through acoustic reflection, and guides probe placement through integrated probe guide mechanisms. This multi-functional design allows a single operator to perform all tasks previously requiring two operators
2Device complexity
If a fixed angle probe guide is used, then device simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different target depths and angles is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The probe guide is designed with adjustable angular positioning capabilities, allowing the operator to dynamically change the probe insertion angle according to the specific anatomical target and patient anatomy. This dynamic adjustability enables the same device to adapt to various target depths and angles without requiring multiple fixed-angle guides
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows adjustment of key parameters including probe guide angle, probe insertion depth, and scanned plane orientation. By enabling parameter changes, the device can be adapted to different procedural requirements and patient anatomies while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
3Device complexity
If minimal visual feedback is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision of probe location deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasound device provides real-time visual feedback by displaying the probe's position and orientation on the sonogram. The system detects acoustic reflections from the probe and renders its location, allowing the operator to precisely track probe tip position and adjust placement in real-time, significantly improving measurement precision compared to minimal visual feedback
Solution Approach 2:
The system enhances probe visualization by displaying the probe as a distinct graphical representation on the sonogram, making it easily distinguishable from surrounding anatomical structures. This visual enhancement allows precise tracking of probe location without adding complex hardware
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
Enhances the accuracy and safety of probe placement by providing improved visualization and secure positioning, reducing the risk of complications and enabling single-operator procedures.
Implementation Method 1
Ultrasound guided techniques and devices have been developed to aid in correct placement of percutaneous probes
Implementation Method 2
the generally thin, cylindrical probe is usually small and reflects very little of the ultrasound beam
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2
AI summary
Disclosed are medical probe devices and methods for use guiding of percutaneous probes during medical procedures. The probe devices include an ultrasound transducer housing having a passage therethrough configured to accommodate a probe. The devices can be utilized to guide a probe through the probe guide to a percutaneous target with real time visualization of the probe during the procedure. In addition, the devices can include a sterilizable shield including a sterile probe guide such that the transducer housing itself can be separated from a subject by a sterile barrier. The sterilizable shield can be a single-use shield that can prevent contamination and re-use of the shield. The devices can define a beneficial geometry conducive to use by a single operator that can be utilized for percutaneous targets near the skin surface and can enable excellent contact between the device and the skin surface of a subject.