Wireless TEE Probe Modular Design Reduces Radiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) probes are inflexible, requiring separate units for each gastroscope configuration, leading to equipment redundancy and cumbersome cleaning procedures, and expose physicians to radiation due to fixed handle and console interface cables.
Innovation Solution
Modular TEE probes with removably coupled components, including a handle and gastroscope, and a wireless module for remote control and data transmission, allowing for interchangeable parts and reduced radiation exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional TEE probes use permanently fixed gastroscopes and components, then the structure is stable and reliable, but the device complexity increases and requires separate units for each gastroscope configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The TEE probe is divided into separate modular components including the handle, gastroscope, and console interface cable that can be independently detached and reconfigured. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized separately while reducing the need for multiple complete probe units for different gastroscope configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle and console interface cable are designed as universal components that can interface with multiple different gastroscope configurations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate complete probe units for each gastroscope type, reducing equipment redundancy while maintaining reliability through standardized connection interfaces.
2Reliability
If conventional TEE probes have permanently fixed components, then the assembly is structurally sound, but cleaning becomes difficult and damaging to components
Solution Approach 1:
The gastroscope is separated from the handle and console interface cable, allowing the gastroscope to be detached for dedicated cleaning procedures. This segmentation enables cleaning protocols to be applied specifically to the gastroscope component without risking damage to the handle and cable components that require less rigorous cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
Different cleaning protocols can be applied to different components based on their specific requirements. The gastroscope, which contacts the patient's physiology, receives more rigorous cleaning while the handle and console interface cable receive appropriate but less intensive cleaning procedures, optimizing both cleanliness and component preservation.
3Reliability
If conventional TEE probes use fixed handle and console interface cables, then the connection is stable, but physicians are exposed to radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The console interface cable is extracted as a separate, detachable component that can be removed when not in use. This allows the handle to be used with different gastroscopes without requiring the full cable assembly to be present, reducing the physician's exposure to radiation during procedures while maintaining stable connections when the cable is properly attached.
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 medical workflow by reducing equipment redundancy, simplifying cleaning, and minimizing radiation exposure for physicians through modular design and wireless functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The ultrasonic transducers emit ultrasonic energy in the form of ultrasonic waves to create an image of the heart. Ultrasonic waves are partially reflected by discontinuities arising from tissue structures, red blood cells, and other features of interest. Echoes, or the reflected ultrasonic waves, are received by the ultrasonic transducer
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates generally to the assessment and imaging of bodily organs, including transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). For example, some embodiments of the present disclosure provide for remote and/or wireless control of a transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) probe. For example, in some embodiments a TEE probe comprises a gastroscope for insertion into a patient's esophagus, a handle coupled to the gastroscope, and a wireless module coupled to the handle and configured to receive a command signal from a user to remotely control aspects of a TEE scan. Some aspects to be controlled by a user remotely may include movement of a distal portion of the gastroscope within the patient's esophagus. Other aspects may include initiation of an ultrasonic imaging procedure by an ultrasonic transducer. In some embodiments, the wireless module may also be configured to wirelessly transmit electrical signals to a console. The electrical signals may comprise ultrasonic imaging data, and sensor feedback signals.