摘要:
An ultrasonic endoscopic probe is provided with an articulating distal tip (14) at which an ultrasonic transducer (130) is located. The articulating section (30) of the probe can be locked in an articulated position by a lock control (28,28') located at a control section (10) of the probe. The locking force is variably selectable by the user, so that the articulating section (30) will be locked in position by a desired force. The articulating section (30) is controlled by cables (74,76,129), which include cable tension adjustments (70a,70b) that also serve to delimit the range of articulation. The articulating section (30) is formed of alternating pivot rings (120) with intervening polymeric pivot beads (106), which provide repetitively smooth articulation. The ultrasonic transducer (130) is rotatable to steer the acoustic scan plane during use, and a sliding membrane (164) between the transducer (130) and its acoustic window (162) allows the transducer (130) to rotate smoothly without sticking.
摘要:
An acoustic standoff is provided for an ultrasonic scanhead which readily attaches to and detaches from an ultrasonic scanhead. The standoff includes a retention clip which snaps onto the scanhead and defines a volumetric region in front of the scanhead acoustic window. A body of acoustically transmissive material which is preferably disposable is located in the volumetric region. This integral configuration of scanhead and disposable standoff material advantageously allows a clinician to manipulate both the scanhead and its standoff with one hand during performance of an ultrasonic examination. Also disclosed is a convenient kit for the retention clip and disposable blocks of standoff material which enables standoff material of the proper dimensions and acoustic characteristics for the clip to be cast and formed directly in compartments of the kit.
摘要:
An ultrasonic endoscopic probe is provided with an articulating distal tip (14) at which an ultrasonic transducer (130) is located. The articulating section (30) of the probe can be locked in an articulated position by a lock control (28,28') located at a control section (10) of the probe. The locking force is variably selectable by the user, so that the articulating section (30) will be locked in position by a desired force. The articulating section (30) is controlled by cables (74,76,129), which include cable tension adjustments (70a,70b) that also serve to delimit the range of articulation. The articulating section (30) is formed of alternating pivot rings (120) with intervening polymeric pivot beads (106), which provide repetitively smooth articulation. The ultrasonic transducer (130) is rotatable to steer the acoustic scan plane during use, and a sliding membrane (164) between the transducer (130) and its acoustic window (162) allows the transducer (130) to rotate smoothly without sticking.
摘要:
An ultrasonic transesophageal scanhead is provided which enables a physician to easily and quickly change the orientation of the image plane during a scanning procedure without disrupting control of the scanhead. Means (36) are provided on the external control unit (16) of the scanhead for unambiguously selecting the orientation of the plane which is imaged by the transducers (E1L..E48T) at the end of the probe (12) of the scanhead. In one embodiment, a rocker switch (36) is provided on the underside of the control unit, and a lighted indicator (40) is provided on top of the control unit. When the physician desires to change the image plane, the rocker switch is rolled forward to select the transducer elements (E1L..E48L; E1T..E48T) of the probe which are configured for scanning in the desired image plane. As the rocker switch is moved, the lighted indicator (40) on the top of the control unit provides a visual display pattern aligned either longitudinally (40b, 40c) or transversely (40a, 40b) with respect to the axis of the probe. Thus, the physician can change scanning planes without moving his hand from the control unit, and the unit constantly provides an indication of the orientation of the selected plane.