JP2004504091A - Probe tip - Google Patents

Abstract

A soft, partially consolidated, aqueous, ultrasonically conductive cap having a surface and molded to conform to the working end of an ultrasonic probe. The thickness of the cap can be varied to change the focus during B-scope biometry.

Description

[0001]
The present invention relates to ultrasound devices, and more particularly, to ultrasound diagnostic probe tips used in ophthalmology.
[0002]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Many devices utilize ultrasonic energy to construct images of internal organs to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and other medical conditions. For example, in ophthalmology, both A-scope (A-Scan) and B-scope (B-Scan) ultrasound diagnostic devices are utilized.
[0003]
As best seen in FIG. 5, A-scan biometry uses a relatively small probe, for example, lens thickness (L), anterior chamber depth (AC), posterior chamber depth. The thickness of various structures in the eye, such as (V) and the total axial length (AL), and the distance between the structures are measured. These measurements are useful in determining the required power of an implanted intraocular lens during cataract surgery.
[0004]
As best seen in FIG. 6, B-scope ultrasound uses a larger probe with an internal motor that causes the ultrasound crystal contained in the handpiece to swing. B-scope ultrasound diagnosis creates a real-time image of the eye and detects the detachment of the retina or choroid, the detection of artefacts in the vitreous body, the presence of a tumor or foreign body in the eye, or the eye when vision is unclear. Used to look at the back of the B-scope ultrasound also performs the same measurements as those made by A-scope ultrasound.
[0005]
Measurements using the A-scope or B-scope are usually performed using a contact method, during which the working end of the probe is placed in contact with the cornea of the eye under anesthesia. A special ultrasound fluid or gel is used to acoustically connect the probe to the eyelid or cornea of the eye. This acoustic connection fluid can make it difficult to accurately position the probe, and the gel can irritate eye tissue. Probes need to be washed between uses to prevent the spread of pathogens, a difficult and time consuming process. The fluid used to wash the probe can irritate eye tissue, even if the probe is properly washed and the spread of the pathogen is minimized. Further, in the contact method, an accurate measurement may not be performed because the cornea is pushed down by the contact of the probe. However, most operators choose the contact method because it is easier to implement compared to the immersion method.
[0006]
A second technique used to perform A-scope or B-scope measurements is immersion. According to the immersion method, the eye is anesthetized and a small cup is placed on the eye. The cup is then filled with the acoustic connecting fluid and the probe is inserted into the cup. Immersion is considered more accurate than the contact method because the probe does not touch the eye and does not partially depress the eye. However, immersion is difficult and time-consuming to perform, and requires the patient to lie down. In addition, bubbles in the connecting fluid can cause inaccurate measurements.
[0007]
Thus, there remains a need for a simple, secure, accurate and reliable ultrasonic connection device.
[0008]
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to a flexible, partially consolidated, water-based ultrasonic transmission having a surface adapted and adapted to the working end of an ultrasonic probe. Providing a cap improves upon the prior art methods. The thickness of the cap can be varied to change the focus during B-scope biometry.
[0009]
Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic conduction cap for an ultrasonic probe.
[0010]
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an ultrasonically conductive cap that reduces or eliminates the need for an acoustic gel.
[0011]
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an ultrasonic conduction cap that allows for more accurate ultrasonic measurements.
[0012]
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic conduction cap that helps prevent the spread of pathogens.
[0013]
Yet another object of the present invention is to enable a method of biometric measurement that is simpler and faster than the contact method and has the immersion accuracy.
[0014]
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent with reference to the drawings, the following description of the drawings, and the claims.
[0015]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 4, the probe tips 10 and 10 'of the present invention are generally cup-shaped in cross section, each having a wall 12, 12' and an end. Caps 14, 14 'are provided, which end caps 14 and 14' close one end of wall 12 or 12 '. The tip 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5 is suitable for use with the A scope probe, and the tip 10 'illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3 and 6 is suitable for use with the B scope probe. I have. Tips 10 and 10 'are preferably made from a water-based gel, such as, for example, a cross-linked cellulose derivative, but any suitable material may be used. Suitable gels are commercially available from sources such as, for example, Pharmaceutical Innovations, Inc. of Newark, NJ.
[0016]
As best seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, a tip 10 suitable for use on an A-scope probe can be any suitable inner and outer diameter, but is typically 3.81 mm (0 mm). .15 inches to 17.78 mm (0.70 inches) and preferably about 6.35 mm (0.25 inches), and an inner radius Ri, and 6.35 mm (0.25 inches) to 21.59 mm (0.85 inches) and preferably about 11.43 mm (0.45 inches). The wall 12 may be of any suitable height Wh needed to hold the tip 10 on the probe 16, but is typically between 2.54 mm (0.10 inches) and 20.32 mm (0.80 inches). And preferably about 10.16 mm (0.40 inches). In order to assist in mounting the tip 10 on the probe 16, it is between 0.254 mm (0.01 inches) and 2.54 mm (0.10 inches) and 1.27 mm (0.05 inches). A vent hole 18 having a preferred diameter D may be provided. The end cap 14 may have any suitable thickness ECt, but is preferably between 2.54 mm (0.10 inches) and 10.16 mm (0.40 inches) thick, and is about 3.0 inches. It is preferably 048 mm (0.12 inches). End cap 14 is also preferably formed in a curved shape to fit tightly to probe 16 and eye 20 with minimal rocking and good acoustic contact, 19. From an inner radius R2 of between 0.05 mm (0.75 inches) and 31.75 mm (1.25 inches) and preferably about 22.86 mm (0.90 inches), and from 15.24 mm (0.60 inches). And an outer radius R3 that is preferably 1.40 inches and approximately 1.00 inches. Preferably, the wall 12 and the end cap 14 have an internal radius preferably between 0.01 inches and 0.05 inches and preferably 0.03 inches. R4 and an outer radius R5, preferably between 1.27 mm (0.05 inches) and 3.81 mm (0.15 inches) and preferably 2.54 mm (0.10 inches).
[0017]
As best seen in FIGS. 3, 4 and 6, a tip 10 'suitable for use on a B-scope probe can be any suitable inner and outer diameter, but is typically 12.7 mm ( An inner radius Ri ', preferably 0.50 inches to 38.1 mm (1.50 inches) and preferably about 17.78 mm (0.70 inches), and 43 mm from 21.59 mm (0.85 inches). The outer radius Ro 'is preferably 1.18 inches and approximately 0.90 inches. The wall 12 'may be of any suitable height Wh' required to hold the tip 10 'on the probe 22, but is typically from 5.08 mm (0.20 inches) to 20.32 mm (0. Preferably, the height is 80 inches and is about 0.25 inches. To aid in mounting the tip 10 'on the probe 22, it is between 0.254 mm (0.01 inches) and 2.54 mm (0.10 inches) and 1.27 mm (0.05 inches). Has a preferred diameter D 'and is preferably from 0.254 mm (0.01 inches) to 2.54 mm (0.10 inches) and 1.27 mm (0.05 inches) from the end cap 14'. A vent hole 18 'positioned at the distance V1 may be provided. The end cap 14 'may have any suitable thickness ECt, but is preferably from 2.54 mm (0.10 inches) to 10.16 mm (0.40 inches) thick and about 3 inches. It is preferably 0.048 mm (0.12 inches). The end cap 14 also preferably has a flat interior surface 15 and 0.64 inches to 1.40 inches to about 1.00 inches. And a curved outer surface 17 having a preferred outer radius R3 '. Preferably, the wall 12 'and the end cap 14' are preferably between 0.03 inches and 0.77 inches and 0.05 inches. With an inner radius R4 'and an outer radius R5' preferably between 2.54 mm (0.10 inches) and 7.62 mm (0.30 inches) and preferably 5.08 mm (0.20 inches). Connected.
[0018]
One skilled in the art will recognize that the dimensions described above can be increased or decreased as needed to correspond to the selected probe.
[0019]
In use, as best seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, tip 10 or 10 'is placed over the end of A-scope probe 16 or B-scope probe 22, respectively, and the ultrasound of eye 20 or 20' Can be used to perform measurements. The chips 10 and 10 'may be shipped one at a time or in a container (not shown) such as a multiple egg carton containing a plurality of eggs.
[0020]
Although the probe tip of the present invention has been described with reference to an ophthalmic ultrasound probe, the present invention is directed to a phased cardiology probe, a linear array, a curved array and an annular array. It may also be useful when used in combination with a radiological probe of the type described above.
[0021]
While several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these descriptions have been made for the purposes of illustration and description. Variations, modifications, improvements and departures from the systems and methods disclosed above may be employed without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG.
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a probe cap of the present invention useful for an A-scope ultrasonic probe.
FIG. 2
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the probe cap of the present invention taken along line 2-2 of FIG.
FIG. 3
FIG. 3 is a plan view of a probe cap of the present invention useful for a B-scope ultrasonic probe.
FIG. 4
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the probe cap of the present invention taken along line 4-4 in FIG.
FIG. 5
FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of the cap shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 being used to make eye measurements.
FIG. 6
FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of the cap illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 being used to make eye measurements.

Claims (5)

a) surrounding wall;
b) an end cap closing one end of the wall;
In the probe tip provided with
A probe tip, wherein the wall and the end cap are sized and shaped to fit one end of a probe, and wherein the tip is made from an aqueous ultrasonically conductive material. The probe tip according to claim 1, wherein the aqueous ultrasonic conductive material is a crosslinked cellulose derivative. The probe tip of claim 1, wherein the end cap is sized and shaped to fit on one end of the probe with minimal deflection and good acoustic contact. The probe tip according to claim 1, wherein the wall includes a vent hole. The probe chip according to claim 2, wherein the gel is a crosslinked cellulose derivative.