Abstract: An apparatus (100, 300) includes a transducer assembly; a bending neck (106, 206, 306) connected to a proximal end (104, 204, 304) of the transducer head; and an insertion tube (103, 203, 303) disposed in tandem with the bending neck (106, 206, 306) and comprising a distal end (105, 205, 305) connected to a proximal end (104, 204, 304) of the bending neck (106, 206, 306), and a proximal end (104, 204, 304) for manipulation of the transducer head. The insertion tube (103, 203, 303) has a first durometer value at a first section (310), and second durometer value at a second section (312). The first durometer value is greater than the second durometer value.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe includes a housing configured to be grasped by a user, a transducer array coupled to the housing and configured to obtain ultrasound data, and an acoustic window disposed over the transducer array. The acoustic window comprises an end surface configured to contact a subject. The end surface comprises a compound shape including one or more curved sections and one or more straight sections. Associated methods, devices, and systems are also provided.