Abstract: An ultrasound probe includes a housing configured for handheld operation by a user, a transducer array coupled to the housing and configured to obtain ultrasound data, and a cable coupled to the housing. The cable includes a conduit and a plurality of electrical conductors in communication with the transducer array. The ultrasound probe also includes an elastomeric insert disposed within the housing. The elastomeric insert includes a compressed state and an uncompressed state. The elastomeric insert is in contact with the plurality of electrical conductors such that application of a force on the cable causes the plurality of electrical conductors to compress the elastomeric insert into the compressed state and such that, upon cessation of the force on the cable, the elastomeric insert moves the plurality of electrical conductors while returning to the uncompressed state. Associated methods, devices, and systems are also provided.

Abstract: A transesophageal transducer comprising: a transesophageal handle; a transesophageal probe tip; a probe tip control cable extending from the transesophageal handle to the transesophageal probe tip, wherein the probe tip control cable controls at least one of rotation and flexing of the probe tip in one or more directions; a torque protection mechanism positioned along the probe tip control cable, wherein the torque protection mechanism is configured to prevent rotation or flexing of the transesophageal probe tip at a pressure that could pose a risk to a patient.

Abstract: A bending neck comprising a plurality of pivotally connected hollow links is formed by machining a tube to form individual, pivotally connected links. A second tube may be located inside the first tube and simultaneously machined with the first tube. Grooves are formed on opposite sides of the outer surface of the second tube to provide a passageway for control cables which control the articulation of the links. In a second implementation indentations are formed in the side of the single tube to form ring-like projections into the inner lumen of each link, through which the control cables may pass.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe has an acoustic window (10) or lens (20) through which ultrasound is transmitted and received by a transducer array (30) located behind the lens or window inside a probe enclosure. The external, patient-contacting surface (24) of the acoustic lens or window is textured. The texturing of the surface of the lens or window better retains gel spread over the lens or window for an ultrasound procedure, reduces reverberation artifacts, and diminishes the appearance of scratches on the lens or window.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for coupling a flexible circuit to a printed circuit board (PCB) with an interposer in an ultrasound probe are disclosed. A bolster plate configured to compress the PCB, interposer, and flexible circuit against a transducer mount is disclosed. A method of coupling a bolster plate to a transducer mount with fasteners is disclosed. Fasteners that do not pass through the PCB, interposer, and flexible circuit are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for coupling a flexible circuit to a printed circuit board (PCB) with an interposer in an ultrasound probe are disclosed. A bolster plate configured to compress the PCB, interposer, and flexible circuit against a transducer mount is disclosed. A method of coupling a bolster plate to a transducer mount with fasteners is disclosed. Fasteners that do not pass through the PCB, interposer, and flexible circuit are disclosed.

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: A bending neck for an articulating ultrasound probe has a variable configuration whereby different sections of the bending neck can be bent into different curvatures. In one implementation a rigid member is extended into the bending neck, setting the deflection point for a section of the bending neck at the end of the rigid member. In another implementation the links of the bending neck have different lengths, causing different sections to have different radii of maximum curvature. In another implementation the bending neck is encased in a sheath which exhibits regions of different durometer, thickness, or spacing of points of attachment to the bending neck.

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.

Abstract: A steerable catheter comprises a transducer that is situated at a flexible distal end, and is coupled to the handle of the catheter via an insertion tube. The flexible distal end is controlled by a plurality of articulation pull-cables that extend from an articulation control device in the handle to the far end of the distal end, such that when one articulation pull-cable is pulled, and the opposing articulation pull-cable is slackened, the flexible distal end bends in the direction of the tensioned articulation pull-cable. To minimize pull-resistance over time, while still providing insertion-tube flexibility, inserts having pull-cable lumens are situated in the insertion tube to isolate each articulation pull-cable from each other, and from other cables that couple the transducer to the handle.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe includes a housing configured for handheld operation by a user, a transducer array coupled to the housing and configured to obtain ultrasound data, and a cable coupled to the housing. The cable includes a conduit and a plurality of electrical conductors in communication with the transducer array. The ultrasound probe also includes an elastomeric insert disposed within the housing. The elastomeric insert includes a compressed state and an uncompressed state. The elastomeric insert is in contact with the plurality of electrical conductors such that application of a force on the cable causes the plurality of electrical conductors to compress the elastomeric insert into the compressed state and such that, upon cessation of the force on the cable, the elastomeric insert moves the plurality of electrical conductors while returning to the uncompressed state. Associated methods, devices, and systems are also provided.

Abstract: A medical imaging device connector assembly (400) for connecting a medical imaging device (900) to a terminal of a medical imaging system (10) is provided. The medical imaging device connector assembly includes a first housing (410) including an opening (412) sized and shaped to receive at least one electrical connector (800), a second housing (420), a first internal frame (430) configured to be secured to the first housing, a second internal frame (440) configured to be secured to the second housing, and at least one printed circuit board (610, 620) disposed between the first internal frame and the second internal frame when the first internal frame is secured to the second internal frame.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe has an acoustic window (10) or lens (20) through which ultrasound is transmitted and received by a transducer array (30) located behind the lens or window inside a probe enclosure. The external, patient-contacting surface (24) of the acoustic lens or window is textured. The texturing of the surface of the lens or window better retains gel spread over the lens or window for an ultrasound procedure, reduces reverberation artifacts, and diminishes the appearance of scratches on the lens or window.

Abstract: 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 a TEE probe having removable or modular components, such that the TEE probe can be disassembled and reassembled by a physician. In some embodiments, the TEE probe may be compatible with components, such as gastroscopes, having various differences in size, shape, and configuration. In some embodiments, a TEE probe may comprise a gastroscope and a handle, wherein the handle and the gastroscope are removably coupled to one another by an interface, such that when the gastroscope and handle are removably coupled, a user can control various functions of the gastroscope, such as the ultrasonic imaging of an ultrasonic transducer of the gastroscope, and the movement of a distal portion of the gastroscope.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A medical imaging device connector assembly (400) for connecting a medical imaging device (900) to a terminal of a medical imaging system (10) is provided. The medical imaging device connector assembly includes a first housing (410) including an opening (412) sized and shaped to receive at least one electrical connector (800), a second housing (420), a first internal frame (430) configured to be secured to the first housing, a second internal frame (440) configured to be secured to the second housing, and at least one printed circuit board (610, 620) disposed between the first internal frame and the second internal frame when the first internal frame is secured to the second internal frame.

Abstract: An interposer with a spring on a surface of the interposer is disclosed. The spring may apply a force to a surface of a component adjacent to the interposer. The interposer may be secured to the surface by a fastener. The fastener may be offset from the center of the interposer. The fastener may be a fulcrum of a lever including the interposer and the spring. The spring may cause a portion of the interposer on the other side of the fastener from the spring to apply an increased amount of pressure to the surface to which the interposer is secured. A transesophageal exam ultrasound probe including an interposer is disclosed.

Abstract: A bending neck for an articulating ultrasound probe has a variable configuration whereby different sections of the bending neck can be bent into different curvatures. In one implementation a rigid member is extended into the bending neck, setting the deflection point for a section of the bending neck at the end of the rigid member. In another implementation the links of the bending neck have different lengths, causing different sections to have different radii of maximum curvature. In another implementation the bending neck is encased in a sheath which exhibits regions of different durometer, thickness, or spacing of points of attachment to the bending neck.