Abstract: A third matching layer (140) affording wide bandwidth for an ultrasound matrix probe is made of polyethylene, and may extend downwardly to surround the array (S360) and attach to the housing to seal the array (S370).

Abstract: Ultrasound probe (10) with improved electrical isolation including a housing (12), a sensor assembly (16) arranged in the housing (12) and including electrically conductive parts (22) which transmit, receive and process waves and an acoustic matching layer (34, 44) arranged in the housing (12) to electrically isolate the electrically conductive parts (22) from the housing (12). The matching layer (34, 44) serves as a barrier between the electrically conductive parts (22) and seams (30, 36, 40) formed between two parts (26, 28) of the housing (12) and/or between the housing (12) and another component connected thereto, e.g., an acoustic window (18) or a connection member (42) arranged at a rear of the housing (12). The invention thus increases the safety of the probe (10) in that it substantially reduces the risk to patients of an electrical shock. By using the matching layer (34, 44) to provide electrical isolation, the acoustics of the sensor assembly (16) are not interfered with, i.e.

Abstract: A third matching layer (140) affording wide bandwidth for an ultrasound matrix probe is made of polyethylene, and may extend downwardly to surround the array (S360) and attach to the housing to seal the array (S370).

Abstract: There is provided a medical ultrasound transducer (130) and a medical ultrasound imaging system including the transducer (110, 130, 310, 320, 330, 340, 350), comprising an acoustic window (120) for contacting a patient at a patient contact surface for imaging the patient; and at least one temperature sensor (110, 110A, 110B) located in the acoustic window to determine patient contact temperature at the patient contact surface. The medical ultrasound imaging system further comprises a controller (310) for controlling a power imaging mode of the ultrasound transducer in accordance with the determined patient contact temperature.

Abstract: Ultrasound probe (10) with improved electrical isolation including a housing (12), a sensor assembly (16) arranged in the housing (12) and including electrically conductive parts (22) which transmit, receive and process waves and an acoustic matching layer (34, 44) arranged in the housing (12) to electrically isolate the electrically conductive parts (22) from the housing (12). The matching layer (34, 44) serves as a barrier between the electrically conductive parts (22) and seams (30, 36, 40) formed between two parts (26, 28) of the housing (12) and/or between the housing (12) and another component connected thereto, e.g., an acoustic window (18) or a connection member (42) arranged at a rear of the housing (12). The invention thus increases the safety of the probe (10) in that it substantially reduces the risk to patients of an electrical shock. By using the matching layer (34, 44) to provide electrical isolation, the acoustics of the sensor assembly (16) are not interfered with, i.e.

Abstract: Ultrasound systems for imaging internal structure of a patient including a probe (10) having a handle (20,32) and a transducer (18) arranged in connection with the handle (20,32) for obtaining images, either in the handle as in a transthoracic probe (10) or in a probe shaft (16) coupled to the handle as in a TEE probe (10). Controls on the handle enable a switch in the operation mode of the probe (10) and/or optimization of images obtained by the transducer (18). A display device (14) coupled to the probe (10) displays control menus and optional obtained images. A control unit (12) controls the probe (10) and display device (14) based on control activation. A change in control menu displayed by the display device (14), a switch in the mode of operation of the probe (10) and/or adjustment of images obtained by probe (10) is effected based on activation of handle control(s) (24,26,28). A foot pedal (38) can be provided including same controls (24,26,28) as the handle (20,32).

Abstract: Transducer assembly for an ultrasound probe including a transducer array having transducer elements and an acoustic window attached directly to the transducer array such that the transducer array and the acoustic window form an integral unit. The acoustic window includes a layer of elastomer optionally covered on upper and lower surfaces by impervious polymer layers. An ultrasound probe, such as a transesophageal echocardiographic probe, a transnasal probe, a transthoracic probe, an intracavity probe and an intraoperative probe, including the transducer assembly in a cavity of the housing or nose is also disclosed.

Abstract: Acoustic window for an ultrasound probe including a layer of PEBAX™ having a surface adapted to face a transducer array and an opposed surface adapted to face the object being examined and optionally impervious polymer layers arranged on one or both surfaces of the PEBAX™ layer. An outer polymer layer on the object-facing surface, when present, protects the PEBAX™ layer from chemicals while the inner polymer layer on the transducer array-facing surface, when present, is bonded to the transducer array of the probe. The polymer layers may each be made from an impervious polymer which has a negligible acoustic impact including, for example, polyethylene, Mylar™ and Kapton™. A method for manufacturing the acoustic window and an ultrasound probe including the same are also disclosed.