Connectorized Probe for Transesophageal Echocardiography

Abstract

A connectorized ultrasound probe includes a distal section that is configured for insertion into a patient's body and a proximal section configured to interface the distal section with an ultrasound system. The distal section is easily attachable and detachable from the proximal section using at least one set of connectors. When connected, a user-operated actuator located on the proximal section controls the bending of the distal section, and the ultrasound system sends driving signals to and receives return signals from the ultrasound transducer via the proximal section. This arrangement is particularly advantageous for long term monitoring, because the disconnectability of the proximal section makes it possible to leave the distal section in place in the patient for longer periods of time without undue discomfort. In some preferred embodiments, the mechanical interface is made before the electrical interface when the distal section is connected to the proximal section.

1 . A connectorized ultrasound probe comprising:
 a compact first section having a distal end that is configured for insertion into a patient's body, with an ultrasound transducer located in the distal end; and   a second section configured to interface the first section with an ultrasound system,   wherein the first section is easily attachable and detachable from the second section using at least one set of connectors,   wherein the second section includes at least one user-operated actuator, and the first and second sections are configured so that, when the first section is attached to the second section, actuation of the user-operated actuator causes the first section to bend, and   wherein the first and second sections are configured so that, when the first section is attached to the second section, (a) the ultrasound system can drive the ultrasound transducer by sending drive signals into the first section via the second section and (b) the ultrasound transducer in the first section can send return signals to the ultrasound system via the second section.   
     
     
         2 . The ultrasound probe of  claim 1 , wherein the first section is dimensioned for performing transesophageal echocardiography and the transducer is transversely oriented with respect to a proximal-distal direction axis of the first section. 
     
     
         3 . The ultrasound probe of  claim 1 , wherein the first section is dimensioned for performing transesophageal echocardiography and the transducer comprises a two-dimensional array of elements. 
     
     
         4 . The ultrasound probe of  claim 1 , wherein the first section is configured so that when the first section is inserted into the esophagus of a patient with the ultrasound transducer positioned in the fundus of the stomach, the portion of the first section that remains outside of the patient's body is non-cumbersome for long term use. 
     
     
         5 . The ultrasound probe of  claim 1 , wherein the first section is configured so that when the first section is inserted into the esophagus of a patient with the ultrasound transducer positioned in the fundus of the stomach, the portion of the first section that remains outside of the patient's body has a mass of 250 g or less. 
     
     
         6 . The ultrasound probe of  claim 1 , wherein the first section is configured so that when the first section is inserted into the esophagus of a patient with the ultrasound transducer positioned in the fundus of the stomach, the portion of the first section that remains outside of the patient's body has a length of 70 cm or less.