Patent Application
20140171801
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a holder for a medical device such as an ultrasound probe.
Performing diagnostic ultrasonography requires manual dexterity of the probe. The probe is generally tethered to a cord which is secured to a distant device, such as a monitor or a computer base. The cord must remain flexible enough to allow for full rotation of the probe to enable full visualization, while also maintaining the sterile environment. Procedures often require the operator to manipulate both the probe, or other necessary sterile equipment, and the patient at the same time.
Conventional holders used in ultrasonography are often suspended over the patient. These holders not only may interfere with the operator's visual field, but they may also limit or block the operator's access to the patient field. Conventional holders also limit the flexibility of the probe and thereby inhibit rotation angle and/or manipulability of the probe.
The above-mentioned shortcomings, disadvantages and problems are addressed herein which will be understood by reading and understanding the following specification.
In an embodiment a support apparatus for a medical device is provided that includes a hollow body having inner and outer surfaces, the inner surface defining a channel extending through the body along an axis. The support apparatus further includes at least two opposing wings coupled to the outer surface of the body and extending generally perpendicular to the axis, wherein the channel is adapted to releasably receive the medical device and support the device in a fixed position.
In another embodiment, a support apparatus for an ultrasound probe is provided that includes a hollow body having inner and outer surfaces, the inner surface defining a channel and an axis therethrough. The support apparatus further includes a wing, integrally coupled to the outer surface of the body, and extending generally perpendicular to the axis, wherein the channel is adapted to releasably receive and support the ultrasound probe in a fixed position.
In another embodiment, an ultrasound probe support apparatus is provided that includes a hollow body that is generally dome shaped and comprises a flexible material, and wherein the body has an inner surface that defines a channel and an axis therethrough. The support apparatus further includes at least one wing coupled to the body, wherein the channel is adapted to receive and maintain the ultrasound probe in a fixed position.
Various other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be made apparent to those skilled in the art from the accompanying drawings and detailed description thereof.
In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments that may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical, electrical and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the embodiments. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken as limiting the scope of the invention.
Referring to
In accordance with an embodiment, the holder 10 comprises a body 12 and wings 14, 16. The holder 10 is preferably generally elliptical in shape; however, other geometries are also envisioned. For example, the holder 10 may also be generally round or a quadrilateral to accommodate devices of various shapes. The holder 10 may be comprised of a lightweight and flexible material that is also durable and which preferably has a smooth and seamless outer surface for sterilization purposes. One such material is an elastomer such as silicone rubber that may be cast to the desired shape in a single piece using a mold. It should also be appreciated that the holder 10 may be disposable.
The body 12 is flexible, and generally dome shaped; however, other geometries are also envisioned. The body 12 defines a channel 18 and an axis A-A therethrough. The body 12 comprises a first (lower) surface 20, a second (inner) surface 22 and a third (outer) surface 24 (with the references to lower, inner and outer being relative to a supine patient). The first surface 20 is generally planar, but flexible in order to drape onto the contours of a patient (not shown).
Referring to
Referring back to
The wings 14, 16 extend outward from the body 12, generally perpendicular to axis A-A. In the depicted embodiment, the wings 14, 16 are integrally coupled to the body 12. However, it should be appreciated that the wings 14, 16 may also be detachably coupled to the body. This allows the operator to select wings of appropriate size or scale for the particular patient. Alternatively, the user may trim the wings 14, 16 with scissors, for example, to achieve the appropriate size or scale.
Also, in the depicted embodiment, the holder 10 comprises two wings 14, 16. The wings 14 and 16 are opposed and extend from the body 12 in order to stabilize the holder 10 when draped on a patient. However, it should also be appreciated that holder 10 may comprise more or fewer wings. Additionally, other arrangements of the wings 14, 16 are also envisioned. For example, a single wing 14 may extend uniformly about the circumference of body 12 for all 360 degrees. Alternatively, a plurality of visually distinct wings may extend about the circumference of body 12 at uniform or even irregular spacings.
The wings 14, 16 preferably comprise a self-adhering, elastomeric material, such as silicone rubber, in order for the wings 14, 16 to naturally attach and cling to the patient. However, it should be appreciated that the wings could comprise any other material that would be lightweight, flexible and durable and which provides a suitable level of sterilization.
In an alternate embodiment (not pictured), the wings 14, 16 may be comprised of a slightly rigid material and may be angularly or dome shaped in order to support the body 12 so that when the holder 10 is in use, the wings 14, 16 would not drape on the patient, but instead would extend over the patient and then contact the surface the patient is supported on, such as a patient table.
Referring now to
The channel 18 is sized and shaped to snuggly hold, for example, a medical device such as the probe 40. The channel 18 extends from a top or distal most (relative to a supine patient) edge 50 to a bottom or proximal most edge 52. The channel 18 is flexible, expandable and contractible. In the embodiment depicted in
A method of using the holder 10 in connection with ultrasound scanning of a patient will now be described with reference to the embodiment of
To place the ultrasound probe 40 in the holder 10, the operator pinches the outer surface 24 inwardly towards axis A-A and inserts the ultrasound probe 40 into the channel 18. When the operator releases the outer surface 24, the inner surface 22 contacts the probe 40, and the probe 40 is maintained snuggly within the channel 18 by friction and/or constriction. Additionally this may generate a mild vacuum further supporting the probe 40 in the selected position. The operator may then apply downward pressure along axis A-A so that the tip 41 of the ultrasound probe extends past the plane of the lower surface 20.
As the operator scans the patient, the operator may keep the probe 40 upright along axis A-A or, instead, a distal end 43 of the probe 40 may be tilted with respect to axis A-A. To change the angle of the probe 40 with respect to axis A-A, the operator may pinch the outer surface 24 inwardly towards axis A-A, thereby creating a gap between the channel 18 and an outer surface of the probe 40 at one or more locations about its circumference. The operator will then reposition the probe 40 to the desired angle with respect to axis A-A. Once the probe has been placed at the desired angle with respect to axis A-A, the operator will release the outer surface 24, whereby the inner surface 22 and channel 18 will again come into contact the probe 40. When the channel 18 contacts the probe 40 around a sufficient extent of its outer surface, the holder 10 will maintain the position of the probe 40. The operator may also pinch the outer surface 24 inwardly towards axis A-A in order to rotate the probe in channel 18 so as to orient the probe in an aligned way to a vessel or other organ structure or to obtain a cross sectional view.
The holder 10 described in accordance with the embodiment depicted in
The holder 10 also improves the chances of a successful first procedure by freeing the users' hand or hands for other purposes during the intended ultrasound procedure thereby reducing errors and waste. Further, the holder 10 allows an inexperienced user to more easily develop the motor skills required to hold the probe while performing a procedure, thereby making the device easier to teach and sell.
This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.
