Real time ultrasound probe

摘要

An external ultrasound probe assembly capable of scanning a three-dimensional volume is provided. The ultrasound probe assembly contains a plurality of ultrasonic transducers disposed along a longitudinal axis of the probe assembly. The plurality of ultrasonic transducers is disposed on a mechanism operable to reciprocally pivot the plurality of ultrasonic transducers enabling the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to scan the entire three-dimensional volume. A helically disposed electrical interconnection member may be disposed about a pivot axis of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers and may electrically interconnect the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to an ultrasound imaging system. The ultrasound probe assembly may be fluid filled and contain bubble position control and fluid expansion compensation features.

主权项

1. An external ultrasound probe comprising:
a case having an enclosed volume; a fluid disposed within said enclosed volume; a bubble-trap member fixedly positioned relative to said case within said enclosed volume and having a distal-facing, concave surface, wherein a distal portion of said enclosed volume is defined distal to said bubble-trap member and a proximal portion of said enclosed volume is defined proximal to said bubble-trap member, and wherein an aperture is provided through said bubble-trap member to fluidly interconnect from said distal portion of said enclosed volume to said proximal portion of said enclosed volume; and, an ultrasound transducer array supportably interconnected to said bubble-trap member and immersed in said fluid, wherein said ultrasound transducer array and said bubble-trap member are each supportably cantilevered from an end of said case proximal to said bubble-trap member and said bubble trap member and said ultrasound transducer array are otherwise free from fixed engagement with said case.