BIMODAL DIAGNOSTIC PROBE USING OPTICAL AND ULTRASONIC IMAGING, INCLUDING AT LEAST ONE REMOVABLE SHELL HAVING ON-BOARD OPTICAL MEANS

摘要

The invention relates to a device (40) for a bimodal diagnostic probe (1) using optical and ultrasonic imaging, the probe comprising a main body (10) supporting an ultrasonic transducer (12) at the front end thereof. The device includes a shell (41), illuminating means (72a) mounted on the front end of the shell so as to illuminate the outside of the said shell, as well as a collection or detection means (72b) mounted on said front end of the shell so as to collect or detect an optical signal generated on the outside of said shell. According to the invention, the shell comprises attachment means (80, 82) for the reversible assembly thereof around the main body (10) of the probe, the illuminating means and the collection or detection means (72a, 72b) being mounted on said shell.