IMMERSIBLE ULTRASOUND PROBE AND CABLE

摘要

A ultrasound platform (12) is used to generate, process and display ultrasound images using a probe (18) connected via a sterilizable connector (14). The imaging probe can be a sterilizable finger mounted probe. The sterilizable connector (14) includes a connector housing sealed against moisture entry and a multi-wire cable which is electrically coupled to the probe and the connector housing. The cable has its second end sealed with the connector housing to prevent moisture entry. A plurality of electrical contacts are formed on at least one surface of the sterilizable connector. A mating connector having a plurality of mating contacts formed thereon is used to electrically couple the sterilizable connector to a standard connector for directly connecting tot he ultrasound platform. The sterilizable connector can be separated from the standard connector and the mating connector, such that the probe and the sterilizable connector can be sterilized.