Solid ultrasonic biomedical couplant sheet

摘要

A solid ultrasonic biomedical couplant in sheet form (14) has a broad upper surface (22) that is exposed during use as a surface onto which is placed a movable ultrasonic generator (20) is placed on the exposed surface (22) during use. Contact between the generator (20) and the exposed surface (22) of the hydrogel sheet (14) allows the transmission of ultrasonic waves through the skin interface to and from the body of a patient (26), and the natural lubricity of the hydrogel enable the ultrasound instrument (20) to be moved by a physician by sliding it from one position to another to optimize operation. Optionally, an electrical sensor comprising a flexible electrically conductive sheet (82) is removably and replaceably supported upon the upper surface (22) of the hydrogel sheet (14) for establishing electrical contact with the patient through the hydrogel layer (14) when in contact therewith. The conductive sheet (82) can be removed temporarily to enable the ultrasonic instrument (20) to be again placed in contact with the hydrogel layer (14) whenever desired.