Support and cover structures for an ultrasound probe head

US10639008B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• C.R. Bard, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Eric W. Lindekugel · Salt Lake City, US
• Jeremy B. Cox · Salt Lake City, US
• Daniel B. Blanchard · Bountiful, US
• Christian W. Crook · West Jordan, US
• Eddie K. Burnside · Bountiful, US
• Jeanette E. Southard · Park City, US
• Kevin W. Stinger · Kaysville, US
• Amir Orome · Sandy, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 9, 2011
• Grant date: May 5, 2020
• Expiry date: Feb 16, 2038

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2017/3413
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A probe cap for use with an ultrasound probe including a head portion and an acoustic surface is disclosed. In one embodiment, the probe cap includes a body that defines a cavity sized for releasably receiving the head portion of the probe therein. The probe cap body further defines a hole that is proximate the acoustic surface of the head portion. A compliant spacer component is disposed in the hole. The spacer component can include a hydrogel and provides an acoustic path between the acoustic surface and a tissue surface of a patient. The spacer component includes a skin contact surface that defines a concavity and is deformable against the tissue surface. Additional embodiments disclose various probe cap and accompanying needle guide designs for use in assisting a clinician with ultrasound probe use and needle insertion into a patient.