Sonosite, Inc.

Steven M Bunce

Blake W Little

Stephanie A Barnes

Bryan S Cabatic

Kari L Rice

John D Schultz

Bill Purdue

Lauren S Pflugrath

Gregory T Wing

Randy Holmberg

Brian W Epps

Jared B Floyd

Patrick Martin

Carol Perron

Bricin Epps

Andrew T Dunn

Paul Stevens

The present invention relates to a hand held ultrasound system having a balance body, a transducer assembly connected to said balance body via a communication means and a plurality of control elements arranged in an ergonomic fashion on said balance body, such that a user may hold said system and operate at least one of said control elements with the same hand. In particular a medical ultrasound system comprising a balance body incorporating system electronics, a power supply and a user interface wherein the user interface comprises a D-controller and a touch screen and a transducer assembly attached to the balanced body by a cable.

Balance body ultrasound system

Systems and methods are shown which provide feedback with respect to the desired or proper placement of a medical device guide without introducing protuberances or other perturbations to the surface of devices used in medical procedures. Embodiments provide a biopsy needle guide bracket for use with an ultrasound transducer assembly, wherein the biopsy needle guide bracket and ultrasound transducer assembly are adapted to detect when the biopsy needle guide bracket is properly located on the ultrasound transducer assembly using one or more sensors. Embodiments may implement various sensor technology, such as Hall effect sensors, optical sensors, capacitive coupled sensors, inductive coupled sensors, and/or the like to provide feedback with respect to placement of a medical device guide.

Medical device guide locator

The present invention relates to a hand held ultrasound system having a balance body, a transducer assembly connected to said balance body via a communication means and a plurality of control elements arranged in an ergonomic fashion on said balance body, such that a user may hold said system and operate at least one of said control elements with the same hand. In particular a medical ultrasound system comprising a balance body incorporating system electronics, a power supply and a user interface wherein the user interface comprises a D-controller and a touch screen and a transducer assembly attached to the balanced body by a cable. The present invention relates to a hand held ultrasound system having a balance body, a transducer assembly connected to said balance body via a communication means and a plurality of control elements arranged in an ergonomic fashion on said balance body, such that a user may hold said system and operate at least one of said control elements with the same hand. In particular a medical ultrasound system comprising a balance body incorporating system electronics, a power supply and a user interface wherein the user interface comprises a D-controller and a touch screen and a transducer assembly attached to the balanced body by a cable.

The present invention describes a system for use with a core module for diagnostic ultrasound, the system comprising at least one core module having a housing, system electronics package and a I/O port and one or more docking station(s) in electronic communication with a plurality of peripheral devices, the docking station capable of releasable connection to the core module. The invention further details the individual modular components of the system, being a receptacle connector, a docking station, a multiple transducer adaptor and a mobile docking station.

Dock for connecting peripheral devices to a modular diagnostic ultrasound apparatus

In one embodiment, a needle guide is attached to the end of an ultrasonic probe in a manner such that the needle will follow a known trajectory under control of the needle guide. The surgeon then positions the needle guide by looking at the ultrasound image formed from the ultrasound radiated from the probe. In one embodiment, the needle guide has a release mechanism that allows the needle (or other medical device) that had been positioned in the guide to remain in the patient when the probe is removed. In one embodiment, the needle guide is designed to be releasably mounted to a bracket which, in turn, is releasably mounted to the end of the probe.

Method and system for positioning a medical device at one or more angles relative to an imaging probe

A carrying case is dimensioned to present a lightweight ultrasound device and one or more accessory products in an organized fashion, to a physician to reduce set up time for diagnostic examinations. The carrying case having a handle and at least one fastener for securing the carrying case in a closed configuration. The carry case comprising at least one instrument panel, the instrument panel having a top side edge and a bottom edge, and having a plurality of harnesses for the secure positioning of a lightweight ultrasound device, a data recording device and at least one transducer, the instrument panel being substantially inflexible, a first accessory panel being flexibly connected to the top edge of the instrument panel such that the first accessory panel may be folded over the instrument panel.

Carrying case for lightweight ultrasound device

A hand held ultrasound system comprises a balance body, a transducer assembly connected to said balance body via a communication means and a plurality of control elements arranged in an ergonomic fashion on said balance body, such that a user may hold said system and operate at least one of said control elements with the same hand. In particular a medical ultrasound system comprising a balance body incorporating system electronics, a power supply and a user interface wherein the user interface comprises a D-controller and a touch screen and a transducer assembly attached to the balanced body by a cable.

A mobile ultrasound diagnostic instrument including a self-powered ultrasound console having electronics for driving a transducer array and processing reflected ultrasound waves, and a visual display for processed ultrasound waves. A docking stand is provided for the console and includes a sleeve for slidably receiving the console of the instrument, the sleeve being configured to expose the visual display and manual controls of the console. A vertical support positions the sleeve in a raised position above the base, which preferably includes wheels for moving the docking stand and diagnostic instrument during use. The sleeve preferably includes a signal connector for mating with a connector of the console and receiving video signals for auxiliary display. A power connector can be provided for mating with a power connector of the console for operating the console and for charging batteries in the console. The sleeve is attached to the vertical support by universal motion joint whereby the sleeve can be rotated and tilted during use, and the vertical support is extendible to vary height of the sleeve. Preferably the vertical support includes a coupler for joining the first portion of the vertical support attached to the sleeve and a second portion of the vertical support attached to the base, the first portion being removable from the second portion and attachable to a second vertical support such as an immobile stand for desk use.

Mobile ultrasound diagnostic instrument and docking stand

Disclosed is a transducer connector which overcomes limitations in the prior art by allowing significant reduction in connector size and weight. Key attributes of this invention are electrical contacts incorporated onto a printed circuit board, a folding latch assembly, and the use of lightweight, rigid materials for fabrication. Additionally, the mating half of the connector may be mounted directly on a printed circuit board implementing circuitry for a diagnostic ultrasound instrument, thus saving weight, volume, and complexity.

Transducer connector

A hand held ultrasonic imaging device is provided as an integral unit with all components and circuitry necessary for both image acquisition and image display included in a single enclosure. Usually, the device will also include an on-board battery so that it can be used without any power cords or other cables. Preferably, the device is provided as part of a system including a recharging base unit having a receptacle for removably receiving and storing the hand held device.

Growing community of inventors

Sedro Woolley, WA, United States of America

Steven M Bunce