General Electric Company

Wing Law

Axel F Brisken

Ronald J Boyd

Gary L Wilson

Wayne Barbour

An adapter and standoff for an ultrasound probe includes a first compression molded coupler portion and a second compression molded receptacle portion which are assembled to define a fluid cavity for coupling ultrasound waves and a receptacle for receiving a probe head. The coupler portion includes a first housing with a coupling surface on one end thereof and an opening on an opposing end. The receptacle portion includes a second housing with a coupling surface on one end and an opening on an opposing end. The second housing is inserted into the opening of the first housing with the coupling surfaces and the first housing defining the fluid cavity, the opening of the second housing receiving a probe head. The second housing further includes a vent hole for venting air from the fluid cavity and a filler hole for receiving a needle and filling the fluid cavity with a fluid. The receptacle portion includes an adapter ridge which receives a groove in a probe when the probe is fully inserted into the receptacle portion. At least one groove can be provided on an internal surface of the second housing whereby an excess of coupling gel between the probe and the receptacle portion can exit when the probe is fully inserted into the receptacle portion. A tactile feel on an external surface of the second housing aligns with a tactile feel on the probe to ensure proper assembly of the adapter and probe.

Standoff adapter for ultrasound probe

An ultrasound probe for positioning in the vaginal cavity includes a phased array of transducer elements at one end thereof oriented at an acute angle with respect to the central axis of the probe whereby the imaging field of view is provided by rotating the probe. A biopsy needle assembly snaps onto slots on the probe with a fork and socket fit. A handle on the probe is offset from the central axis of the probe thereby freeing the space around the entrance to the needle guide and facilitating the manipulation by hand of a needle in the guide.

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Gold River, CA, United States of America

Wing Law