CONVEX SECTOR PROBE WITH MECHANICAL SECTOR TRANSDUCER FOR OB-GYN APPLICATIONS
A) TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention generally relates to a probe used in obstetric sonography and more particularly to a convex probe with mechanical sector technology used for scanning fetal growth in a mother's womb clearly.
B) BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] At present mechanical sector probes with single crystal technology and electronic convex probes with array of crystals are used by sonologists for scanning in obstetric cases to perform a femur measurement of bone structures of a fetus or in an advanced stage of pregnancy to monitor and estimate the growth of a fetus. While the sector probes are handled and used well by the experienced and skilled sonologist, the trainees and the inexperienced find difficulty in scanning a fetus due to small foot-print of mechanical sector probe and the round shape of sector probe. At die same time, the mechanical sector probes are reliable and easily repairable. The mechanical sector probes provide an excellent contrast resolution and are ideal for pelvic scanning.

[0003] Today, the electronic convex probe is the most sought after probe in the ultrasound scanning field. Majority of the ultrasound scanners are used for monitoring the fetus growth only. Even a freelance sonologist /radiologist receive a majority of cases for scanning from obstetricians and gynecologists only. Moreover it is very difficult to explore large area like pregnancy in third trimester using a mechanical sector probe. Kven though wide angle sector probe may be used to explore large areas, it needs good probing skill, experience and proper training to use the wide angle sector probes to obtain the desired results. Further more to localize femur which is considered to be most reliable parameter in the 3rd trimester, it is very difficult to use sector probe. As the femur lies superficially within 1-2 cm of outer skin, the maximum transverse length that can be accommodated within a scanning zone is very much less than the actual length. Hence a patient lying position has to be changed to get an oblique view or an assumption has to be made to assess the femur length properly. The problem of measuring will be further aggravated when the fetus is moving continuously during a scanning measurement process. But the femur measurement can be made or large area can be explored with a electronic convex probe easily and efficiently due to its wider foot-print.

[0004] Hence there is a need for improvising the mechanical sector probe for use in obstetric & gynecology applications.
C) OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The primary object of the present invention is to develop a sector probe with mechanical transducer to introduce a stand off to bring the entire femur image within the scanning area easily and efficiendy.
[0006] Another object of the present invention is to develop a convex sector probe with mechanical transducer to perform femur measurement over a large area easily and efficiently.
[0007] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a convex sector probe with mechanical transducer to obtain the benefits of both the electronic probe and the mechanical probe using a single probe easily and efficiendy.
[0008] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a convex sector probe witih mechanical transducer to improve the contrast and the resolution of the scanning images easily.

[0009] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a convex sector probe with mechanical transducer that may be operated easily by even inexperienced or semi skilled or trainees to measure femur length reliably, efficiently and accurately.
[0010] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a convex sector probe with mechanical transducer to measure the femur length and to scan the foetus even during the third trimester reliably, accurately, easily and efficiendy.
[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a convex sector probe with mechanical transducer to carry out the pelvic scanning operation easily and reliably.
[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a convex sector probe with mechanical transducer to measure the entire femur length easily and accurately even without changing the resting/lying position of the patient.

[0013] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a convex sector probe with mechanical transducer to measure the femur length reliably, easily and effectively even during the continuous movement of the foetus in a long continuous scanning measurement process.
10014] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a convex sector probe with mechanical transducer that may be repaired easily and efficiently.
[0015] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
D) SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] The abovementioned shortcomings, disadvantages and problems are addressed herein and which will be understood by reading and studying the following specification.

[0017] The various embodiments of the present invention provides a convex sector probe with mechanical transducer to perform the femur measurement over a large area easily reliably and efficiently.
[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, a wobble motor and a crystal is inserted into a convex mold filled with oil so that a pre-set stand off is achieved to increase the near field of view so that a femur is brought well within a scanning zone. An opaque convex lens is used instead of a dome so that the opaque lens covers the wobbling of the crystal from the patient to give a sense of ease and comfort to the patient during a scanning process, while the convex lens is used to provide a sense scanning orientation/ direction to die sinologist during the scanning process. The opaque lens prevents the visibility of the crystal movement to provide a sense of ease and comfort to the patient during the scanning process. The present invention facilitates and simplifies scanning in obstetric applications easily due to wider foot print and an in-built stand-off, as the wider foot print and the in-built stand off help in bringing the superficial structures witii in the scan area. At the same time, we will be able to enjoy all the benefits of mechanical sector technology like improved contrast resolution, reparability, and better reliability. The wobble motor is coupled to the crystal through a link mechanism to wobble the crystal to sweep a section of tissue thoroughly to perform the scanning process over a wide range easily.

[0019) Thus the present invention of adapting mechanical sector probe with in¬
built stand off and non-circular shape helps in better visualization of femur as if
done by convex probe, with the additional advantage of superior contrast
resolution that is offered by mechanical sector. As mechanical sector probe
offers better reliability and rcparability, the same benefit can be exploited. Non-
circular shape helps in better orientation. This probe can also be used for
general abdominal scanning. The productivity and hence improved revenue for
end user are other benefits.
[0020) These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will
become readily apparent from the following detailed description taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
E) BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The other objects, features and advantages will occur to those skilled in the art from the following description of the preferred embodiment and the accompanying drawings in which:

|()022J FIGURE.1 illustrates the sectional of the convex sector probe with mechanical transducer according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0023] FIGUR1-L2 shows the front view of the convex sector probe with mechanical transducer according to one embodiment of the present invention.
10024] FIGURE,.3 shows a side sectional view of the convex sector probe with mechanical transducer according to one embodiment of the present invention.
|0025] FIGURE. .4 illustrates a isometric view of the dome in the convex sector probe with mechanical transducer according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIGURE. 5 illustrates a side view of the dome in the convex sector probe with mechanical transducer according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] FIGURE.6 illustrates a front view of the dome in the convex sector probe with mechanical transducer according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Although specific features of the present invention are shown in some drawings and not in others. This is done for convenience only as each feature may be combined with any or all of the other features in accordance with the present invention.
F) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0029] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which the specific embodiments that may be practiced is shown by way of illustration. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments and it is to be understood that the logical, mechanical and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the embodiments. The following detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense.
[0030] The various embodiments of the present invention provides a convex sector probe with mechanical transducer to perform the femur measurement over a large area easily reliably and efficiently.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, a wobble motor and a crystal is inserted into a convex mold filled with oil so that a pre-set stand off is achieved to increase the near field of view so that a femur is brought well within a scanning zone. An opaque convex lens is used instead of a dome so that the opaque lens covers the wobbling of the crystal from the patient to give a sense of ease and comfort to the patient during a scanning process, while the convex lens is used to provide a sense scanning orientation/ direction to the sinologist during the scanning process. The opaque lens prevents the visibility of the crystal movement to provide a sense of ease and comfort to the patient during the scanning process. The present invention facilitates and simplifies scanning in obstetric applications easily due to wider foot print and an in-built stand-off, as the wider foot print and the in-built stand off help in bringing the superficial structures with in the scan area. At the same time, we will be able to enjoy all the benefits of mechanical sector technology like improved contrast resolution, reparability, and better reliability.
[0032] The wobble motor is coupled to the crystal through a link mechanism to wobble the crystal to sweep a section of tissue thoroughly to perform the scanning process over a wide range easily.

[0033] The FIGURE.1 illustrates the sectional of the convex sector probe with mechanical transducer according to one embodiment of the invention. With respect to FIG. 1, the probe includes a sector transducer consists of a cable (1) which carries ultrasound signal and power to transducer motor assembly (4) through a connector housing (2). The Transducer housing (3) houses motor assembly (4), link assembly (5) which converts the rotary motion of motor to a sectorial motion of the ultrasound crystal (6). The crystal is surrounded by acoustic compatible oil medium (8). The dome (7) acts as medium between patient's body and oil for efficient transfer of ultrasound signal.
[0034] The FIGURF..2 shows the front view of the convex sector probe with mechanical transducer according to one embodiment of the present invention. With respect to the FIG.2, a wobble motor and a crystal is inserted into a convex mold filled with oil 10 so that a pre-set stand off is achieved to increase the near field of view so that a femur is brought well within a scanning zone. An opaque convex lens is used instead of a dome 9 so that the opaque lens covers the wobbling of the crystal from the patient to give a sense of ease and comfort to the patient during a scanning process, while the convex lens is used to provide a sense scanning orientation/ direction to the sinologist during the scanning process. The opaque lens prevents the visibility of the crystal movement to provide a sense of ease and comfort to the patient during the

scanning process. The present invention facilitates and simplifies scanning in obstetric applications easily due to wider foot print and an in-built stand-off, as the wider foot print and the in-built stand off help in bringing the superficial structures with in the scan area. At the same time, we will be able to enjoy all the benefits of mechanical sector technology like improved contrast resolution, reparability, and better reliability.
[0035] The dome is made of an opaque material conducive for ultrasound. Opacity ensures that the wobbling crystal is not seen by the patient while scanning. The dome 9 is filled with ultrasound compatible oil (10) ensuring an offset typically about 2cm, in a range of 1cm to 1 5cm. This offset coupled with the shape of the dome which gives a radius of curvature of 2cm to 10cm resulting in a sector angle of 15degree to 180degree gives the benefit of higher near field of view required for efficient scanning of Femur in obstetric sonography. As the dome 9 is fan shaped unlike the present design of the dome which is circular, it gives better orientation to the sonographer. The Fig 3 shows the side view of the present invention.while the Figure 4 shows the isometric view of the dome clearly demonstrating the fan shape. This dome can be made of either one or more assembly. For example 9A and 9B can be different components. The Fig 5 shows the side view of the dome and the Fig 6 shows the front view.

[0036] Thus the present invention of adapting mechanical sector probe with in¬built stand off and non-circular shape helps in better visualization of femur as if done by convex probe, with the additional advantage of superior contrast resolution that is offered by mechanical sector. As mechanical sector probe offers better reliability and reparability, the same benefit can be exploited. Non-circular shape helps in better orientation. This probe can also be used for general abdominal scanning.. The productivity and hence improved revenue for end user are other benefits.
G) ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0037] The present invention of adapting mechanical sector probe with in-built stand off and non-circular shape helps in better visualization of femur as if done by convex probe, with the additional advantage of superior contrast resolution that is offered by mechanical sector. As mechanical sector probe offers better reliability and reparability, the same benefit can be exploited. Non-circular shape helps in better orientation. This probe can also be used for general abdominal scanning. The productivity and hence improved revenue for end user are other benefits.

[0038] Although the invention is described with various specific embodiments, it will be obvious for a person skilled in the art to practice the invention with modifications. However, all such modifications are deemed to be within the scope of the claims.
[0039] It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the present invention described herein and all the statements of the scope of the invention which as a matter of language might be said to fall there between.

1. A convex sector probe for ob-gyn applications, the probe comprising: a convex mold filled with oil; a crystal; and a wobble motor;
wherein the convex mold is filled with oil to achieve a pre set stand off to provide a near field of view to improve die scanning over a wide range.
2. The probe according to claiml, wherein a preset stand off is provided to
bring a femur within the scanning zone.
3. The probe according to claiml, wherein the mold has an opaque convex
lens to prevent the visibility of the crystal movement from the patient to
provide a sense of ease and comfort to the patient during the scanning
process.

4. The probe according to claim 3, wherein the convex lens is provided to provide a sense of scanning direction and orientation to a user during a scanning process.