A probe holder embodies an insert body removably set into a through-slot of an ultrasound system panel. The holder defines an inner cavity extending from a first opening at a top surface to a second opening at a bottom surface. A side opening extends the axial length of the holder from the first opening to the second opening. Upon insertion of the holder into the panel through-slot, the holder is movable between an open position and a closed position. At the open position the holder side opening is aligned with a corresponding side opening of the panel. With the holder moved into the closed position, the holder side opening is blocked by inner walls of the panel through-slot. A probe cord slides through the side openings while the holder is in the open position. Once the holder is moved to the closed position, the probes cord is radially trapped within the holder.
A holder for a conventional high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) probe to be interfaced with a stepper atop a conventional tripod, or the like, to enable a physician/surgeon to image and visually inspect the rectal and prostate areas of a patient for signs of cancer and other abnormalities so that a treatment plan can be outlined and implemented. The probe holder includes a base, a pair of wall members detachably connected to one another at the front end of the base, and a pair of stand members detachably connected to one another at the rear end of the base. A first opening is formed between the pair of wall members to enclose and reliably support the proximal end of the probe. A second opening is formed between the pair of stand members to enclose and reliably support the distal end of the probe. A continuous cable passageway is established at the rear end of the base and past the lower stand member to permit the power cable to the probe to rotate freely in the event that the probe is correspondingly rotated relative to the base.
An ultrasound diagnostic device is provided which is portable, small, light weight and easy to use. Preferably, the ultrasound diagnostic device is very small and light weight. The weight of the ultrasound diagnostic device normally will be approximately 6 or 7 pounds, including electrical control circuitry, a battery pack, a carrying strap and a transducer assembly. The ultrasound diagnostic device is similar in design to a laptop computer, except that it is smaller than typical laptop computers. The ultrasound diagnostic device comprises a console portion and a display portion. To open the device, the user simply flips open the display portion by lifting up on the display portion at a location near the front end of the device. The display portion is in a hinging relationship with the console portion so that when the user lifts up on display portion, the display portion is rotated upwards and away from the console portion. A transducer assembly is attached to the ultrasound diagnostic device and comprises a transducer cable, a transducer handle, a transducer and a transducer connector. The transducer connector comprises a latch which engages a mating mechanism comprised in a receptacle formed in the console portion. The connector enables different types of transducer assemblies to be implemented with the ultrasound diagnostic device, depending on the bodily feature being imaged. The ultrasound diagnostic device may be adapted to be harnessed with a carrying apparatus, e.g., a strap assembly, which enables the user to carry the device in a manner similar to the manner in which a person carries a camera around his or her neck. The user may operate the device when it is strapped to the user's body. The ultrasound device may include a handle to facilitate hand carriability.
