Current transcranial color Doppler (TCD) transducer probes are bulky and difficult to move in tiny increments to search and optimize TCD signals. This invention provides miniature motions of a TCD transducer probe to optimize TCD signals.

The mechanical probe uses spherical bearing in guiding and locating the tilting crystal face. The lateral motion of the crystal face as it tilts across the full range of motion was achieved by minimizing the distance between the pivot location and the crystal face. The smallest commonly available metal spherical bearing was used with an outer diameter of 12 mm, a 3-mm tall retaining ring, and 5-mm overall height. Small geared motors were used that would provide sufficient power in a very compact package. After confirming the validity of the basic positioning concept, optimization design loops were completed to yield the final design.

A parallel motor configuration was used to minimize the amount of space wasted inside the probe case while minimizing the overall case dimensions. The distance from the front edge of the crystal to the edge of the case was also minimized to allow positioning of the probe very close to the ear on the temporal lobe. The mechanical probe is able to achieve a ±20° tip and tilt with smooth repeatable action in a very compact package. The enclosed probe is about 7 cm long, 4 cm wide, and 1.8 cm tall.

The device is compact, hands-free, and can be adjusted via an innovative touchscreen. Positioning of the probe to the head is performed via conventional transducer gels and pillows. This device is amendable to having advanced software, which could intelligently focus and optimize the TCD signal.

The first effort will be development of monitoring systems for space use and field deployment. The need for long-lived, inexpensive clinical diagnostic instruments for military applications is substantial. Potential future uses of this system by NASA and other commercial end-users include monitoring cerebral blood flow of ambulatory patients, prognostic of potential for embolic stroke, ultrasonic blood clot treatment, monitoring open-heart and carotid endarterectomy surgery, and resolution of the controversy regarding transient ischemic attacks and emboli’s role. Monitoring applications include those for embolism formation during diving ascents, changes in CBFV (cerebral blood flow velocity) in relation to cognitive function as associated with sick building syndrome or exposure to environmental and workplace toxins, changes of CBFV for testing and evaluating Gulf War Syndrome, and patients or subjects while moving or performing tasks.

This work was done by Robert Chin of GeneXpress Informatics, and Srihdar Madala and Graham Sattler of Indus Instruments for Johnson Space Center.

In accordance with Public Law 96-517, the contractor has elected to retain title to this invention. Inquiries concerning rights for its commercial use should be addressed to:

Indus Instruments
721 Tristar Drive, Suite C
Webster, TX 77598

MSC-24702-1



This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
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Hands-Free Transcranial Color Doppler Probe

(reference MSC-24702-1) is currently available for download from the TSP library.

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