Support and cover structures for an ultrasound probe head

An ultrasound probe assembly, comprising:

• an ultrasound probe including a probe head and an orientation indicator, the probe head including an acoustic surface;
• an ultrasound cap, comprising:
• an opening defined by an opening perimeter;
• and
• a base configured to support a removable needle guide, wherein:
• the base is a bracket configured to permit the removable needle guide to slide laterally with respect to the ultrasound probe, and
• the base is aligned with the orientation indicator;
• a solid, shaped hydrogel component, comprising:
• a probe-contacting side contacting the acoustic surface;
• a skin-contacting side extending through the opening;
• and
• an outer perimeter larger than the opening perimeter;
• and
• a cover configured to cover the hydrogel component and at least a portion of the ultrasound cap.

An ultrasound probe assembly, comprising:

• an ultrasound probe including a probe head and an orientation indicator, the probe head including an acoustic surface;
• an ultrasound cap, comprising:
• an opening defined by an opening perimeter;
• a base configured to support a removable needle guide, wherein:
• the base is a bracket configured to permit the removable needle guide to slide laterally with respect to the ultrasound probe, and
• the base is aligned with the orientation indicator;
• and
• a mechanical engagement feature to releasably engage the probe head;
• a solid hydrogel component, comprising:
• a probe-contacting side contacting the acoustic surface;
• a skin-contacting side extending through the opening;
• and
• an outer perimeter larger than the opening perimeter;
• and
• a cover configured to cover the hydrogel component and at least a portion of the ultrasound cap.