Probe holder

An in-apparatus holder for an optoacoustic probe, the optoacoustic probe comprising a distal, active end and a proximal end, the active end including at least one optical window and an acoustic lens, the proximal end having a strain relief and at least one connecting cable exiting therefrom, the optoacoustic probe having a housing that surrounds the strain relief and the at least one optical window and the acoustic lens and encloses other components of the optoacoustic probe, the in-apparatus holder comprising:

• probe-end enclosing portion formed from material that is substantially opaque to light emanating from the at least one optical window of the probe, the probe-end enclosing portion sized to enclose the active end of the probe and have a snug fit therewith when the optoacoustic probe is inserted therein, the probe-enclosing end having minimal or no contact with the optical window and acoustic lens;
• probe support having a cutaway adapted to support the strain relief under the downward force of gravity, thereby supporting the probe at an angle that provides for easy manual grasping and removal by lifting the probe upwards, the probe support also blocking an in-holder probe from sliding away from the probe-enclosing end;
• cable guide spaced from the probe support to accept the at least one connecting cable exiting from the proximal end of the probe, and thus to reduce pressure on the strain relief and soften the angle of curvature of the at least one connecting cable exiting from the proximal end of the probe;
• and
• wherein the in-apparatus holder is recessed into a cart for a medical instrument such that the probe, when inserted in the holder, is protected on its sides by the cart.