Ultrasonic matrix array probe with thermally dissipating cable

An ultrasonic transducer probe assembly comprising:

• a probe case;
• an array of transducer elements located behind an acoustic window in the probe case and configured to transmit and receive ultrasound energy through the acoustic window;
• an integrated circuit coupled to the transducer elements in the probe case and configured to process signals transmitted or received by the array;
• a probe connector configured to connect the transducer probe to an ultrasound system;
• a cable connected between the probe case and the probe connector comprising an outer cable jacket;
• and
• a fluid-based closed loop cooling system comprising:
• a closed fluid loop extending through the cable from the probe case to the probe connector;
• a pump, located in the probe connector, which pumps fluid through the loop;
• and
• a heat exchanger located in the probe case which acquires heat from the transducer array and integrated circuit,
• wherein the closed fluid loop in the cable comprises an inbound fluid conduit comprising a first helical winding and an outbound fluid conduit comprising a second helical winding, wherein the first helical winding and the second helical winding are interleaved such that the inbound fluid conduit and the outbound fluid conduits are separated from each other within the cable.

An ultrasonic transducer probe assembly comprising:

• a probe case;
• an array of transducer elements located behind an acoustic window in the probe case and configured to transmit and receive ultrasound energy through the acoustic window;
• an integrated circuit coupled to the transducer elements in the probe case and configured to process signals transmitted or received by the array;
• a probe connector configured to connect the transducer probe to an ultrasound system;
• a cable connected between the probe case and the probe connector comprising an outer cable jacket;
• and
• a fluid-based closed loop cooling system comprising:
• a closed fluid loop extending through the cable from the probe case to the probe connector;
• a pump, coupled to the fluid loop, which pumps fluid through the loop;
• and
• a heat exchanger located in the probe case which acquires heat from the transducer array and integrated circuit,
• wherein the closed fluid loop in the cable comprises an inbound fluid conduit comprising a first helical winding and an outbound fluid conduit comprising a second helical winding, wherein the first helical winding and the second helical winding are interleaved such that the inbound fluid conduit and the outbound fluid conduit are separated from each other within the cable and having a common central passageway through which extend electrical conductors coupled between the probe case and the probe connector.