Needle guidance systems for use with ultrasound devices
AssigneeSoma Research, LLC
InventorsM. Dexter Hagy, Stephen F. Ridley
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Ultrasound devices and guidance systems for ultrasound devices for subdermal devices (e.g., needles) used in conjunction with the ultrasound devices are described. The guidance systems can includes features for easy release of a device from the system following targeting to a subdermal site. A guidance system can be ambidextrous such that a needle can be released by use of either the left or right hand and by use of either a thumb or a finger of an operator. Embodiments that include guidance tracks and slidable guidance cartridges that grasp the hub of a subdermal device are also described.
Claims26
A system for use in conjunction with an ultrasound device comprising:
- a guide rail comprising a first surface, the guide rail defining an insertion path, the guide rail being directly or indirectly attachable to the ultrasound device, wherein upon said attachment, the guide rail is in a predetermined relationship with a scan plane of an imaging ultrasound transducer of the ultrasound device;
- a guide cartridge comprising a second surface, the second surface conforming with the first surface such that upon said conformation, the guide cartridge is capable of moving from a first position to a second position along the insertion path;
- and
- a target for a magnetic detection system, the target comprising a permanent magnet, the magnetic detection system being configured for locating a tip of a subdermal device, wherein the target is directly or indirectly attachable to the guide cartridge.
A system for use in conjunction with an ultrasound device comprising:
- a guide rail comprising a first surface, the guide rail defining an insertion path, the guide rail being directly or indirectly attachable to the ultrasound device, wherein upon said attachment, said guide rail is in a predetermined relationship with a scan plane of an imaging ultrasound transducer of the ultrasound device:
- a guide cartridge comprising a second surface, the second surface conforming with the first surface such that upon said conformation, the guide cartridge is capable of moving from a first position to a second position along the insertion path, the guide cartridge containing a hub;
- a subdermal device configured to be retained by the hub;
- and
- a target for a magnetic detection system, the target comprising a permanent magnet, the magnetic detection system being configured for locating a tip of the subdermal device, wherein the permanent magnet is directly or indirectly attachable to the hub or to the subdermal device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.