# US 11,439,773 B2 · System and methods for a non linear needle guide > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 11,439,773 B2 - Document ID: US11439773B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 16/771,963 - Filed: 2018-12-18 - Published: 2021-07-15 - Granted: 2022-09-13 - Earliest claimed: 2017-12-18 - Assignees: Dignity Health - Applicants: Dignity Health - Inventors: Michael Hibner; Michael A. Bohl; Sarah McBryan - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US11439773B2 ## CPC - A61B 17/42: Gynaecological or obstetrical instruments or methods {(ligaturing clamps or clips for the umbilical cord A61B17/122; curettage A61B17/320708)} - A61M 5/3287: {Accessories for bringing the needle into the body; Automatic needle insertion (A61M5/20, A61M5/31525 take precedence)} - A61B 1/0014: {Fastening element for attaching accessories to the outside of an endoscope, e.g. clips, clamps or bands} - A61M 5/427: {Locating point where body is to be pierced, e.g. vein location means using ultrasonic waves, injection site templates} - A61B 17/3403: {Needle locating or guiding means} - A61B 17/3417: {Details of tips or shafts, e.g. grooves, expandable, bendable; Multiple coaxial sliding cannulas, e.g. for dilating (syringe needles A61M5/32; dilators A61M29/00)} - A61B 2017/00022: {Sensing or detecting at the treatment site} - A61B 2017/003: {Steerable} - A61B 2017/00867: {shape memory effect} - A61B 2017/00946: {malleable} - A61M 2205/0266: Shape memory materials - A61M 2205/3317: Electromagnetic, inductive or dielectric measuring means - A61M 2205/36: related to heating or cooling - A61M 2205/582: by tactile feedback - A61M 2207/00: Methods of manufacture, assembly or production - A61M 2210/1475: Vagina - A61B: DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (usefulness limited to only animals A61D) - A61M: DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY (introducing media into or onto the bodies of animals A61D7/00; means for inserting tampons A61F13/26; devices for administering food or medicines orally A61J; containers for collecting, storing or administering blood or medical fluids A61J1/05); DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY (surgery A61B; chemical aspects of surgical articles A61L); DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR {(Electrotherapy, e.g. producing anaesthesia by the use of alternating or intermittent currents A61N1/36021)} ## Abstract A medical device is disclosed including a needle guide. The needle guide includes abase, a guide member, and a handle arrangement. The base defines a base channel and the guide member includes a guide member channel in communication with one another and configured for receiving a flexible needle. The guide member includes a non-linear portion and is generally flexible to accommodate passage of a flexible needle through a corresponding portion of the guide member channel. The handle arrangement is configured to accommodate stabilization of the needle guide during deployment. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A medical device, comprising: a needle guide, including: a base, the base defining a base channel extending through the base, the base further defining a proximal opening of the needle guide along a first end of the base channel, a guide member in communication with the base, the guide member defining a guide member channel extending through the guide member and in communication with the base channel, the guide member further including a curved portion and being configurable with a predetermined degree of flexibility, and a handle arrangement engaged along the guide member and configured for stabilizing the needle guide along a surgical site wherein the handle arrangement defines: a pair of rings extending laterally from a mounting element, the mounting element slidably engaged along the guide member. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The medical device of claim 1, wherein the predetermined degree of flexibility of the guide member accommodates a predetermined modification to an angle defined by the curved portion. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The medical device of claim 1, further comprising: a needle defining a flexible needle shaft configured for at least partial insertion through the guide member channel of the needle guide. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The medical device of claim 1, further comprising: a supplementary component positioned along the guide member. ### Claim 5 (depends on 4) The medical device of claim 4, wherein the supplementary component includes at least one sensor positioned along the guide member. ### Claim 6 (depends on 4) The medical device of claim 4, wherein the supplementary component includes an injection component positioned along the guide member and configurable to accommodate diffusion of a substance traversing the guide member. ### Claim 7 (depends on 4) The medical device of claim 4, wherein the supplementary component includes a camera or endoscope to aid with positioning of the needle guide along an injection point or surgical site. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The medical device of claim 1, wherein the curved portion defines an arc segment formed along the guide member between opposite linear ends of the guide member. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The medical device of claim 1, wherein the guide member is removably attached to the base. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The medical device of claim 1, wherein an entire length of the guide member is flexible. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The medical device of claim 1, wherein the guide member is at least partially formed with a malleable memory-retaining material. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) The medical device of claim 1, wherein the handle arrangement is removably attached to a predetermined location along the needle guide. ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) The medical device of claim 1, wherein the handle arrangement defines at least one opening for receiving a digit of a clinician. ### Claim 14 A medical device, comprising: a needle guide for receiving a flexible needle, including: a base, the base defining a base channel extending through the base, the base further defining a proximal opening of the needle guide along a first end of the base channel, a guide member in communication with the base, the guide member defining a guide member channel extending through the guide member and in communication with the base channel, the guide member including a non-linear portion and formed with a predetermined degree of flexibility, and a handle arrangement engaged along the guide member and configured for stabilizing the needle guide along a surgical site, wherein the handle arrangement defines a pair of rings extending laterally from a mounting element, the mounting element slidably engaged along the guide member. ### Claim 15 (depends on 14) The medical device of claim 14, wherein the non-linear portion defines an arc segment defined along the guide member between opposite linear ends of the guide member. ### Claim 16 (depends on 15) The medical device of claim 15, wherein the arc segment is configurable to be temporarily modified by nature of the predetermined degree of flex capability of the guide member. ### Claim 17 (depends on 14) The medical device of claim 14, wherein the needle guide is formed using a biocompatible resin.