Systems and methods for ultrasound probe needle tracking status indicators

A method for guiding a needle for insertion into a body of a patient utilizing imaging technology, the method comprising:

• (a) imaging a target within the body;
• (b) sensing a detectable characteristic relating to the needle via a probe;
• (c) determining a determined position of the needle in at least two spatial dimensions by data relating to the detectable characteristic and a sensed extent of bending;
• (d) displaying the determined position of the needle with respect to the target together with an image of the target;
• and
• (e) providing at least one indication of status via sensory feedback based on the determined position of the needle,
• wherein the sensory feedback is delivered via visible light produced by a plurality of light-emitting diodes located on the probe, the plurality of light-emitting diodes configured to emit a first series of light patterns to indicate a suggested direction to move the probe to increase tracking accuracy,
• wherein the plurality of light-emitting diodes are configured to provide illumination to:
• a first directional indicator disposed on a first side of the probe, the first directional indicator including a first arrow pointing toward a first direction and a second arrow pointing toward a second direction opposite the first direction, and
• a second directional indicator disposed on a second side of the probe opposite the first side, the second directional indicator including a third arrow pointing toward the first direction and a fourth arrow pointing toward the second direction, the method further comprising:
• (f) activating a first subset of the plurality of light-emitting diodes to illuminate the first arrow and the third arrow to suggest movement of the probe in accordance with a first axis.

A guidance system for guiding insertion of a needle into a body of a patient, comprising:

• an ultrasound imaging device including a probe for ultrasonically imaging an internal body portion target within a calibration zone determined by a calibration process;
• at least one sensor included with the probe that senses a magnetic field associated with the needle;
• a processor that receives magnetic field data sensed by the at least one sensor to determine a determined position of the needle in three spatial dimensions within the calibration zone;
• and
• a display that depicts the determined position of the needle together with an image of the internal body portion target;
• wherein the ultrasound imaging device is configured to provide at least one indication of status via sensory feedback from a plurality of light-emitting diodes placed on the probe;
• wherein the sensory feedback includes generating visual notifications that the probe is being moved near a border of the calibration zone;
• wherein the sensory feedback includes producing a low-level vibration in the probe when the probe is moved outside of the calibration zone;
• and
• wherein the plurality of light-emitting diodes are configured to provide illumination to:
• a first directional indicator disposed on a first side of the probe, the first directional indicator including a first arrow pointing toward a first direction and a second arrow pointing toward a second direction opposite the first direction, and
• a second directional indicator disposed on a second side of the probe opposite the first side, the second directional indicator including a third arrow pointing toward the first direction and a fourth arrow pointing toward the second direction.