Needle guide systems and methods
OwnerJiri D. Sonekinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A needle guide system comprises a base adapted for non-pivotal connection to an imaging device, an arm pivotally connected to the base, and a needle guide pivotally connected to the arm at a point distal from the arm-base connection. The needle guide is adapted to receive at least one needle. The length of the arm extending between the base and the needle guide is adjustable. Methods for positioning a needle relative to an imaging device employ the needle guide system.
Claims31
A needle guide system, comprising a base adapted for non-pivotal connection to an imaging device, an arm pivotally connected to the base, and a needle guide pivotally connected to the arm at a point distal from the arm-base connection, the needle guide being adapted to receive at least one needle, wherein the length of the arm extending between the base and the needle guide is adjustable.
A needle guide system, comprising a base adapted for non-pivotal connection to an imaging device, a connector adapted to removably secure the base to an imaging device, an arm pivotally connected to the base, and a needle guide pivotally connected to the arm at a point distal from the arm-base connection, the needle guide being adapted to receive at least one needle, wherein the length of the arm extending between the base and the needle guide is adjustable, and wherein the arm and the needle guide are positionable at a predetermined angle with respect to an imaging beam axis of an imaging device.
A method for positioning a needle relative to an imaging device, the method comprising the steps of:
- a. attaching a needle guide system to an imaging device at a desired attachment location, wherein the needle guide system comprises a base adapted for non-pivotal connection to an imaging device, a connector adapted to removably secure the base to an imaging device, an arm pivotally connected to the base, and a needle guide pivotally connected to the arm at a point distal from the arm-base connection, the needle guide being adapted to receive at least one needle, and the length of the arm extending between the base and the needle guide being adjustable, and wherein the imaging device has an imaging beam axis;
- b. positioning the imaging device on a body surface to provide an image of a desired target area of a body;
- c. pivoting the arm and/or the needle guide relative to the body surface wherein the needle guide and arm are aligned to present a needle at a predetermined orientation with respect to the imaging beam axis;
- and
- d. inserting a needle through the needle guide to contact the desired target area.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.