Disposable needle guide and examination sheath for transvaginal ultrasound procedures

Abstract

A completely disposable apparatus of single unit construction designed for operative use in conjunction with a transvaginal ultrasound probe when performing transvaginal surgical procedures with ultrasonic guidance. This invention consists of a probe covering sheath containing a probe securing mechanism, an instrument or needle guide, and an ultrasound cable sleeve. When this unit is surgically sterilized and applied to the transvaginal ultrasound probe it provides an uninterrupted covering that permits the ultrasound probe and cable to be introduced into a sterile operative field while at the same time eliminating contamination of the ultrasound equipment with body fluids. Embodiments of the present invention provide a sterile plastic sheath to cover the transvaginal ultrasound probe during daily non-operative diagnostic examinations and a durable plastic sheath that when fitted over the transvaginal ultrsound probe protects it from accidental damage during storage.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.