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US 6,053,870 AGranted
Ultrasonic visible surgical needle
AssigneeAngioDynamics, Inc.
InventorRichard Eustis Fulton, III
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Transverse notches in a surgical needle provide an increased reflecting area and enhanced response to ultrasonic probing to provide an enhanced image on an ultrasonic echo sensor. Having the notch cut through to the needle lumen entrains small air bubbles in the notch further enhancing ultrasonic reflection and ultimate imaging of the needle's position.
Claims16
A surgical needle visible to ultrasound comprising:
- a tubular sidewall defining a lumen and having an axis, said sidewall having at least one transverse notch that intersects said sidewall over less than 180.degree. of the circumference of the sidewall, said notch having a first face, there being an acute angle relationship between a substantial portion of said first face and lines parallel to said axis.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.