Multiplanar ultrasonic vascular imaging device, system incorporating same, method of use and protective sheath

A kit of disposable components assembled in combination with a nondisposable sensor assembly including a housing carrying at least one transducer, the combination comprising:

• an elongated, flexible protective sheath having an open end and a closed end, the housing disposed within the flexible protective sheath proximate the closed end thereof;
• a frame element configured to engage at least a portion of the housing and engaged therewith with a portion of the flexible protective sheath disposed between the housing and the frame element;
• and
• a set of longitudinal grid markings and a set of cross-sectional grid markings perpendicular to the set of longitudinal grid markings on an exterior surface of the combination associated with the housing.

A kit of disposable components for use with a nondisposable sensor assembly including a housing carrying at least one transducer, the kit comprising:

• an elongated, flexible protective sheath having an open end and a closed end;
• a frame element configured to engage at least a portion of the housing;
• and
• a reference location element configured to be secured to skin of a patient and for cooperative placement of the housing thereover for movable affixation of the sensor assembly thereto.

A kit of disposable components for use with a nondisposable sensor assembly including a housing carrying at least one transducer, the kit comprising:

• a frame element configured to engage at least a portion of the housing;
• and
• an elongated, flexible protective sheath having an open end and a closed end
• wherein the elongated, flexible protective sheath further comprises:
• a single tubular body of polymer film configured in a toroidal shape comprising a rolled double layer of polymer material defining a closed end pouch extending transversely thereto on one side thereof and a skirt of polymer film extending on a foot side of the toroidal shape from an interior of the toroidal shape about an exterior of the toroidal shape and extending transversely thereto on another side of the toroidal shape opposite the closed end pouch;
• and
• the kit further comprises a tray configured to support the flexible protective sheath with the closed end pouch resting therein and the skirt facing upward.

A method of configuring a protective sheath for use in enclosing a nonsterile sensor element, comprising:

• providing a tubular body comprising a polymer film and having a closed end and a first open end;
• everting the first open end back over a portion of the tubular body until the everted first open end is proximate the closed end to provide a doubled layer of polymer film and a second open end;
• rolling the doubled layer of polymer film outwardly from the second open end to form a toroidal shape with a foot comprising the closed end extending transversely therefrom;
• and
• pulling a skirt of polymer film defining the everted first open end about an outer periphery of the toroidal shape to lie on an opposite side thereof from the foot.