Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for cannulation of blood vessels. The apparatus comprises a sensor assembly including two linear transducer arrays oriented perpendicular to each other to form a “T” shape to provide ultrasound images of at least one blood vessel in a portion of a patient's body in two perpendicular planes. The sensor assembly may have graphic markings on an exterior surface thereof to facilitate orientation of the sensor assembly on the patient and guidance of a needle toward a desired target vessel during the cannulation procedure. The sensor assembly may also include an associated structure to cooperate with a reference location element to place, align and secure the sensor assembly to the patient's skin at a desired location.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, system, component kit and protective sheath for cannulation of blood vessels are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a sensor assembly to provide ultrasound images of at least one blood vessel in a portion of a patient's body in two perpendicular planes. The sensor assembly may have graphic markings on an exterior surface thereof to facilitate orientation of the sensor assembly on the patient and guidance of a needle towards a desired target vessel during the cannulation procedure. The sensor assembly may also include associated structure to cooperate with a reference location element to place, align and secure the sensor assembly to the patient's skin at a desired location.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for cannulation of blood vessels. The apparatus comprises a sensor assembly including two linear transducer arrays oriented perpendicular to each other to form a “T” shape, to provide ultrasound images of at least one blood vessel in a portion of a patient's body in two perpendicular planes. The sensor assembly may be disposed within an elongated, flexible, protective sheath and secured to a frame to facilitate orientation of the sensor assembly on the patient and guidance of a needle towards a desired target vessel during the cannulation procedure. The sensor assembly may also include associated structure to cooperate with a reference location element to place, align and secure the sensor assembly to the patient's skin at a desired location.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for cannulation of blood vessels. The apparatus comprises a sensor assembly including two linear transducer arrays oriented perpendicularly to each other to form a “T” shape to provide substantially simultaneous ultrasound images of at least one blood vessel in a portion of a patient's body in two perpendicular planes. The apparatus may also include one or more Doppler transducer elements to transmit and receive one or more Doppler beams at an incident angle beneath one of the transducer arrays and in alignment therewith to determine blood flow direction and velocity within the at least one blood vessel. The sensor assembly may be disposed within an elongated, flexible, protective sheath and secured to a graphically marked cover to facilitate orientation of the sensor assembly on the patient and guidance of a needle towards a desired target vessel during the cannulation procedure.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for cannulation of blood vessels. The apparatus comprises a sensor assembly including two linear transducer arrays oriented perpendicular to each other to form a “T” shape, to provide substantially simultaneous ultrasound images of at least one blood vessel in a portion of a patient's body in two perpendicular planes. The apparatus may also include one or more Doppler transducer elements to transmit and receive one or more Doppler beams at an incident angle beneath one of the transducer arrays and in alignment therewith to determine blood flow direction and velocity within the at least one blood vessel. The sensor assembly may be disposed within an elongated, flexible, protective sheath and secured to a graphically marked cover to facilitate orientation of the sensor assembly on the patient and guidance of a needle towards a desired target vessel during the cannulation procedure.