Abstract: A cover for an ultrasound scanning assembly is provided, wherein the cover exerts compressive force on the patient during use. The cover includes an outer frame and a nonporous or porous film extending across the outer frame. The outer frame is formed of a soft touch material.

Abstract: A flexible cover for an ultrasound probe is described, comprising a folded-over flexible sheath which is then rolled, incorporating in the roll a flexible band and designed to facilitate easy application of a sterile sheath over an ultrasound probe.

Abstract: An adaptor for mounting on an imaging transducer includes a hollow housing configured to receive a portion of the imaging transducer. The housing comprises a coupling member for enabling releasable securement of a needle guide device to the housing, wherein the needle guide device includes a body member and a lockable mounting member. The coupling member comprises a projection portion that projects outwardly from the housing, wherein the projection portion includes first and second undercut recesses on opposing sides of the projection portion, wherein the projection portion is configured for receipt in a recess in the body member, the recess in the body member including at least one stop portion.

Abstract: An imaging transducer comprises a housing that includes a coupling member for enabling the releasable securement of a needle guide device to the housing, wherein the needle guide device includes a body member and a lockable mounting member. The coupling member comprises a projection portion that projects outwardly from the housing, wherein the projection portion includes first and second undercut recesses on opposing sides of the projection portion. The projection portion is configured for receipt in a recess in the body member, the recess in the body member including at least one stop portion, wherein the first undercut recess is configured to receive the stop portion.

Abstract: Three embodiments of flexible covers for an ultrasound probe are disclosed. The first embodiment comprises a flexible sheath applied with a ring applicator and elastic bands. The second embodiment comprises a flexible sheath applied with a dual-walled foldable applicator. The third embodiment comprises a folded-over flexible sheath which is then rolled, incorporating in the roll a flexible band. Each of the embodiments is designed to facilitate easy application of a sterile sheath over an ultrasound probe.

Abstract: A low profile endocavity needle guide device for an ultrasonic probe is disclosed. The device includes a needle guide and a clamp assembly. The needle guide is a tubular member configured to enable an elongated needle to be extended through it. The clamp assembly includes a first clamp member, a second clamp member and a slidable member. The first clamp member is pivotable with respect to the second clamp member between an engagement position and a release position, and vice versa. The slidable member is mounted on the first clamp member and includes a low profile projection which engages a ramped surface of the first clamp member to pivot the first clamp member to the engagement position when the projection is slid up the ramped surface, and to enable the first clamp member to move to the release position when the projection is slid down the ramp surface.

Abstract: A needle guide device for releasable mounting on an imaging transducer or on an adaptor bracket on an imaging transducer is disclosed. The needle guide device includes a universal lockable mounting member which is configured for slidable releasable engagement with a coupling member on a specially constructed imaging transducer or on a conventional imaging transducer onto which a specially constructed adaptor is mounted. The needle guide device makes use of a slidable mounting member to cooperate with the coupling member. The needle guide device is adjustable to establish various selectable angular trajectories for a needle and has a low profile form factor to result in the creation of a minimal blind zone when mounted on the transducer and even if establishing a large angle for shallow needle penetration.

Abstract: A device for use in an image-guided procedure on a patient is disclosed. The device includes an EM sensor assembly, a frame assembly (e.g., a base portion from which a plurality of legs project upward to a common point) and a plurality of attachment members. Each attachment member is arranged to be releasably (e.g., adhesively) secured to the skin of a patient and to be coupled to the frame assembly to secure the frame assembly on the skin of the patient. The EM sensor assembly is arranged to be releasably secured to the frame assembly (e.g., pivotably snap-fit into a socket in the frame assembly). The device additionally includes plural visualizable elements (e.g., metal balls) that are adapted to be readily imaged to establish imaging reference points and a plurality of asymmetrically disposed apertures to enable tattooing indicia on the skin of the patient through the apertures.

Abstract: A reusable needle guide suitable for an ultrasonic probe to be use for an endocavity examination of a patient is disclosed. The needle guide basically comprises at least a first and second guide members and a mounting (e.g., clamp) assembly. The clamp assembly serves to releasably mount the needle guide on the probe. The first guide member has a first passageway-forming surface. The second guide member has a second passageway-forming surface. The guide members are connected together to enable them to be pivoted from a closed orientation to an open orientation and vice versa. The first and second passageway-forming surfaces form an elongated passageway to guide a needle therethrough when in the closed orientation. The first and second passageway-forming surfaces are disposed at an angle to each other when they are in the open orientation, whereupon the first and second passageway-forming surfaces can be readily cleaned.

Abstract: A joint assembly for forming a two part radiation therapy treatment table is disclosed. The treatment table includes a patient support panel to which one portion of the joint assembly is secured, and a table extension panel to which another portion of the joint assembly is secured. The joint assembly self-aligns, self levels, is immediately stable, and locks automatically by its weight and downward pressure. The joint assembly also includes an automatic failsafe secondary lock that resists joint release if upward forces are applied. Disengaging the secondary lock requires and results in no displacement of the two panels. Upon separation of the two panels the lock resets automatically.

Abstract: An EMT system for use in ultrasound and other imaging modality guided medical procedures. The system includes a tool set of various components to which EM sensors can be releasably secured. Thus, the sensors can be reused, notwithstanding the disposal of other components of the tool set. Various components of the tool set include keying elements to facilitate their registration to the anatomy of the patient undergoing the procedure via the EM sensors.

Abstract: A joint assembly for forming a two part radiation therapy treatment table is disclosed. The treatment table includes a patient support panel to which one portion of the joint assembly is secured, and a table extension panel to which another portion of the joint assembly is secured. The joint assembly self-aligns, self levels, is immediately stable, and locks automatically by its weight and downward pressure. The joint assembly also includes an automatic failsafe secondary lock that resists joint release if upward forces are applied. Disengaging the secondary lock requires and results in no displacement of the two panels. Upon separation of the two panels the lock resets automatically.

Abstract: A device and system for medical instrument navigation is provided including a handle, a stylet having a distal end, a proximal end and an axially disposed aperture, the proximal end affixed to the handle. A navigation sensor capable of registering positional information is disposed adjacent to the handle for tracking the location of the handle. A pair of thin fibers forming an optic cable is disposed in the aperture, wherein the optic cable measures deflection and the location and direction of the distal end of the stylet relative to the electromagnetic sensor. An interrogator is coupled to the optic cable. The navigation sensor reports its position in space while the interrogator reports the amount and direction of the deflection of the distal end of the stylet in relation to the navigation sensor. A processor analyzes data to determine the location of the distal end of the stylet in space.

Abstract: A guide is provided for use with an imaging instrument, the guide including a first portion, a second portion proximate the first portion, and a cavity at least partially formed by the first and second portions, the cavity having a cavity width and configured to retain an instrument therein. The cavity width is selectively changeable to accommodate a plurality of diameters by sliding the second portion along a path with respect to the first portion.

Abstract: A system for positioning a laparoscopic device includes a curvilinear articulating arm and a holder. The holder has at least two rotational regions and a clamping portion for receiving the laparoscopic device, and the holder is coupled to the curvilinear articulating arm. The at least two rotational regions are permitted to articulate. In addition, a method of positioning a laparoscopic device in a skin port of a mammal includes: securing the laparoscopic device to a holder having at least two rotational joints; coupling the holder to a curvilinear articulating arm; disposing the laparoscopic device partially within the skin port; positioning the laparoscopic device by selectively articulating the curvilinear articulating arm and selectively rotating portions of the holder with respect to one another.

Abstract: An EMT system for use in ultrasound and other imaging modality guided medical procedures. The system includes a tool set of various components to which EM sensors can be releasably secured. Thus, the sensors can be reused, notwithstanding the disposal of other components of the tool set. Various components of the tool set include keying elements to facilitate their registration to the anatomy of the patient undergoing the procedure via the EM sensors.

Abstract: A laparoscopic instrument holder for positioning a laparoscopic device includes a central portion having a first member operatively associated with a second member, the members selectively movable with respect to one another along a central axis, with the central portion having a proximal end defined by the first member and a distal end defined by the second member. The holder also includes at least three proximal rotational joints coupled to the first member proximate the proximal end, at least two distal rotational joints coupled to the second member proximate the distal end, a first ball and socket joint coupled to a distal rotational joint, and a second ball and socket joint coupled to the first ball and socket joint. In addition, the holder includes a clamp configured and dimensioned for retaining a laparoscopic device, with the clamp coupled to the second ball and socket joint, and a coupling portion proximate a first of the proximal rotational joints.

Abstract: A device in the form of an elongated articulating arm having a base for mounting it on or at the MRI apparatus. The free end of the arm is arranged to releasably mount any type of device, e.g., a clamp, a bracket, a biopsy needle guide, etc. The arm includes a plurality of interconnected segments each of which is arranged to pivot about a respective axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the arm, but restricted from twisting about the longitudinal axis. A flexible elongated adjustable tensioning member in the form of plural sections of a cord extend through respective ones of plural flexible sheaths within the arm between the base and the distal end portion to enable the arm to be moved or bent into a desired shape when tension is released and then held in that shape when tension is applied.

Abstract: A system including a support panel and a fixation device for use in radiation therapy is disclosed. The support panel comprises a generally planar member that is arranged to be disposed adjacent an apparatus for producing a radiation beam to support a portion of the patient to which the radiation beam will be directed. The fixation device is arranged to be releasably secured to the support panel to hold the portion of the patient's body at a desired position. The fixation device includes attachment components which enable the releasable securement of the fixation device to the support panel without creating any attenuation discontinuities of a radiation beam passing therethrough.