Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for guiding a medical instrument. The medical apparatus includes a bracket member having a cavity dimensioned and configured to receive at least a portion of a medical instrument. A carriage member is slidably connected to a base assembly adapted to move the carriage member into an imaging position. The carriage assembly is adapted to rotationally support the bracket member, as well as provide a vertically adjustable height of the bracket member. A quick release member is operatively associated with the bracket and carriage members for removably attaching and detaching the bracket member to and from the carriage member when the carriage member is in the imaging position without losing the position and orientation of the carriage member.

Abstract: A suturing system and method for suturing first and second tissue sections is described. The system includes an elongate member having paired distal and proximal channels. The distal channel extends in the elongate member from the proximal end to a distal aperture and receives the distal end portion and at least a part of the body portion of a suture. The first proximal channel extends in the elongate member from the proximal end to a first proximal aperture and receives the proximal end portion and at least a part of the body portion of the suture. The elongate member is positioned between the first and second tissue sections with the suture in the first distal and first proximal channels such that a part of the body portion extends from the proximal end of the elongate member. The distal end of the suture passes through the first tissue section and the proximal end of the first suture passes through the second tissue section.

Abstract: A needle guide for use with an imaging instrument is disclosed. The needle guide is suitable for delivery of a needle at a shallow angle into a patient during imaging analysis. Thus, the needle guide is well suited to the controlled collection of biopsy tissue or other sample material near the surface of a patient.

Abstract: A needle guide for use in imaging analysis of cavities within the body of a human or animal. The needle guide is configured to provide a low-profile attachment to the exterior of an imaging instrument, or to be integrally formed with an imaging instrument. The needle guide includes a slot configured to receive a needle shaft, the slot having an interior surface configured to retain the needle's shaft.

Abstract: A needle guide for use in imaging analysis, such as ultrasound analysis, is provided having a mounting base secured to the imaging instrument. A needle guide is configured to be removably secured to the pivoting portion of the mounting base. The needle guide has a rotational needle retainer member that is configured to retain a needle by securing the needle within a slot on the needle guide.

Abstract: A positioning apparatus for adjusting the position of medical imaging instruments, such as ultrasound probes, is disclosed. The preferred implementation of the apparatus includes controls for translational movement along three axes; and controls for rotational movement around three axes. In certain implementations, the rotational movement is around a point coincident with the area of image capture.

Abstract: A directionally expandable standoff device for use with an imaging instrument is disclosed. The standoff device has an elastic sheath configured for placement over a probe of an imaging instrument and a substantially rigid cover configured for placement over the elastic sheath, the cover containing an opening exposing a portion of the elastic sheath. The standoff device allows controlled positioning of the tissue surface within the cavity of a patient's body during imaging analysis.

Abstract: A needle guide for use in imaging analysis, such as ultrasound analysis, is provided having a bracket, a mounting base secured to the imaging instrument, and a pivoting portion configured to pivot along at least one axis. A disposable needle guide is configured to be removably secured to the pivoting portion of the mounting base. The needle guide has a needle retainer member that is configured to regain a needle by application of a clamping force between the needle retainer member and a first surface of the needle guide.