Abstract: A cannula has a body with a proximal end and a distal end and a tip on the distal end. The tip has an outer wall defining a lumen opening at the end of the tip and extending to the proximal end of the cannula. The tip further comprises one or more ribs extending into the lumen to support the outer wall from kinking when the cannula is flexed. The outer wall has a inner surface defining the lumen and a plurality of non-circular apertures formed in the tip extending into the lumen. The apertures having a major axis and a minor axis. The major axis aligned in relation to a circumference of the outer wall to prevent puckering or buckling when the tip is bent. This alignment is also designed to support the outer wall from kinking when the tip is bent.

Abstract: A device for use in placing a non-sterile sensor probe such as an ultrasound scanning transducer in a desired position within a patient. A flexible probe-receiving tube has a closed distal end so that a probe inserted within the tube through an open end located outside the patient is isolated from contact with the interior of the patient's body. The probe-receiving tube is attached to and extends alongside a chest drain tube which supports the probe-receiving tube in a location proximate an organ to be observed. An attached sterile sensor may be attached directly to an interior blood vessel, and sensors such as an ultrasonic sensor, a light emitting sensor, or a multi-function combination sensor may be used in the probe-receiving tube.

Abstract: A device for use in placing a non-sterile sensor probe such as an ultrasound scanning transducer in a desired position within a patient. A flexible probe-receiving tube has a closed distal end so that a probe inserted within the tube through an open end located outside the patient is isolated from contact with the interior of the patient's body. The probe-receiving tube is attached to and extends alongside a chest drain tube which supports the probe-receiving tube in a location proximate an organ to be observed. An attached sterile sensor may be attached directly to an interior blood vessel, and sensors such as an ultrasonic sensor, a light emitting sensor, or a multi-function combination sensor may be used in the probe-receiving tube.