Abstract: A sensor guided needle to be used for the delivery of medication or placement of indwelling catheters, angiocatheters, spinal or epidural catheters, central lines, arterial lines, intraneoplastic, pediatric lines. The needle is comprised of an outer metal sheath with a biocompatible inner core containing sensor or signal elements. The measurements collected by the sensors are analyzed by a control unit to determine tissue type and possibly tissue state.

Abstract: A monolithic, electrically-insulating substrate that contains a series of notched grooves is fabricated. The substrate is then metalized so that only the top surface and one wall adjacent to the notch are metalized. Within the grooves is located a laser bar, an electrically-conductive ribbon or contact bar and an elastomer which secures/registers the laser bar and ribbon (or contact bar) firmly along the wall of the groove that is adjacent to the notch. The invention includes several embodiments for providing electrical contact to the corresponding top surface of the adjacent wall. In one embodiment, after the bar is located in the proper position, the electrically conductive ribbon is bent so that it makes electrical contact with the adjoining metalized top side of the heatsink.