Abstract: Intraoperative ultrasound probes are described having contoured side surfaces which enable the probe to be held between the fingers of a surgeon during a surgical ultrasound procedure. The probes advantageously permit the surgeon to conduct a tactile examination of organs of a patient with the hand and fingertips while holding the probe.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging system for guiding a user in the placement of a medical instrument within the body is described. As the medical instrument approaches the image plane of an imaging transducer, ultrasonic wave energy is received by a transducer located on the medical instrument. The level of received energy is detected and used to develop a control signal which varies as a function of the quantum of received energy. The control signal is used to modulate an audible indicator, which provides an audible indiction of proximity of the medical instrument to the image plane as the instrument approaches and intersects the plane. A visual marker is produced on an image display which represent the location of the instrument within the body. As the instrument approaches and intersects the image plane the visual marker is also modulated.