Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for use in locating a target region which is situated in the body of a subject, for example for the delivery of drugs. The system includes an assembly for controlling the flow of fluid from a fluid reservoir to a conduit, such as a needle. A sensor detects a characteristic indicative of the fluid pressure in the conduit. The system processes data from the sensor to detect the presence of a pulsatile waveform. A controller may control further operation of the system based on information regarding the presence of the pulsatile waveform and features of the waveform, such as amplitude.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for use in locating a target region which is situated in the body of a subject, for example for the delivery of drugs. The system includes an assembly for controlling the flow of fluid from a fluid reservoir to a conduit, such as a needle. A sensor detects a characteristic indicative of the fluid pressure in the conduit. The system processes data from the sensor to detect the presence of a pulsatile waveform. A controller may control further operation of the system based on information regarding the presence of the pulsatile waveform and features of the waveform, such as amplitude.

Abstract: A system (5, 405) for infusing medication into a subject is provided. The system (5, 405) includes an injection system (50, 450) for controlling fluid flow from a fluid reservoir to a needle. A sensor (20) detects a characteristic indicative of fluid pressure in the needle. The injection system (50, 450) controls the flow of fluid to the needle in response to the characteristic detected by the sensor (20), which continuously detects the characteristic as the needle is inserted into the subject. The system may include a light assembly (100) connected with the injection system. The light assembly (100) may provide a continuously variable signal indicative of the fluid pressure in the needle. The system (5, 405) may further provide a mechanism that provides cues to the operator to insert the needle at a particular rate. The system may further include a conductive element (334) for providing electric nerve stimulation.

Abstract: A system (5, 405) for infusing medication into a subject is provided. The system (5, 405) includes an injection system (50, 450) for controlling fluid flow from a fluid reservoir to a needle. A sensor (20) detects a characteristic indicative of fluid pressure in the needle. The injection system (50, 450) controls the flow of fluid to the needle in response to the characteristic detected by the sensor (20), which continuously detects the characteristic as the needle is inserted into the subject. The system may include a light assembly (100) connected with the injection system. The light assembly (100) may provide a continuously variable signal indicative of the fluid pressure in the needle. The system (5, 405) may further provide a mechanism that provides cues to the operator to insert the needle at a particular rate. The system may further include a conductive element (334) for providing electric nerve stimulation.

Abstract: A system for infusing medication into a mammalian subject is provided. The system includes an injection system for controlling a flow of fluid from a fluid reservoir to a needle. A sensor is provided that detects a characteristic indicative of the fluid pressure in the needle. The injection system controls the flow of fluid to the needle in response to the characteristic detected by the sensor and the sensor continuously detects the characteristic as the needle is inserted into the subject. The system further includes a light assembly connected with the injection system. The light assembly provides a continuously variable signal indicative of the fluid pressure in the needle. The system further provides a mechanism that provides cues to prompt the operator to insert the needle at a particular rate based on the detected characteristic.