Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for simulating ultrasound procedures and for training ultrasound users. Additionally disclosed are methods and devices for simulating needle insertion procedures, such as amniocentesis procedures, and for training physicians to perform such needle insertion procedures.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for simulating ultrasound procedures and for training ultrasound users. Additionally disclosed are methods and devices for simulating needle insertion procedures, such as amniocentesis procedures, and for training physicians to perform such needle insertion procedures.

Abstract: An augmented ultrasound examination system, comprises: a) an ultrasound system suitable to generate images of a body portion; b) a first position sensor coupled to the ultrasound transducer of said ultrasound system; c) a second position sensor suitable to be coupled to a finger; and d) data processing apparatus suitable to receive position information from said first and from said that second position sensors and to generate therefrom information correlating on a screen the position of said second position sensor with the image generated by said ultrasound system.

Abstract: Apparatus for precision location of a tool such as a surgical tool within an obscured region such as an internal space of the human or animal body, the apparatus comprising: a planar scanning unit for scanning planes within said obscured region using an imaging scan, and a locator, associated with said tool and with said scanning unit, for determining a location of said tool, and for selecting a plane including said tool location. The apparatus allows the planar scan to follow the tool automatically and saves skill and effort on the part of the surgeon.

Abstract: A forceps useful in intrabody positioning of a medical instrument or a device. The forceps comprises (a) a first arm including a first finger holding portion, a first pivot portion and a first tissue holding portion; and (b) a second arm including a second finger holding portion, a second pivot portion and a second tissue holding portion; wherein the first pivot portion is attached to the second pivot portion so as to form a pivot point about which the first and the second arms co-rotate in a scissor-like motion from a grasping position to an open position and wise versa, whereas the first and the second finger holding portions are positioned on one side of a plane defined by a length of the first arm, the plane is perpendicular to the scissor-like motion.

Abstract: An apparatus for guidance and monitoring of intra-uterine, cervical and tubal procedures is described, The apparatus includes an assembly, including (a) an endovaginal ultrasound transducer being adapted for insertion into a portion of a patient's vagina so as to be positionable against a cervix of the patient; (b) a cervical holder for holding the cervix; and (c) a connector for interconnecting the ultrasound transducer and the cervical holder, the connector being constructed so as to enable counter resisted movement of the ultrasound transducer relative to the cervical holder, the counter resisted movement being in a direction away from the cervix.