Abstract: An Ultrasonic probe with integrated devices and functionalities for use in a wide range of medical applications. The present invention supports vascular and arterial access procedures. The apparatus consist of the following: ultrasonic probe, several optional displays, tracking and pointing devices. All devices are integrated together with special probe housing. The probe includes numerous ultrasonic transducers arrays, disposed on the special housing. Display devices, such as LCD, TFT or other, are mounted on the probe housing on either-side, and displays an image or other information (data) from the system. All screens can be integrated together or separately on probe housing. The tracking device provides information about the probe position and the pointing device assists in guiding the needle insertion direction. Beam former hardware is interfaced to transducer elements via cable or wireless. Display, tracking and pointing devices is also interfaced to relative hardware via same cable or other method.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ultrasound_medical imaging system with integrated devices and functionalities for use in wide range of medical procedures that require vascular and arterial access. The present invention discloses a method for detection, recognition and classification of blood vessels. Said method further calculates the optimal insertion parameters of catheter to the blood vessels. The present invention also exempts the user from handling several procedures simultaneously such as positioning the probe, observing the image or data on the systems screen and locating an accurate location on the surface and thus allowing the user to practice a more accurate procedure.