Abstract: A sensor device includes a flexible planar strip with a plurality of layers is described. The flexible planar strip is configured to at least partially encapsulate a medical device. The flexible planar strip includes a first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer, and a patterned conductive layer including a sensor electrode disposed on the second dielectric layer. According to one aspect an ultrasound sensor including a piezoelectric polymer. The ultrasound sensor is disposed on the sensor electrode such that a first surface of the ultrasound sensor is in electrical contact with the sensor electrode and such that a second surface of the ultrasound sensor is exposed for making electrical contact with a medical device.

Abstract: The invention provides an intra-needle ultrasound system and its method of use for analysis, tracking, and display of pleura in millimeter-scale resolution. This method includes the following steps: Assembling the puncture needle and intra-needle ultrasound transducer, which can generate and receive ultrasound waves at the needle tip. To transform the axial ultrasonic signal into a figure, that can help to identify different anatomic structures according to the corresponding feature of ultrasonic RF (Radio Frequency) signal, and to set the region of interest according to corresponding RF feature of amplitude and depth. This invention can indicate the distance between the ultrasound needle tip and pleura in a real-time fashion, and to identify the best position for anesthetic injection in the paravertebral block (PVB) and the intercostals nerve block (ICNB). The system can also help to avoid damage to the pleura and lung during the nerve block procedure.

Abstract: A puncture adapter of an embodiment holds a puncture needle and is attached to an ultrasonic probe having an ultrasonic probe group. The puncture adapter has a puncture bracket that can be fixed to the ultrasonic probe and a puncture needle guide that is attached to the puncture bracket. The puncture bracket is not fixed to the ultrasonic probe when the puncture needle guide is not attached. The puncture bracket is fixed to the ultrasonic probe when the puncture needle guide is attached.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system including an image processor configured to receive input data for capturing ultrasound images of a region of interest. The ultrasound images are taken along a first plane; and the input data further includes an indication that a needle will be inserted into the region of interest. The system can capture a plurality of ultrasound images of the region of interest along the first plane. The system can determine one or more high-confidence areas of the region of interest where the needle will intersect the first plane. Each high-confidence area is based on a probability that the needle will intersect the first plane at any portion of the high-confidence area; and display one or more on-screen markers corresponding to the one or more high-confidence areas in conjunction with the plurality of ultrasound images on the display.

Abstract: A system for instrument guidance is disclosed. The system can include an instrument guide device and a transducer system. The instrument guide device can include an instrument guide and an instrument guide bracket that includes a magnet, and the instrument guide bracket can be removably attachable to the instrument guide. The transducer system can include an ultrasound probe bracket that is removably attachable to an ultrasound probe. Further, the instrument guide device can removably attach to the ultrasound probe bracket. The ultrasound probe bracket can further include a first sensor and second sensor. The first sensor can wirelessly track a position of the magnet to determine position data of the instrument guidance system. And the second sensor can provide power or disengage power to the instrument guidance device when the instrument guide is attached or detached, respectively.

Abstract: A device and system for and methods of using an ultrasound probe housing containing ultrasound probes configured to produce images inside the body of a patient for procedures requiring needle or probe insertion. The ultrasound probe housing can be configured with a guide channel cut-out or aperture between the ambient side and body side of a patient. A needle guide assembly may be pivotally connect internal to the guide channel cut-out or aperture of the ultrasound probe housing at a pivot point such that during use the needle enters the patient through the needle guide assembly within the ultrasonic probe housing so that the needle can be visualized by the ultrasonic probes in real time. The ultrasound probe housing may also provide an adhesion or suction quality to the body side of the device to facilitate aspects of the invention.

Abstract: A device and system for and methods of using an ultrasound probe housing containing ultrasound probes configured to produce images inside the body of a patient for procedures requiring needle or probe insertion. The ultrasound probe housing can be configured with a guide channel cut-out or aperture between the ambient side and body side of a patient. A needle guide assembly may be pivotally connect internal to the guide channel cut-out or aperture of the ultrasound probe housing at a pivot point such that during use the needle enters the patient through the needle guide assembly within the ultrasonic probe housing so that the needle can be visualized by the ultrasonic probes in real time. The ultrasound probe housing may also provide an adhesion or suction quality to the body side of the device to facilitate aspects of the invention.

Abstract: A needle assembly for use with an autonomous ultrasound imaging system includes a needle having a proximal end and a distal end adapted to be inserted into a patient. The needle assembly also includes a needle transducer mounted to an exterior surface of the needle and is electrically coupled to a power source. The needle transducer is configured to receive data signals from the autonomous ultrasound imaging system which contain information relating to a plurality of ultrasound waves generated by an ultrasound probe of the autonomous ultrasound imaging system.

Abstract: A biopsy probe mechanism includes an elongate sample receiving member having a longitudinal axis and a sample receiving notch. A cutting cannula is arranged coaxially with the elongate sample receiving member. The elongate sample receiving member and the cutting cannula are movable relative to one another along the longitudinal axis between a first relative position and a second relative position. A plurality of echogenic features include a first echogenic feature established on the elongate sample receiving member and a second echogenic feature established on the cutting cannula. The first echogenic feature is in longitudinal alignment with the second echogenic feature when the elongate sample receiving member and the cutting cannula are in the first relative position. The first echogenic feature is out of longitudinal alignment with the second echogenic feature when the elongate sample receiving member and the cutting cannula are in the second relative position.

Abstract: Prostate biopsy systems are provided that include a 3D ultrasound probe support configured to receive an ultrasound probe for transperineal imaging. One or more template grids can have a plurality of apertures extending therethrough to receive and guide a biopsy needle along a trajectory associated with respective apertures when the template grid is fixed to the support and the biopsy system is positioned in the perineal area of a patient. Patient-specific template grids can also be developed and produced. This system enables fully transperineal prostate biopsy (i.e. both imaging and needle placement are perineal) and eliminates the need for an external racking device for image fusion as well as needle tracking. In addition, it reduces the infection risk associated to transrectal approach.

Abstract: An imaging transducer comprises a housing that includes a coupling member for enabling the releasable securement of a needle guide device to the housing, wherein the needle guide device includes a body member and a lockable mounting member. The coupling member comprises a projection portion that projects outwardly from the housing, wherein the projection portion includes first and second undercut recesses on opposing sides of the projection portion. The projection portion is configured for receipt in a recess in the body member, the recess in the body member including at least one stop portion, wherein the first undercut recess is configured to receive the stop portion.

Abstract: An adaptor for mounting on an imaging transducer includes a hollow housing configured to receive a portion of the imaging transducer. The housing comprises a coupling member for enabling releasable securement of a needle guide device to the housing, wherein the needle guide device includes a body member and a lockable mounting member. The coupling member comprises a projection portion that projects outwardly from the housing, wherein the projection portion includes first and second undercut recesses on opposing sides of the projection portion, wherein the projection portion is configured for receipt in a recess in the body member, the recess in the body member including at least one stop portion.

Abstract: A system and method for improved medical device navigation is disclosed. An example system can include a processor configured to determine an emplacement of a 2D medical image in a 3D virtual space, determine an emplacement of a virtual medical device in the 3D space, determine an intersection based on the emplacement of the 2D medical image and the emplacement of the virtual medical device, and/or determine a dynamic point-of-projection location for the virtual medical device based at least in part on the determined intersection. The processor can cause a display to display a rendering of the 2D medical image and a projection of the virtual medical device onto the 2D medical image from a perspective of the dynamic point-of-projection location. The display can be communicatively coupled to an imaging medical device. The viewing area can be parallel to a 2D region associated with the 2D medical image.

Abstract: An interventional device includes an elongate shaft and a transducer strip. The transducer strip includes a first edge and an opposing second edge. The first edge and the second edge are separated by a width dimension, and the first edge and the second edge each extend along a length direction of the transducer strip. The transducer strip also includes a piezoelectric transducer that extends along a transducer direction that forms an acute angle with respect to the length direction. The transducer strip is wrapped in the form of a spiral around the elongate shaft of the interventional device such that the piezoelectric transducer forms a band around the elongate shaft. The width dimension is defined such that the adjacent first and second edges of consecutive turns of the spiral abut or overlap one another.

Abstract: A positioning fixture for use with an ultrasound transducer comprising a base having a planar bottom surface and top surface, each having two long edges and two short edges, the top surface facing away from the bottom surface; first and second echogenic targeting bands recessed below the bottom surface of the housing; a pair of long sidewalls provided on and extending orthogonally from the top surface, one long sidewall of the pair of long sidewalls attached to each of the two long edges; a guide release on the top surface, attached to one of the two short edges on the top surface; a long axis needle guide on the top surface, attached to another of the two short edges; and a receptacle cooperatively defined by the pair of long sidewalls, the guide release and the long axis needle guide, the receptacle sized to accommodate the ultrasound transducer.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a medical procedure is disclosed. The apparatus includes a sensor adapted to convert an ultrasonic signal incident thereon into an electrical signal; and a wireless transceiver configured to receive the electrical signal from the sensor, and to transmit the electrical signal to a wireless receiver remotely located from the apparatus.

Abstract: The method provides for the following steps: —acquiring data indicative of an ultrasound machine comprising: a base unit, a probe associated with the base unit, and a needle guide associated with the probe for guiding needles in a volume subjected to ultrasound imaging by means of said probe and said base unit; —from a database, retrieving information associated with said ultrasound machine; —displaying, on a monitor, an ultrasound image acquired by means of the base unit; —superimposing, to the ultrasound image on the monitor, a set of guide traces for guiding the insertion of needles in the volume subjected to ultrasound imaging, said guide traces being coordinated with the acquired ultrasound images by means of the information retrieved from the database.

Abstract: A screening method for identifying a target nerve to ablate in the treatment of inflammatory lung disease including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. The method includes advancing a tool along the airway and into the vicinity of the candidate nerve. The candidate nerve is temporarily blocked or paralyzed. The patient is monitored for an adverse reaction during the step of temporarily blocking. If an adverse reaction is not observed, the candidate nerve is identified as the target nerve. In embodiments, the method further includes the step of ablating the target nerve.

Abstract: A system includes an acoustic probe and an acoustic imaging machine. The acoustic probe includes a substrate with first and second principal surfaces, a device insertion port with an opening passing through the substrate from the first principal surface to the second principal surface, and an array of acoustic transducer elements supported by the substrate and disposed around the device insertion port. The acoustic imaging machine may systematically vary the size and/or position of the active acoustic aperture of the probe by providing transmit signals to selected acoustic transducer elements to cause the array to transmit an acoustic probe signal to an area of interest and may record a feedback signal of the transmit signals from an acoustic receiver provided at a distal end of an interventional device passed through the device insertion port into the area of interest to find an active acoustic aperture having optimal acoustic performance.

Abstract: An instrument guide (104) for a probe head (702) of an ultrasound imaging probe (106) that includes a transducer array (114) with a plurality of transducer elements (116) and an image plane. The instrument guide includes a probe support region (122) having a long axis (202) and configured to receive the probe head. The instrument guide further includes a first guide bracket (212) extending from a first side of the support region in a direction of the long axis. The instrument guide further includes a second guide bracket (230) extending from a second side of the support region in a direction transverse to the long axis. The instrument guide further includes a first guide (128) disposed in the first guide bracket. The instrument guide further includes a second guide (126) disposed in the second guide bracket.

Abstract: A system for tracking an instrument includes two or more sensors (22) disposed along a length of an instrument and being spaced apart from adjacent sensors. An interpretation module (45) is configured to select and update an image slice from a three-dimensional image volume in accordance with positions of the two or more sensors. The three-dimensional image volume includes the positions two or more sensors with respect to a target in the volume. An image processing module (48) is configured to generate an overlay (80) indicating reference positions in the image slice. The reference positions include the positions of the two or more sensors and relative offsets from the image slice in a display to provide feedback for positioning and orienting the instrument.

Abstract: An acoustic probe connectable to an imaging system. The acoustic probe has a substrate with first and second principal surfaces, at least one device insertion port comprising an opening passing through the substrate from the first principal surface to the second principal surface, and an array of acoustic transducer elements supported by the substrate and disposed around the at least one device insertion port. The acoustic probe comprising an instrument guide disposed within the device insertion port, the instrument guide being configured to selectively allow the interventional device to move freely within the device insertion port and to selectively lock the interventional device within the device insertion port in response to a user input via a user interface connected to the acoustic probe.

Abstract: A system for planning and performing a guided and free-handed transperineal prostate biopsy includes a transrectal ultrasound probe, an access needle configured to perforate a perineal access site of a patient, a biopsy gun, and a guide. The guide includes a sliding platform, stabilization bars, upper and lower mounts, and fasteners. The system and guide apparatus is used for locating a target area using the ultrasound probe, positioning the ultrasound and the access needle at respective designated points, precisely measuring the distance to a designated point, and obtaining specimens from a precise point in the prostate, wherein the method is performed free-handed, and multiple tissue or cell specimens may be obtained from the prostate through an initial access needle.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a needle guide includes a first lever, a second lever, a first cam and a second cam. The first cam is attached to and extends from the first lever to a housing under the needle guide. The second cam is attached to and extends from the second lever to the housing under the needle guide. At least one of the first cam and the second cam is configured to translate rotational movement from the first lever and the second lever to both linear and rotational movement of the needle guide via the housing.

Abstract: Disclosed are ultrasound devices and methods for use in guiding a subdermal probe during a medical procedure. A device can be utilized to guide a probe through the probe guide to a subdermal site. In addition, a device can include a detector in communication with a processor. The detector can recognize the location of a target associated with the probe. The processor can utilize the data from the detector and create an image of a virtual probe that can accurately portray the location of the actual probe on a sonogram of a subdermal area. In addition, disclosed systems can include a set of correlation factors in the processor instructions. As such, the virtual probe image can be correlated with the location of the actual probe.

Abstract: Disclosed are articles, devices and systems providing a semi-rigid acoustic coupling medium for ultrasound diagnostic and treatment techniques. In some aspects, an acoustic coupling article includes a semi-rigid acoustic coupling medium (SACM) able to conform to a receiving body through deformation of the SACM body in order to propagate an acoustic signal within the SACM to and from the receiving body. In some embodiments, the SACM is configured in a shape having one or more attachment portions located at one end of an acoustic interface portion, such that the acoustic interface portion is operable to contact the receiving body to propagate the acoustic signal and the attachment portions are configured to be secured by an acoustic probe device to transmit and receive the propagated acoustic signal.

Abstract: A needle groove body, a puncture frame body and a puncture frame, wherein the needle groove body is a hollow cylindrical structure, and comprises a first baffle, a first fixing plate, a limiting plate, and a second fixing plate which are connected in sequence. The needle groove body has multiple specifications and can adapt to puncture needles of different specifications in puncture operations; a u-shaped needle groove can be formed between the first baffle of the needle groove body and a second baffle as well as an inclined mounting plate of the puncture frame body so as to accommodate free movement of a puncture needle in the u-shaped needle groove; and the u-shaped needle groove, which is semi-open, can implement a function of needle-frame separation (separation of the puncture needle from the puncture frame) in puncture operations.

Abstract: An ultrasonically actuated medical implement is used in improving medical interventions and in certain instances to the generation of image data, in particular data acquired during a medical intervention or procedure. The medical implement employs a piezoelectric element which causes reciprocation between first and second mass assemblies in order to ultrasonically actuate a probe member and improve the visibility of the probe member to imaging methods. The invention also concerns the visibility of structures in target regions to be imaged and how this may be enhanced using the medical implement of the invention.

Abstract: A double-sided needle groove, a frame body and a puncture frame, wherein the double-sided needle groove has an axisymmetric outer contour, and is provided at one side with at least one needle slot a (1) and at the other side with at least one needle slot b (2); and the needle slot b (2) is fan-shaped. The double-sided needle groove is provided with one or more needle slots a (1) having a fixed needle insertion angle and a needle slot b (2) having an adjustable needle insertion angle, and the needle slot a (1) and the needle slot b (2) respectively correspond to the diameters of puncture needles and may be designed to meet multiple width specifications. During the performance of a B-ultrasound puncture operation, based on operation requirements of a surgeon for a fixed or adjustable angle, there is only a need to switch front and back sides of the double-sided needle groove, thus avoiding the need for an additional puncture frame, and switch the needle slots according to the diameters of the puncture needles.

Abstract: A transperinealprostate intervention device comprises a prostate intervention instrument (10), a transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) probe (12), and a mechanical or optical coordinate measurement machine (CMM) (20) attached to the TRUS probe and configured to track the prostate intervention instrument. The CMM may include an articulated arm with a plurality of encoding joints (24), an anchor end (30) attached to the TRUS probe, and a movable end (32) attached to the prostate intervention instrument. The prostate intervention instrument may, for example, be a biopsy needle, a brachytherapy seed delivery instrument, a tissue ablation instrument, or a hollow cannula. An electronic processor (40) computes a predicted trajectory (54) of the prostate intervention instrument in a frame of reference of the TRUS probe using the CMM attached to the TRUS probe. A representation (56) of the predicted trajectory is superimposed on a prostate ultrasound image (50) generated from ultrasound data collected by the TRUS probe.

Abstract: A system for planning and performing a guided and free-handed transperineal prostate biopsy includes a transrectal ultrasound probe, an access needle configured to perforate a perineal access site of a patient, a biopsy gun, and a guide. The guide includes a sliding platform, stabilization bars, upper and lower mounts, and fasteners. The system and guide apparatus is used for locating a target area using the ultrasound probe, positioning the ultrasound and the access needle at respective designated points, precisely measuring the distance to a designated point, and obtaining specimens from a precise point in the prostate, wherein the method is performed free-handed, and multiple tissue or cell specimens may be obtained from the prostate through an initial access needle.

Abstract: A needle guide holder, which is used for a fixing medical puncture needle and a ultrasonic probe, comprises a holder body (1a, 1b) and a fixing device (2a, 2b) used in cooperation with the holder body (1a, 1b). The fixing device (2a, 2b) is mounted onto the holder body (1a, 1b) and provided with a weakening portion (23a, 23b). The needle guide holder is designed to be disposable, thereby avoiding the possibility of cross-infection caused by using the same needle guide holder on different patients. The needle guide holder can be used on one and same patient to perform a number of treatments just through the replacement of a sliding frame and without replacing the fixing device and a fixing frame. In a treatment process, the puncture needle is left in the body for a subsequent treatment, while the needle guide holder and the ultrasonic probe can be removed from the human body.

Abstract: Disclosed is a computer-implemented medical data processing method for planning a position of an electric stimulation device for neurostimulation of at least two target regions (TV1, . . . , TVN) disposed in an anatomical body part of a patient's body, the electric stimulation device (7) comprising at least two electric contacts, the method comprising executing, on at least one processor of at least one computer (3), steps of: a) acquiring (S1.1), at the at least one processor, medical image data describing a digital image of the anatomical body part, wherein the anatomical body part contains at least two target regions (TV1, . . . , TVN); b) determining (S1.2), by the at least one processor and based on the medical image data, target position data describing a position of each target region (TV1, . . . , TVN) in the anatomical body part; c) acquiring (S1.

Abstract: An ultrasound system includes a 3D imaging probe and a needle guide which attaches to the probe for guidance of needle insertion into a volumetric region which can be scanned by the 3D imaging probe. The needle guide responds to the insertion of a needle through the guide by identifying a plane for scanning by the probe which is the insertion plane through which the needle will pass during insertion. The orientation of the insertion plane is communicated to the probe to cause the probe to scan the identified plane and produce images of the needle as it travels through the insertion plane.

Abstract: A plunger head for a medication injection device includes a first ultrasonic transducer coupled to emit ultrasonic signals, where the first ultrasonic transducer is oriented within the plunger head to send the ultrasonic signals along a length of a barrel of the medication injection device when the plunger head is disposed in the barrel. A second ultrasonic transducer is disposed within the plunger head and oriented to receive reflections of the ultrasonic signals. A controller is disposed in the plunger head and coupled to the first ultrasonic transducer and the second ultrasonic transducer. The controller includes logic that when executed by the controller causes the controller to perform operations including instructing the first ultrasonic transducer to emit the ultrasonic signals.

Abstract: A sensor device includes a flexible planar strip (40) including a plurality of layers. The strip is configured to at least partially encapsulate a medical device. The strip includes a first dielectric layer (10), a conductive shield layer (12) disposed on the first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer (14) formed on the conductive shield layer; and a patterned conductive layer including a sensor electrode (26), a hub electrode (28) and a trace (18) connecting the sensor electrode and the hub electrode.

Abstract: A system for image alignment includes an alignment mechanism (132) configured to permit user alignment of images. A first imaging modality (110) is configured to concurrently provide images in two imaging planes using an imaging mechanism (134) associated with the alignment mechanism (132). An image processing module (126) is configured to display first images collected with the first imaging modality and second images collected with a second imaging modality (130) to permit user alignment using the alignment mechanism between the first images and the second images in multiple planes. A registration module (115) is stored in memory and configured to register the first images with corresponding second images in the multiple planes when alignment in the multiple planes has been achieved.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a rigid sensor stopper adapted for use in a drug delivery device. In one implementation, a rigid sensor stopper may include a transducer, a power source, a rigid molding or casing, and at least one elastomeric seal. The molding may be formed from overmolding or insert molding, and the casing may be formed from injection molding, machining, or forged casing. The at least one elastomeric seal may include at least two o-rings.

Abstract: Provided is a guide device for injection needle puncture. The guide device for needle puncture according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a body; a guide part which has a guide hole provided therein so as to be tilted at a certain angle along the height direction, the guide hole allowing an injection needle to pass therethrough so that during injection needle puncture, the insertion angle of the injection needle can be constantly maintained; and a sliding member which is coupled to the body so as to be slidingly movable, wherein the spaced distance between the guide hole and a medical ultrasound apparatus is adjusted through relative movement of the body or the sliding member so that a target location into which the distal end of the injection needle is inserted can be located on entrance path of the injection needle.

Abstract: A system for deploying needles in tissue includes a controller and a visual display. A treatment probe has both a needle and tines deployable from the needle which may be advanced into the tissue. The treatment probe also has adjustable stops which control the deployed positions of both the needle and the tines. The adjustable stops are coupled to the controller so that the virtual treatment and safety boundaries resulting from the treatment can be presented on the visual display prior to actual deployment of the system.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for performing a medical procedure using a trans-septal approach. The device includes a dilator including a proximal end, a distal end terminating in a distal tip, and a lumen extending between the dilator proximal and distal ends, and a needle device including a proximal end, a distal end sized for introduction into the dilator lumen and terminating in a sharpened distal tip. The needle is movable relative to the dilator to selectively expose the needle device distal tip distally from the dilator lumen and advance the dilator relative to the needle device. The dilator may have a complex tapered shape on its distal tip, e.g., including first and second tapered regions. The needle device may include an inner needle including the sharpened distal tip and an outer tube including a substantially blunt distal end that slidably receives the inner needle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for displaying the position and orientation of a linear instrument (1) navigated with respect to a 3D medical image (V), wherein: said linear instrument (1) is coupled to a guide (2); the guide (2) is tracked by a navigation system with respect to the 3D image (V); a plane (4) containing the axis of the linear instrument (1) is virtually attached to the guide (2); a slice reformatted in the 3D image and containing said plane (4) is displayed. Another object of the invention is a system for carrying out said method.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes an ultrasonic probe, a display, an actuator, and a needle assembly. The display is associated with the ultrasonic probe, and the ultrasonic probe is configured to send a signal to the display to generate an image on the display. The needle assembly is coupled to the actuator and is at least partially disposed within a channel defined in the ultrasonic probe. The actuator is configured to move the needle assembly in a distal direction relative to the ultrasonic probe and through the channel of the ultrasonic probe from a retracted position to a deployed position.

Abstract: An integrated catheter placement system for accurately placing a catheter within a patient's vasculature is disclosed. In one embodiment, the integrated system comprises a system console, a tip location sensor for temporary placement on the patient's chest, and an ultrasound probe. The tip location sensor senses a magnetic field of a stylet disposed in a lumen of the catheter when the catheter is disposed in the vasculature. The ultrasound probe ultrasonically images a portion of the vasculature prior to introduction of the catheter. ECG signal-based catheter tip guidance is included in the integrated system to enable guidance of the catheter tip to a desired position with respect to a node of the patient's heart. Iconic representations for depiction on the display of the system and relating to positional and other characteristics of the catheter or medical device are also disclosed.

Abstract: Various approaches for calibrating the geometry of an ultrasound transducer having multiple transducer elements include providing an acoustic reflector spanning an area traversing by multiple beam paths of ultrasound waves transmitted from all (or at least some) transducer elements to a focal zone; causing the transducer elements to transmit the ultrasound waves to the focal zone; measuring reflections of the ultrasound waves off the acoustic reflector; and based at least in part on the measured reflections, determining optimal geometric parameters associated with the transducer elements.

Abstract: Retreating stop ultrasound needle guide systems are disclosed. In one example approach, a needle guide system includes a guiding component which can be positioned at different locations and angles on a mounting component, where the mounting component can be coupled to a distal end of an ultrasound probe. When positioned at the different locations and angles on the mounting component, the guiding component can guide a needle through the skin of a patient at a constant point and when the needle is advanced so that a hub of the needle reaches a stop of the guiding component, a tip of the needle is positioned directly underneath the ultrasound at a pre-selected depth.

Abstract: A system and a method for disrupting an occlusion within a blood vessel is provided The system includes an elongated catheter body having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a first lumen. The system further includes an ultrasound transmitter extending longitudinally through the first lumen of the catheter body and having a proximal end and a distal end. The system further includes a positioning mechanism located at a distal end of the catheter body. The positioning mechanism has a first retracted position and a second deployed position, and the positioning mechanism is radially expandable from the first retracted position to the second deployed position to position the catheter in the blood vessel.

Abstract: A puncture adapter according to the embodiment includes a first pressing part that has a first surface and a second surface serving as a surface opposite to the first surface; a second pressing part that has a third surface; a fixing part that fixes, when a probe body is covered with a cover, the first pressing part and the second pressing part to the probe body with the cover interposed between a cutout surface of a cutout portion of the probe body and the first surface of the first pressing part and with the third surface of the second pressing part brought into contact with the second surface of the first pressing part; and a guide groove that guides a puncture needle, and is formed on at least one of the second surface of the first pressing part and the third surface of the second pressing part.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus, a system and method for use in image guided medical instrument manipulation. Embodiments describe various apparatuses having a mount operable to receive an imaging probe, a body guide and a medical instrument guide. There are also described methods and a systems for using the various apparatuses to position the apparatus and collect data relating to the position of the medical instrument relative to a target within a patient's body. Further methods include using the apparatus and system in epidural anaesthetic procedure or lumbar puncture. The apparatus may include a hand-held ultrasound probe, configured to acquire a volumetric dataset representing a 3-D depiction of a volume, which may include information about a medical instrument's position relative to the target in three dimensions.

Abstract: There are provided an acoustic wave image generating apparatus and a control method thereof for making an insertion needle clear. A first ultrasound image is generated using ultrasound echo signals obtained from a first plurality of ultrasound transducers. From the first ultrasound image, an evaluation value indicating the discontinuity of a needle is calculated for an image of an insertion needle. In a case where the calculated evaluation value is less than a threshold value, a second ultrasound image is generated using ultrasound echo signals obtained from a second plurality of ultrasound transducers whose number is larger than the first plurality. The first ultrasound image is displayed if the evaluation value is equal to or greater than the threshold value, and the second ultrasound image is displayed if the evaluation value is less than the threshold value.