WO1998031285A1 - Calibrated hollow probe for ultrasound imaging - Google Patents

Calibrated hollow probe for ultrasound imaging Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1998031285A1
WO1998031285A1 PCT/IB1998/000143 IB9800143W WO9831285A1 WO 1998031285 A1 WO1998031285 A1 WO 1998031285A1 IB 9800143 W IB9800143 W IB 9800143W WO 9831285 A1 WO9831285 A1 WO 9831285A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
medical apparatus
probe
generating device
signal generating
information encoding
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB1998/000143
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
John F. Cockburn
Original Assignee
William A. Cook Australia Pty. Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AUPO4689A external-priority patent/AUPO468997A0/en
Application filed by William A. Cook Australia Pty. Ltd. filed Critical William A. Cook Australia Pty. Ltd.
Priority to CA002278540A priority Critical patent/CA2278540A1/en
Priority to AU55731/98A priority patent/AU5573198A/en
Priority to EP98900656A priority patent/EP1001705A1/en
Priority to JP53405098A priority patent/JP2001517109A/en
Publication of WO1998031285A1 publication Critical patent/WO1998031285A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
    • A61B17/34—Trocars; Puncturing needles
    • A61B17/3403—Needle locating or guiding means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B8/00—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
    • A61B8/08—Detecting organic movements or changes, e.g. tumours, cysts, swellings
    • A61B8/0833—Detecting organic movements or changes, e.g. tumours, cysts, swellings involving detecting or locating foreign bodies or organic structures
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B10/00—Other methods or instruments for diagnosis, e.g. instruments for taking a cell sample, for biopsy, for vaccination diagnosis; Sex determination; Ovulation-period determination; Throat striking implements
    • A61B10/02—Instruments for taking cell samples or for biopsy
    • A61B10/0233—Pointed or sharp biopsy instruments
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B90/00—Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
    • A61B90/39—Markers, e.g. radio-opaque or breast lesions markers
    • A61B2090/3925—Markers, e.g. radio-opaque or breast lesions markers ultrasonic
    • A61B2090/3929—Active markers

Definitions

  • This invention relates in general to a medical apparatus and in particular to probes such as hollow probes used for medical procedures and the ultrasonic imaging of such probes.
  • This disclosure provides an apparatus comprising a hollow tubular probe, such as a needle, which is adapted for insertion into body tissue, the hollow probe being provided with a transducer which is substantially mechanically isolated from the probe and coupled to a fluid column within the probe, the transducer being arranged to generate a longitudinal oscillation of said fluid column at a sub-ultrasonic frequency which enhances the visibility of the probe tip to Doppler ultrasound imaging.
  • a transducer which is substantially mechanically isolated from the probe and coupled to a fluid column within the probe, the transducer being arranged to generate a longitudinal oscillation of said fluid column at a sub-ultrasonic frequency which enhances the visibility of the probe tip to Doppler ultrasound imaging.
  • One means by which the transducer might be mechanically isolated from the hollow probe is to couple the transducer to a column of air or gas in a flexible connecting tube, the internal lumen of which communicates with the bore of the probe.
  • One object of the current invention is to provide for efficient transfer of oscillation signals to the hollow probe.
  • Another object of the current invention is to provide for an efficient and safe mechanism to automatically select the most appropriate frequency, generated by devices such as those described above, for optimal visualization the tip of a particular hollow probe, such as the tip of a biopsy needle, to Doppler ultrasound imaging.
  • the invention may not only replace a tedious manual adjustment but also reduces the risks of errors associated with such manual processes, such as incorrect adjustment, fatigue, and lack of concentration.
  • the invention may be said to reside in a medical apparatus including a probe, the probe having a characteristic which is useful to assist with the positioning of the probe in a human or animal body, and an information encoding component on the probe, a selected value of the information encoding component corresponding to the characteristic of the probe.
  • the probe is a hollow probe.
  • the characteristic may be a resonant frequency of the probe which enhances the visibility of the tip of the probe to Doppler ultrasound imaging.
  • the information encoding component may be selected from the group which comprises an electrical resistor, a capacitor and a programmable device.
  • the programmable device may be for example a non-volatile memory device, such as a
  • RAM random access memory
  • ROM read only memory
  • the programmable device might be a PROM, EPROM or E 2 PROM.
  • the probe may comprise a hollow tube and a connector at one end thereof and the information encoding component may be associated with the connector.
  • the medical apparatus may further comprise a signal generating device for the probe and an interrogating means associated with the frequency generating device to interrogate the information encoding component.
  • the probe may be a dual lumen needle comprising an inner needle and an outer needle and the distal and of the inner needle may have a closed end and a side hole.
  • the generating device provides an acoustic signal.
  • the invention may be said to reside in a medical apparatus comprising a hollow probe, a signal generating device and a connecting tube between the hollow probe and the signal generating device, a first connector between the signal generating device and the connecting tube, the first connector including a first portion associated with the signal generating device and a second portion associated with the connecting tube, an information encoding component associated with the second portion and an interrogating means associated with the first portion wherein when the first and second portions of the first connector are connected the interrogating means engages and is able to interrogate the information encoding component.
  • the first connector provides a smooth air conduit between the signal generating device and the bore of the connecting tube.
  • the apparatus may further comprise a second connector between the connecting tube and the hollow probe.
  • the hollow probe may be a dual lumen needle comprising an inner needle and an outer needle.
  • the second connector provides a smooth air conduit between the bore of the connecting tube and the bore of the inner needle.
  • the second connector may include means to enable disconnection of the coupling tube from the outer needle and removal of the coupling tube and inner needle while leaving the outer tube insitu.
  • the distal end of the inner needle may have a closed end and a side hole.
  • the invention may be said to reside in a medical apparatus comprising a hollow probe and a signal generating device and a connector between the signal generating device and the hollow probe, the connector comprising a first portion associated with the signal generating device and a second portion associated with the hollow probe, an information encoding component associated with the second portion and interrogating means associated with the first portion, wherein when the first and second portions of the connector are connected the interrogating means engages the information encoding component.
  • the connector provides a smooth air conduit between the signal generating device and the bore of the hollow probe.
  • the invention may be said to reside in a medical apparatus comprising a signal generating device in a housing and a hollow probe, the hollow probe having a hub at one end thereof and an aperture through the hub providing a fluid passage into the hollow probe, a connection assembly between the housing and the hub, a signal port in the housing extending from the signal generating device to the aperture in the hub, characterized by a smooth fluid conduit extending from the signal port through the aperture to the hollow probe.
  • the aperture is tapered to connect with a Luer fitting.
  • the hub may have an information encoding component and the housing have an interrogating component wherein the connection of the hub to the housing by means of the connection assembly enables the interrogating component to engage the information encoding component.
  • the aperture is of frustoconical shape having a diameter at one end equivalent to the diameter of the first bore and the diameter at its other end equivalent to the diameter of the second bore.
  • the medical apparatus may further include the hollow probe having an information encoding component and the signal generating device having an interrogating component wherein connection of the hollow probe to the signal generating device by means of the connection assembly enables the interrogating means to engage the information encoding component.
  • connection includes a tapered portion associated with the hollow probe to enable connection thereto of a Luer fitting.
  • connection may include an information encoding component associated with the probe and an interrogating component associated with the signal generating device and making the connection enables the interrogating means to engage the information encoding component.
  • the medical apparatus may further including an electronic control circuit adapted to interrogate the information encoding component and to adjust the frequency of the signal provided by the signal generating means in response to the interrogation.
  • a hollow probe which includes an information encoding component, a known characteristic of which is selected to correspond to those characteristics of the probe that are important for optimal localization of the probe tip by Doppler ultrasound imaging.
  • the invention provides a smooth transition from the signal generating device to the hollow probe for efficient transfer of the signal to the tip of the probe.
  • FIG. 1 shows a schematic representative diagram of one embodiment of the medical apparatus comprising a hollow probe and the signal generating device
  • FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of one embodiment of a coupling between the flexible connecting tube and the needle that is part of the probe
  • FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of one embodiment of a coupling of the distal end of a flexible connecting tube, being that part of the probe containing the encoding component, to the signal generating device
  • FIG. 4 show a schematic representation of one embodiment of the contact between the information encoding component and the interrogating means of the signal generating device
  • FIG. 5 shows a schematic representation of the use of one embodiment of the medical apparatus comprising a probe and the signal generating device
  • FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment of a coupling between the flexible connecting tube and the needle that is part of the probe
  • FIG. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the medical apparatus of the present invention comprising a hollow probe and the signal generating device
  • FIG. 8 shows a section view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, and FIG. 9 shows a disassembled view of the medical apparatus shown in FIG. 7.
  • FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of medical apparatus having a hollow probe 1 , a flexible connecting tube 5 and a signal generating device 10.
  • the hollow probe 1 consists of an inner needle 2 and an outer needle 3 and a connection portion 4.
  • the attached connecting tube 5 has a connection portion 6 which together with the connection portion 4 forms a connection 7.
  • the bore of the inner needle 2 is continuous with the inner lumen of the attached connecting tube 5.
  • the other end of the connecting tube 5 has a connection assembly 8 that allows it to be couple to the signal generating device 10.
  • the signal generation device 10 has a housing 1 2 which contains an acoustic signal generator, a connection portion 14 that allows it to be fitted to the connection tube 5 by means of the connection assembly 8 and electrical wires 1 5 and 1 6 which connect the signal generating device 10 to an electronic control circuit 1 8.
  • the electronic control circuit 1 8 is connected to the interrogation assembly within the connection portion 14 by the wires 1 5 and this reads the information encoding component within the connection assembly 8 and hence provides frequency control for the signal generating device 10 to give an optimum frequency acoustic signal transmitted down the hollow probe.
  • FIG. 2 shows the preferred embodiment of the coupling 7 of the hollow probe 1 to the connecting tube 5.
  • This coupling is constructed in such a way that the inner needle 2 and the connecting tube 5 can be uncoupled and withdrawn from the outer needle 3. This leaves the outer needle 3 insitu for various medical procedures such as aspiration or sample collection or accurate placement of pharmaceuticals.
  • the inner needle 2 and the connecting tube 5 are joined by a fitting 20.
  • the inner lumen 21 of the joining fitting 20 is formed in such a way that there is a smooth transition, free from perpendicular surfaces, from the inner walls of the connecting tube 5 to the inner needle 2. By this means there is minimal loss or distortion of the acoustic signal.
  • FIG. 3 shows a preferred embodiment of the coupling of connecting portion 8 on the connecting tube 5 and connection portion 14 on the signal generating device 1 2.
  • This coupling is constructed in such a way an information encoding device 30, situated on a hub 31 at the end of the connecting tube 5 of the hollow probe, makes contact with an interrogating means 34 situated on fitting 14 on the signal generating device.
  • the interrogating means 34 transmits appropriate information from the encoding component 30 to an electronic control circuit 1 8 (refer FIG. 1 ) via an electrical wire 35.
  • the inner lumen 36 of fitting 14 is formed in such a way that there is a smooth transition, free of perpendicular surfaces, of the walls of the inner lumen 36 from the signal generating device 10 to the connecting tube 5 through the hub 31 . By this means there is minimal loss or distortion of the acoustic signal.
  • the hub 31 is coupled to fitting 14 by means of a rotating locking ring 32 which locks to fitting 14 by means of mating threads means 37 and 38 on the two components respectively.
  • FIG. 4 shows detail of one embodiment of the information encoding component 30 on hub 31 which is part of the fitting 8 (refer FIG. 1 ) at the proximal end of the hollow probe 1 , and the interrogating means 34 on fitting 14 of the frequency generating device 10 (refer FIG. 1 ).
  • the information encoding component 30, for example a surface-mount resistor of known value, is situated on the end of a post 40 on hub 31 .
  • the interrogating means 34 consists of two metal contacts
  • the selected hollow probe 1 has at the distal end of the inner needle 2 a closed end 46 and a side hole 47. Fitting 8, at the end of the probe system, is attached to fitting 1 4 on the signal generating device 1 0.
  • fitting 14 transmits appropriate information from the information encoding component 30 in fitting 8 to an electronic control circuit 18 via the electrical wire 1 5.
  • the electronic control circuit 1 8 subsequently controls the signal generating device 10, via an electrical wire 1 6, such that the signal generating device 10 generates the appropriate frequency and amplitude for the selected probe, as coded by the information encoding component 30.
  • the needle assembly of inner needle 2 and outer needle 3 on the hollow probe 1 is inserted into the tissue 50 from which a biopsy is to be taken.
  • the signal generating device 10 generates a longitudinal oscillation of the air column at a sub-ultrasonic frequency, within the connecting tube 5 and the inner needle 2, which induces an oscillation 52 of the tissue near the tip of the needle around the side hole 47, enhancing the visibility of the needle tip to Doppler ultrasound imaging from an imaging device 54.
  • the inner needle 2 When the tip of the needle is situated in the appropriate position within the tissue, the inner needle 2 is withdrawn from the outer needle 3, without disturbing the position of the outer needle 3, and suction is applied to the hub 22 at the end of the outer needle 3, in order to collect tissue or liquids for biopsy.
  • the connecting portion 4 has an inner lumen 60 which is of a frustoconical shape which is the same taper as standard Luer connection used in medical technology. This allows the direct connection of the outer needle to a syringe or vacuum extraction device after positioning and removal of the inner needle
  • FIGs. 7, 8 and 9 show an alternative embodiment of the medical apparatus of the present invention comprising a hollow probe and a signal generating device.
  • the medical apparatus comprises a needle portion and a signal generator portion.
  • the signal generator portion comprises a body 80 with a rear housing 84 enclosing a speaker 82 and a locking ring 86.
  • the locking ring 86 has a female thread 88.
  • the body 80 has an inner lumen 90 which is smoothly tapered from the speaker output cone 92 to the beginning of the inner lumen 75 of the needle hub 70.
  • an interrogating means 94 which when the needle hub is connected to the body engages the information encoding component 78. Wires 91 extend to the speaker 82 and wires 95 extend to the interrogating means 94.
  • a suitable alignment groove 79 in the needle hub and projection 93 on the body ensures correct mating of the signal generator portion to the needle hub.
  • the locking ring 86 is freely movable on the body 80 so that once the alignment groove 79 in the needle hub and projection 93 on the body have been engaged the male thread 74 can engage the female thread 88 to securely connect the two portions and ensure correct alignment of the respective inner lumens 75 and 90 and correct connection of the interrogation means 94 with the information encoding device 78.

Abstract

A medical apparatus including a probe (1) such as a biopsy needle wherein the probe (1) has a characteristic such as a resonant frequency which is useful to assist with the positioning of the probe in a human or animal body, and an information encoding component (30) such as a resistor on the probe, a selected value of the information encoding component corresponding to the characteristic of the probe. An interrogating device interrogates the information encoding device.

Description

CALIBRATED HOLLOW PROBE FOR ULTRASOUND IMAGING
Description Technical Field
This invention relates in general to a medical apparatus and in particular to probes such as hollow probes used for medical procedures and the ultrasonic imaging of such probes. Background of the Invention
The accurate localization of hollow probes, such as needles and catheters, by ultrasound, particularly those needles and catheters used in diagnostic and surgical procedures, is described in several articles (for example, Ultrasonics, 1 988, vol. 26, pp 27-30; Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, 1 990, vol.9, pp 243-245; and Medical Electronics, April, 1 995, pp 64-65) and in several patents (for example, EP
A 0083973; EP A 0453251 / US 5095910; / GB A 21 57828). This technology arose from the need for fast, accurate location of the tips of needles and catheters. For example, in aspiration biopsy, it is important that the tip of the biopsy needle be accurately placed into the area of interest before a tissue sample is collected. A disclosure relating to a method for enhancing the visibility of a hollow probe to a Doppler ultrasound imager is described in US Patent 5,549, 1 1 2. This disclosure provides an apparatus comprising a hollow tubular probe, such as a needle, which is adapted for insertion into body tissue, the hollow probe being provided with a transducer which is substantially mechanically isolated from the probe and coupled to a fluid column within the probe, the transducer being arranged to generate a longitudinal oscillation of said fluid column at a sub-ultrasonic frequency which enhances the visibility of the probe tip to Doppler ultrasound imaging. One means by which the transducer might be mechanically isolated from the hollow probe is to couple the transducer to a column of air or gas in a flexible connecting tube, the internal lumen of which communicates with the bore of the probe.
One problem with the disclosure described in US Patent 5,549, 1 1 2 is that the optimal visualization of the tip of hollow probes of different lengths and diameters may require the generation of longitudinal oscillation of different frequencies and/or amplitudes. The colour of a region of a Doppler ultrasound image is dependant on the velocity of the corresponding region of tissue and this velocity will vary with the frequency and amplitude of the oscillation of the end of the fluid column at the probe tip. In turn, the frequency and amplitude are dependent on both the mechanical properties of the tissue being vibrated by the fluid column and on the mechanical properties of the connecting tube and/or the probe itself.
Accordingly, it may be necessary for the user of such a device to adjust, recalibrate or reprogram the frequency delivered by the transducer each time that a probe system, consisting of a connecting tube and probe, with a different length and/or diameter and/or material is utilized. Object of the Invention
One object of the current invention is to provide for efficient transfer of oscillation signals to the hollow probe. Another object of the current invention is to provide for an efficient and safe mechanism to automatically select the most appropriate frequency, generated by devices such as those described above, for optimal visualization the tip of a particular hollow probe, such as the tip of a biopsy needle, to Doppler ultrasound imaging. The invention may not only replace a tedious manual adjustment but also reduces the risks of errors associated with such manual processes, such as incorrect adjustment, fatigue, and lack of concentration. Summary of the Invention
In one form the invention may be said to reside in a medical apparatus including a probe, the probe having a characteristic which is useful to assist with the positioning of the probe in a human or animal body, and an information encoding component on the probe, a selected value of the information encoding component corresponding to the characteristic of the probe. Preferably the probe is a hollow probe. The characteristic may be a resonant frequency of the probe which enhances the visibility of the tip of the probe to Doppler ultrasound imaging. The information encoding component may be selected from the group which comprises an electrical resistor, a capacitor and a programmable device. The programmable device, may be for example a non-volatile memory device, such as a
RAM or ROM. Alternatively, the programmable device might be a PROM, EPROM or E2PROM.
The probe may comprise a hollow tube and a connector at one end thereof and the information encoding component may be associated with the connector.
The medical apparatus may further comprise a signal generating device for the probe and an interrogating means associated with the frequency generating device to interrogate the information encoding component.
The probe may be a dual lumen needle comprising an inner needle and an outer needle and the distal and of the inner needle may have a closed end and a side hole.
Preferably, the generating device provides an acoustic signal. In an alternative form the invention may be said to reside in a medical apparatus comprising a hollow probe, a signal generating device and a connecting tube between the hollow probe and the signal generating device, a first connector between the signal generating device and the connecting tube, the first connector including a first portion associated with the signal generating device and a second portion associated with the connecting tube, an information encoding component associated with the second portion and an interrogating means associated with the first portion wherein when the first and second portions of the first connector are connected the interrogating means engages and is able to interrogate the information encoding component. Preferably the first connector provides a smooth air conduit between the signal generating device and the bore of the connecting tube.
The apparatus may further comprise a second connector between the connecting tube and the hollow probe.
The hollow probe may be a dual lumen needle comprising an inner needle and an outer needle. Preferably the second connector provides a smooth air conduit between the bore of the connecting tube and the bore of the inner needle.
The second connector may include means to enable disconnection of the coupling tube from the outer needle and removal of the coupling tube and inner needle while leaving the outer tube insitu.
The distal end of the inner needle may have a closed end and a side hole.
In an alternative form the invention may be said to reside in a medical apparatus comprising a hollow probe and a signal generating device and a connector between the signal generating device and the hollow probe, the connector comprising a first portion associated with the signal generating device and a second portion associated with the hollow probe, an information encoding component associated with the second portion and interrogating means associated with the first portion, wherein when the first and second portions of the connector are connected the interrogating means engages the information encoding component. Preferably the connector provides a smooth air conduit between the signal generating device and the bore of the hollow probe.
In an alternative form the invention may be said to reside in a medical apparatus comprising a signal generating device in a housing and a hollow probe, the hollow probe having a hub at one end thereof and an aperture through the hub providing a fluid passage into the hollow probe, a connection assembly between the housing and the hub, a signal port in the housing extending from the signal generating device to the aperture in the hub, characterized by a smooth fluid conduit extending from the signal port through the aperture to the hollow probe. Preferably the aperture is tapered to connect with a Luer fitting. The hub may have an information encoding component and the housing have an interrogating component wherein the connection of the hub to the housing by means of the connection assembly enables the interrogating component to engage the information encoding component.
In an alternative form the invention may be said to reside in a medical apparatus comprising a hollow probe and a signal generating device and a connection assembly between a signal generating device and the hollow probe, the hollow probe having a first bore and the signal generating device having a signal port having a second bore, the connection assembly including a first portion associated with the signal generating device and a second portion associated with the hollow probe and a hub associated either the first portion or the second portion, the hub including an aperture providing a smooth transition between the first bore and the second bore.
Preferably the aperture is of frustoconical shape having a diameter at one end equivalent to the diameter of the first bore and the diameter at its other end equivalent to the diameter of the second bore.
The medical apparatus may further include the hollow probe having an information encoding component and the signal generating device having an interrogating component wherein connection of the hollow probe to the signal generating device by means of the connection assembly enables the interrogating means to engage the information encoding component.
In an alternative form the invention may be said to reside in a connection between a signal generating device and a hollow probe, the connection providing a smooth air conduit from the signal generating device to the hollow probe for the transmission of acoustic signals therethrough.
Preferably the connection includes a tapered portion associated with the hollow probe to enable connection thereto of a Luer fitting. Further the connection may include an information encoding component associated with the probe and an interrogating component associated with the signal generating device and making the connection enables the interrogating means to engage the information encoding component.
The medical apparatus according to the various embodiments of this invention may further including an electronic control circuit adapted to interrogate the information encoding component and to adjust the frequency of the signal provided by the signal generating means in response to the interrogation.
Hence it will be seen that according to one aspect of the invention there is provided a hollow probe which includes an information encoding component, a known characteristic of which is selected to correspond to those characteristics of the probe that are important for optimal localization of the probe tip by Doppler ultrasound imaging.
According to another aspect, the invention provides a smooth transition from the signal generating device to the hollow probe for efficient transfer of the signal to the tip of the probe.
Brief Description of the Drawings
This then generally describes the invention but to assist with understanding the invention will now be described with reference to particular preferred embodiments of the invention by way of example with reference to accompanying draws wherein:
FIG. 1 shows a schematic representative diagram of one embodiment of the medical apparatus comprising a hollow probe and the signal generating device, FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of one embodiment of a coupling between the flexible connecting tube and the needle that is part of the probe, FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of one embodiment of a coupling of the distal end of a flexible connecting tube, being that part of the probe containing the encoding component, to the signal generating device,
FIG. 4 show a schematic representation of one embodiment of the contact between the information encoding component and the interrogating means of the signal generating device,
FIG. 5 shows a schematic representation of the use of one embodiment of the medical apparatus comprising a probe and the signal generating device,
FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment of a coupling between the flexible connecting tube and the needle that is part of the probe, FIG. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the medical apparatus of the present invention comprising a hollow probe and the signal generating device,
FIG. 8 shows a section view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, and FIG. 9 shows a disassembled view of the medical apparatus shown in FIG. 7. Detailed Description
FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of medical apparatus having a hollow probe 1 , a flexible connecting tube 5 and a signal generating device 10. The hollow probe 1 consists of an inner needle 2 and an outer needle 3 and a connection portion 4. The attached connecting tube 5 has a connection portion 6 which together with the connection portion 4 forms a connection 7. The bore of the inner needle 2 is continuous with the inner lumen of the attached connecting tube 5. The other end of the connecting tube 5 has a connection assembly 8 that allows it to be couple to the signal generating device 10. The signal generation device 10 has a housing 1 2 which contains an acoustic signal generator, a connection portion 14 that allows it to be fitted to the connection tube 5 by means of the connection assembly 8 and electrical wires 1 5 and 1 6 which connect the signal generating device 10 to an electronic control circuit 1 8. The electronic control circuit 1 8 is connected to the interrogation assembly within the connection portion 14 by the wires 1 5 and this reads the information encoding component within the connection assembly 8 and hence provides frequency control for the signal generating device 10 to give an optimum frequency acoustic signal transmitted down the hollow probe.
FIG. 2 shows the preferred embodiment of the coupling 7 of the hollow probe 1 to the connecting tube 5. This coupling is constructed in such a way that the inner needle 2 and the connecting tube 5 can be uncoupled and withdrawn from the outer needle 3. This leaves the outer needle 3 insitu for various medical procedures such as aspiration or sample collection or accurate placement of pharmaceuticals. The inner needle 2 and the connecting tube 5 are joined by a fitting 20. The inner lumen 21 of the joining fitting 20 is formed in such a way that there is a smooth transition, free from perpendicular surfaces, from the inner walls of the connecting tube 5 to the inner needle 2. By this means there is minimal loss or distortion of the acoustic signal. The fitting 20 is coupled to the hub 22 on the outer needle 3 by means of a rotating locking ring 23 which locks to the hub 21 by means of a mating threads 24 and 25 on the two components respectively. FIG. 3 shows a preferred embodiment of the coupling of connecting portion 8 on the connecting tube 5 and connection portion 14 on the signal generating device 1 2. This coupling is constructed in such a way an information encoding device 30, situated on a hub 31 at the end of the connecting tube 5 of the hollow probe, makes contact with an interrogating means 34 situated on fitting 14 on the signal generating device. The interrogating means 34 transmits appropriate information from the encoding component 30 to an electronic control circuit 1 8 (refer FIG. 1 ) via an electrical wire 35. The inner lumen 36 of fitting 14 is formed in such a way that there is a smooth transition, free of perpendicular surfaces, of the walls of the inner lumen 36 from the signal generating device 10 to the connecting tube 5 through the hub 31 . By this means there is minimal loss or distortion of the acoustic signal. The hub 31 is coupled to fitting 14 by means of a rotating locking ring 32 which locks to fitting 14 by means of mating threads means 37 and 38 on the two components respectively. FIG. 4 shows detail of one embodiment of the information encoding component 30 on hub 31 which is part of the fitting 8 (refer FIG. 1 ) at the proximal end of the hollow probe 1 , and the interrogating means 34 on fitting 14 of the frequency generating device 10 (refer FIG. 1 ). The information encoding component 30, for example a surface-mount resistor of known value, is situated on the end of a post 40 on hub 31 . The interrogating means 34 consists of two metal contacts
42 each supported by a spring 44. When the hub 31 is coupled to fitting 14 the metal contacts 43 on the information encoding component 30 make contact with the metal contacts 42 of the interrogating means 34 which transmits appropriate information from the encoding component 34 to an electronic control circuit 18 (refer FIG. 1 ) via electrical wires 35.
One example of the use of this embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to FIG. 5.
The selected hollow probe 1 has at the distal end of the inner needle 2 a closed end 46 and a side hole 47. Fitting 8, at the end of the probe system, is attached to fitting 1 4 on the signal generating device 1 0. The interrogating means
34 in fitting 14 transmits appropriate information from the information encoding component 30 in fitting 8 to an electronic control circuit 18 via the electrical wire 1 5. The electronic control circuit 1 8 subsequently controls the signal generating device 10, via an electrical wire 1 6, such that the signal generating device 10 generates the appropriate frequency and amplitude for the selected probe, as coded by the information encoding component 30.
The needle assembly of inner needle 2 and outer needle 3 on the hollow probe 1 is inserted into the tissue 50 from which a biopsy is to be taken. As it is inserted, the signal generating device 10 generates a longitudinal oscillation of the air column at a sub-ultrasonic frequency, within the connecting tube 5 and the inner needle 2, which induces an oscillation 52 of the tissue near the tip of the needle around the side hole 47, enhancing the visibility of the needle tip to Doppler ultrasound imaging from an imaging device 54.
When the tip of the needle is situated in the appropriate position within the tissue, the inner needle 2 is withdrawn from the outer needle 3, without disturbing the position of the outer needle 3, and suction is applied to the hub 22 at the end of the outer needle 3, in order to collect tissue or liquids for biopsy.
It should be appreciated that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the example described above where it is used to locate the tip of a biopsy needle but also relates to the localization of the tip of any hollow probe for any reason.
FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment of the connection assembly 7 between the needle assembly of the inner needle 2 and outer needle 3 and the connecting tube 5. It should be noted, however, that a similar connection system could be used where the needle assembly of the inner needle 2 and outer needle 3 is connected directly to the signal generating means without the use of the connection tube 5.
In this embodiment the connecting portion 4 has an inner lumen 60 which is of a frustoconical shape which is the same taper as standard Luer connection used in medical technology. This allows the direct connection of the outer needle to a syringe or vacuum extraction device after positioning and removal of the inner needle
2. It may be noted, too, that an inner needle need not be used in all cases with either the connecting tube 5 or the signal generating means connecting directly to the outer needle 3.
FIGs. 7, 8 and 9 show an alternative embodiment of the medical apparatus of the present invention comprising a hollow probe and a signal generating device.
The medical apparatus comprises a needle portion and a signal generator portion.
The needle portion comprises a needle hub 70 with a needle 71 extending therefrom. The needle hub 70 has a threaded annular flange 72 at the end opposite from the needle 71 . The thread is a male thread 74. The needle hub has an inner lumen 75 which is smoothly tapered to the needle connection point 76. Within the needle hub 70 there is also an information encoding component 78 such as an electrical resistor, capacitor and/or programmable device.
The signal generator portion comprises a body 80 with a rear housing 84 enclosing a speaker 82 and a locking ring 86. The locking ring 86 has a female thread 88. The body 80 has an inner lumen 90 which is smoothly tapered from the speaker output cone 92 to the beginning of the inner lumen 75 of the needle hub 70. Also in the body is an interrogating means 94 which when the needle hub is connected to the body engages the information encoding component 78. Wires 91 extend to the speaker 82 and wires 95 extend to the interrogating means 94.
A suitable alignment groove 79 in the needle hub and projection 93 on the body ensures correct mating of the signal generator portion to the needle hub. The locking ring 86 is freely movable on the body 80 so that once the alignment groove 79 in the needle hub and projection 93 on the body have been engaged the male thread 74 can engage the female thread 88 to securely connect the two portions and ensure correct alignment of the respective inner lumens 75 and 90 and correct connection of the interrogation means 94 with the information encoding device 78.

Claims

Claims
1 . A medical apparatus including a probe, the probe having a characteristic which is useful to assist with the positioning of the probe in a human or animal body, and an information encoding component on the probe, a selected value of the information encoding component corresponding to the characteristic of the probe.
2. A medical apparatus as in claim 1 , wherein the probe is a hollow probe.
3. A medical apparatus as in claim 1 , wherein the characteristic is a resonant frequency of the probe which enhances the visibility of the tip of the probe to Doppler ultrasound imaging.
4. A medical apparatus as in claim 1 , wherein the information encoding component is selected from the group which comprises an electrical resistor, a capacitor and a programmable device.
5. A medical apparatus as in claim 1 , wherein the probe comprises a hollow tube and a connector at one end thereof and the information encoding component is associated with the connector.
6. A medical apparatus as in claim 1 , further comprising a signal generating device for the probe and an interrogating means associated with the frequency generating device to interrogate the information encoding component.
7. A medical apparatus as in claim 1 , wherein the probe is a dual lumen needle comprising an inner needle and an outer needle.
8. A medical apparatus as in claim 7, wherein the distal end of the inner needle has a closed end and a side hole.
9. A medical apparatus as in claim 6, wherein the signal and generating device is adapted to provide an acoustic signal.
1 0. A medical apparatus comprising a hollow probe, a signal generating device and a connecting tube between the hollow probe and the signal generating device, a first connector between the signal generating device and the connecting tube, the first connector including a first portion associated with the signal generating device and a second portion associated with the connecting tube, an information encoding component associated with the second portion and an interrogating means associated with the first portion wherein when the first and second portions of the first connector are connected the interrogating means engages and is able to interrogate the information encoding component.
1 1 . A medical apparatus as in claim 10, wherein the information encoding component is selected from the group which comprises an electrical resistor, a capacitor and a programmable device.
1 2. A medical apparatus as in claim 10, wherein the first connector provides a smooth air conduit between the signal generating device and the bore of the connecting tube.
13. A medical apparatus as in claim 10, further comprising a second connector between the connecting tube and the hollow probe.
1 4. A medical apparatus as in claim 1 0, wherein the hollow probe is a dual lumen needle comprising an inner needle and an outer needle.
1 5. A medical apparatus as in claim 14, wherein the second connector provides a smooth air conduit between the bore of the connecting tube and the bore of the inner needle.
1 6. A medical apparatus as in claim 1 5, wherein the second connector includes means to enable disconnection of the coupling tube from the outer needle and removal of the coupling tube and inner needle while leaving the outer tube insitu.
1 7. A medical apparatus as in claim 1 5, wherein the distal end of the inner needle has a closed end and a side hole.
18. A medical apparatus as in claim 1 5, wherein the signal generating device is adapted to provide an acoustic signal.
1 9. A medical apparatus as in claim 1 5 further including an electronic control circuit adapted to interrogate the information encoding component and to adjust the frequency of the signal provided by the signal generating means.
20. A medical apparatus comprising a hollow probe and a signal generating device and a connector between the signal generating device and the hollow probe, the connector comprising a first portion associated with the signal generating device and a second portion associated with the follow probe, an information encoding component associated with the second portion and interrogating means associated with the first portion, wherein when the first and second portions of the connector are connected the interrogation means engages the information encoding component.
21 . A medical apparatus as in claim 20, wherein the information encoding component is selected from the group which comprises an electrical resistor, a capacitor and a programmable device.
22. A medical apparatus as in claim 7, wherein the probe is a dual lumen needle comprising an inner needle and an outer needle.
23. A medical apparatus as in claim 22, wherein the connector includes means to enable disconnection of the signal generating device from the outer needle and removal of the inner needle while leaving the outer needle insitu.
24. A medical apparatus as in claim 20, wherein the connector provides a smooth air conduit between the signal generating device and the bore of the hollow probe.
25. A medical apparatus comprising a signal generating device in a housing and a hollow probe, the hollow probe having a hub at one end thereof and an aperture through the hub providing a fluid passage into the hollow probe, a connection assembly between the housing and the hub, a signal port in the housing extending from the signal generating device to the aperture in the hub, characterized by a smooth fluid conduit extending from the signal port through the aperture to the hollow probe.
26. A medical apparatus as in claim 25, wherein the signal generating device is adapted to provide an acoustic signal.
27. A medical apparatus as in claim 25, wherein the aperture is tapered to connect with a Luer fitting.
28. A medical apparatus as in claim 25, further including the hub having an information encoding component and the housing having an interrogating component wherein the connection of the hub to the housing by means of the connection assembly enables the interrogating component to engage the information encoding component.
29. A medical apparatus as in claim 28, wherein the information encoding component is selected from the group which comprises an electrical resistor, a capacity and a programmable device.
30. A medical apparatus comprising a hollow probe and a signal generating device and a connection assembly between a signal generating device and the hollow probe, the hollow probe having a first bore and the signal generating device having a signal port having a second bore, the connection assembly including a first portion associated with the signal generating device and a second portion associated with the hollow probe and a hub associated either the first portion or the second portion, the hub including an aperture providing a smooth transition between the first bore and the second bore.
31. A medical apparatus as in claim 30, wherein the aperture is of frustoconical shape having a diameter at one end equivalent to the diameter of the first bore and the diameter at its other end equivalent to the diameter of the second bore.
32. A medical apparatus as in claim 30, wherein the aperture is tapered to connect with a Luer fitting.
33. A medical apparatus as in claim 30, further including the hollow probe having an information encoding component and the signal generating device having an interrogating component wherein connection of the hollow probe to the signal generating device by means of the connection assembly enables the interrogating means to engage the information encoding component.
34. A medical apparatus as in claim 33, wherein the information encoding components selected from the group which comprises and electrically resistor, a capacitor and a programmable device.
35. A connection between a signal generating device and a hollow probe, the connection providing a smooth air conduit from the signal generating device to the hollow probe.
36. A connection as in claim 35, wherein the connection includes tapered portion associated with the hollow probe to enable connection thereto of a Luer fitting.
37. A connection as in claim 35, wherein the connection includes an information encoding component associated with the probe and an interrogating component associated with the signal generating device and making the connection enables the interrogating means to engage the information encoding component.
38. A connection as in claim 37, wherein the information encoding component is selected from the group which comprises an electrical resistor, a capacitor and a programmable device.
PCT/IB1998/000143 1997-01-21 1998-01-20 Calibrated hollow probe for ultrasound imaging WO1998031285A1 (en)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA002278540A CA2278540A1 (en) 1997-01-21 1998-01-20 Calibrated hollow probe for ultrasound imaging
AU55731/98A AU5573198A (en) 1997-01-21 1998-01-20 Calibrated hollow probe for ultrasound imaging
EP98900656A EP1001705A1 (en) 1997-01-21 1998-01-20 Calibrated hollow probe for ultrasound imaging
JP53405098A JP2001517109A (en) 1997-01-21 1998-01-20 Calibrated hollow probe for ultrasound imaging

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AUPO4689 1997-01-21
AUPO4689A AUPO468997A0 (en) 1997-01-21 Calibrated hollow probe for use with ultrasound imaging
US09/007,925 US6053871A (en) 1997-01-21 1998-01-16 Calibrated hollow probe for use with ultrasound imaging

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1998031285A1 true WO1998031285A1 (en) 1998-07-23

Family

ID=25645350

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IB1998/000143 WO1998031285A1 (en) 1997-01-21 1998-01-20 Calibrated hollow probe for ultrasound imaging

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US6053871A (en)
EP (1) EP1001705A1 (en)
WO (1) WO1998031285A1 (en)

Cited By (29)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2002186623A (en) * 2000-12-21 2002-07-02 Honda Electronic Co Ltd Device for detecting target lesion using puncture needle
EP1915949A3 (en) * 2004-07-09 2011-04-20 Bard Peripheral Vascular, Inc. Biopsy device
US7971776B2 (en) 2007-11-12 2011-07-05 Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd. Ultrasonic instrument and method for controlling its multiple probes
US8002713B2 (en) 2002-03-19 2011-08-23 C. R. Bard, Inc. Biopsy device and insertable biopsy needle module
US8012102B2 (en) 2005-01-31 2011-09-06 C. R. Bard, Inc. Quick cycle biopsy system
US8016772B2 (en) 2002-03-19 2011-09-13 C. R. Bard, Inc. Biopsy device for removing tissue specimens using a vacuum
US8052615B2 (en) 2004-07-09 2011-11-08 Bard Peripheral Vascular, Inc. Length detection system for biopsy device
US8162851B2 (en) 2003-03-29 2012-04-24 C. R. Bard, Inc. Biopsy needle system having a pressure generating unit
US8251917B2 (en) 2006-08-21 2012-08-28 C. R. Bard, Inc. Self-contained handheld biopsy needle
US8262585B2 (en) 2005-08-10 2012-09-11 C. R. Bard, Inc. Single-insertion, multiple sampling biopsy device with linear drive
US8262586B2 (en) 2006-10-24 2012-09-11 C. R. Bard, Inc. Large sample low aspect ratio biopsy needle
US8267868B2 (en) 2005-08-10 2012-09-18 C. R. Bard, Inc. Single-insertion, multiple sample biopsy device with integrated markers
US8430824B2 (en) 2009-10-29 2013-04-30 Bard Peripheral Vascular, Inc. Biopsy driver assembly having a control circuit for conserving battery power
US8454532B2 (en) 2007-12-27 2013-06-04 Devicor Medical Products, Inc. Clutch and valving system for tetherless biopsy device
US8485989B2 (en) 2009-09-01 2013-07-16 Bard Peripheral Vascular, Inc. Biopsy apparatus having a tissue sample retrieval mechanism
US8485987B2 (en) 2006-10-06 2013-07-16 Bard Peripheral Vascular, Inc. Tissue handling system with reduced operator exposure
US8597206B2 (en) 2009-10-12 2013-12-03 Bard Peripheral Vascular, Inc. Biopsy probe assembly having a mechanism to prevent misalignment of components prior to installation
US8597205B2 (en) 2007-12-20 2013-12-03 C. R. Bard, Inc. Biopsy device
US8690793B2 (en) 2009-03-16 2014-04-08 C. R. Bard, Inc. Biopsy device having rotational cutting
US8708928B2 (en) 2009-04-15 2014-04-29 Bard Peripheral Vascular, Inc. Biopsy apparatus having integrated fluid management
US8845548B2 (en) 2009-06-12 2014-09-30 Devicor Medical Products, Inc. Cutter drive assembly for biopsy device
US8961430B2 (en) 2005-08-10 2015-02-24 C.R. Bard, Inc. Single-insertion, multiple sampling biopsy device usable with various transport systems and integrated markers
US9173641B2 (en) 2009-08-12 2015-11-03 C. R. Bard, Inc. Biopsy apparatus having integrated thumbwheel mechanism for manual rotation of biopsy cannula
US10285673B2 (en) 2013-03-20 2019-05-14 Bard Peripheral Vascular, Inc. Biopsy device
US10456120B2 (en) 2013-11-05 2019-10-29 C. R. Bard, Inc. Biopsy device having integrated vacuum
US10463350B2 (en) 2015-05-01 2019-11-05 C. R. Bard, Inc. Biopsy device
US11116483B2 (en) 2017-05-19 2021-09-14 Merit Medical Systems, Inc. Rotating biopsy needle
US11793498B2 (en) 2017-05-19 2023-10-24 Merit Medical Systems, Inc. Biopsy needle devices and methods of use
US11844500B2 (en) 2017-05-19 2023-12-19 Merit Medical Systems, Inc. Semi-automatic biopsy needle device and methods of use

Families Citing this family (20)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6068627A (en) * 1997-12-10 2000-05-30 Valleylab, Inc. Smart recognition apparatus and method
US6689142B1 (en) 1999-04-26 2004-02-10 Scimed Life Systems, Inc. Apparatus and methods for guiding a needle
US6282943B1 (en) * 1999-08-31 2001-09-04 Basic Resources, Inc. Apparatus and method for detecting substances
US7273483B2 (en) * 2000-10-20 2007-09-25 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Apparatus and method for alerting generator functions in an ultrasonic surgical system
US7169155B2 (en) * 2001-12-14 2007-01-30 Scimed Life Systems, Inc. Methods and apparatus for guiding a needle
JP4342859B2 (en) * 2002-09-30 2009-10-14 富士フイルム株式会社 Ultrasonic probe and ultrasonic transmitter / receiver using the same
US20040260199A1 (en) * 2003-06-19 2004-12-23 Wilson-Cook Medical, Inc. Cytology collection device
USD669577S1 (en) 2003-11-05 2012-10-23 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Cannula with band markings
US8070685B2 (en) * 2005-04-15 2011-12-06 Imacor Inc. Connectorized probe for transesophageal echocardiography
US8052609B2 (en) * 2005-04-15 2011-11-08 Imacor Inc. Connectorized probe with serial engagement mechanism
US8479739B2 (en) * 2005-12-02 2013-07-09 The Cooper Health System System and method for managing difficult airways
EP2155071B1 (en) * 2007-05-25 2014-07-16 Cook Medical Technologies LLC Medical devices and systems for closing perforations
US7682089B2 (en) * 2007-08-15 2010-03-23 Rohlen Brooks H System and method for positioning a probe
US9339265B2 (en) * 2007-09-25 2016-05-17 Cook Medical Technologies Llc Medical devices, systems, and methods for using tissue anchors
US20090157099A1 (en) * 2007-12-18 2009-06-18 Wilson-Cook Medical, Inc. Device and method for placement of tissue anchors
CA2739475C (en) * 2008-10-06 2014-04-22 Wilson-Cook Medical, Inc. Endcap for safely deploying tissue anchors
US9138286B2 (en) * 2008-10-20 2015-09-22 Nuvue Therapeutics, Inc. Ultrasound detectable interventional medical device
JP5819387B2 (en) 2013-01-09 2015-11-24 富士フイルム株式会社 Photoacoustic image generating apparatus and insert
JP6408136B2 (en) * 2015-03-30 2018-10-17 富士フイルム株式会社 Biopsy needle and photoacoustic measurement device
US10172588B1 (en) * 2015-05-06 2019-01-08 Carter Harrison Sigmon Ultrasound guidance system and method

Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0050606A1 (en) * 1980-10-22 1982-04-28 Bengt Gustavsson A dispensing container for venous catheters
EP0083973A1 (en) 1982-01-07 1983-07-20 Technicare Corporation Ultrasound probe locator
GB2157828A (en) 1984-04-19 1985-10-30 Jan Lesny Ultrasonic imaging apparatus and surgical instrument
GB2173593A (en) * 1985-04-12 1986-10-15 Univ Edinburgh Ultrasonic location of needles or catheters
WO1991008706A1 (en) * 1989-12-18 1991-06-27 Jan Lesny Ultrasonic instrument
EP0453251A1 (en) 1990-04-18 1991-10-23 Advanced Technology Laboratories, Inc. Ultrasonic imaging of biopsy needle
WO1993023109A1 (en) * 1992-05-14 1993-11-25 Vygon Surgical instrument for epidural anesthesia
GB2287319A (en) * 1994-03-12 1995-09-13 John Francis Cockburn Medical needle for use in ultrasonic imaging
GB2298368A (en) * 1995-02-22 1996-09-04 John Francis Cockburn Needle with occlusion-preventing aperture

Family Cites Families (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3556079A (en) * 1967-05-16 1971-01-19 Haruo Omizo Method of puncturing a medical instrument under guidance of ultrasound
US4401949A (en) * 1981-02-02 1983-08-30 Fmc Corporation External device identification system
US4768496A (en) * 1986-04-09 1988-09-06 Cooper Lasersonics, Inc. Handpiece interlock and logic control for ultrasonic surgical system
JPH0734797B2 (en) * 1986-12-18 1995-04-19 株式会社日立メデイコ Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment
GB2212267B (en) * 1987-11-11 1992-07-29 Circulation Res Ltd Methods and apparatus for the examination and treatment of internal organs
US4959049A (en) * 1989-09-11 1990-09-25 Smirmaul Heinz J Tip for a phacoemulsification needle
US5391144A (en) * 1990-02-02 1995-02-21 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Ultrasonic treatment apparatus
FI93607C (en) * 1991-05-24 1995-05-10 John Koivukangas Cutting Remedy
US5209235A (en) * 1991-09-13 1993-05-11 Cardiovascular Imaging Systems, Inc. Ultrasonic imaging catheter assembly and method for identification of the same
US5383874A (en) * 1991-11-08 1995-01-24 Ep Technologies, Inc. Systems for identifying catheters and monitoring their use
US5329927A (en) * 1993-02-25 1994-07-19 Echo Cath, Inc. Apparatus and method for locating an interventional medical device with a ultrasound color imaging system
US5517994A (en) * 1994-11-16 1996-05-21 Advanced Technology Laboratories, Inc. Self diagnostic ultrasonic imaging systems
US5505693A (en) * 1994-12-30 1996-04-09 Mackool; Richard J. Method and apparatus for reducing friction and heat generation by an ultrasonic device during surgery
US5544660A (en) * 1995-03-30 1996-08-13 Boston Scientific Corp. Acoustic imaging catheter and method of operation

Patent Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0050606A1 (en) * 1980-10-22 1982-04-28 Bengt Gustavsson A dispensing container for venous catheters
EP0083973A1 (en) 1982-01-07 1983-07-20 Technicare Corporation Ultrasound probe locator
GB2157828A (en) 1984-04-19 1985-10-30 Jan Lesny Ultrasonic imaging apparatus and surgical instrument
GB2173593A (en) * 1985-04-12 1986-10-15 Univ Edinburgh Ultrasonic location of needles or catheters
WO1991008706A1 (en) * 1989-12-18 1991-06-27 Jan Lesny Ultrasonic instrument
EP0453251A1 (en) 1990-04-18 1991-10-23 Advanced Technology Laboratories, Inc. Ultrasonic imaging of biopsy needle
US5095910A (en) 1990-04-18 1992-03-17 Advanced Technology Laboratories, Inc. Ultrasonic imaging of biopsy needle
WO1993023109A1 (en) * 1992-05-14 1993-11-25 Vygon Surgical instrument for epidural anesthesia
GB2287319A (en) * 1994-03-12 1995-09-13 John Francis Cockburn Medical needle for use in ultrasonic imaging
US5549112A (en) 1994-03-12 1996-08-27 Cockburn; John F. Medical needle for use in ultrasound imaging and method of enhancing the visibility of such a needle to ultrasound
GB2298368A (en) * 1995-02-22 1996-09-04 John Francis Cockburn Needle with occlusion-preventing aperture

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See also references of EP1001705A4 *

Cited By (85)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP4707224B2 (en) * 2000-12-21 2011-06-22 本多電子株式会社 Lesion detection device using puncture needle
JP2002186623A (en) * 2000-12-21 2002-07-02 Honda Electronic Co Ltd Device for detecting target lesion using puncture needle
US10271827B2 (en) 2002-03-19 2019-04-30 C. R. Bard, Inc. Disposable biopsy unit
US8109885B2 (en) 2002-03-19 2012-02-07 C. R. Bard, Inc. Biopsy device for removing tissue specimens using a vacuum
US8002713B2 (en) 2002-03-19 2011-08-23 C. R. Bard, Inc. Biopsy device and insertable biopsy needle module
US11382608B2 (en) 2002-03-19 2022-07-12 C. R. Bard, Inc. Disposable biopsy unit
US8016772B2 (en) 2002-03-19 2011-09-13 C. R. Bard, Inc. Biopsy device for removing tissue specimens using a vacuum
US8052614B2 (en) 2002-03-19 2011-11-08 C. R. Bard, Inc. Biopsy device having a vacuum pump
US9439631B2 (en) 2002-03-19 2016-09-13 C. R. Bard, Inc. Biopsy device and insertable biopsy needle module
US9421002B2 (en) 2002-03-19 2016-08-23 C. R. Bard, Inc. Disposable biopsy unit
US8951209B2 (en) 2002-03-19 2015-02-10 C. R. Bard, Inc. Biopsy device and insertable biopsy needle module
US9072502B2 (en) 2002-03-19 2015-07-07 C. R. Bard, Inc. Disposable biopsy unit
US8172773B2 (en) 2002-03-19 2012-05-08 C. R. Bard, Inc. Biopsy device and biopsy needle module that can be inserted into the biopsy device
US10335128B2 (en) 2002-03-19 2019-07-02 C. R. Bard, Inc. Biopsy device and insertable biopsy needle module
US8162851B2 (en) 2003-03-29 2012-04-24 C. R. Bard, Inc. Biopsy needle system having a pressure generating unit
US8728004B2 (en) 2003-03-29 2014-05-20 C.R. Bard, Inc. Biopsy needle system having a pressure generating unit
US8366636B2 (en) 2004-07-09 2013-02-05 Bard Peripheral Vascular, Inc. Firing system for biopsy device
US8157744B2 (en) 2004-07-09 2012-04-17 Bard Peripheral Vascular, Inc. Tissue sample flushing system for biopsy device
US9456809B2 (en) 2004-07-09 2016-10-04 Bard Peripheral Vascular, Inc. Tissue sample flushing system for biopsy device
US8052615B2 (en) 2004-07-09 2011-11-08 Bard Peripheral Vascular, Inc. Length detection system for biopsy device
US8864680B2 (en) 2004-07-09 2014-10-21 Bard Peripheral Vascular, Inc. Transport system for biopsy device
US10499888B2 (en) 2004-07-09 2019-12-10 Bard Peripheral Vascular, Inc. Tissue sample flushing system for biopsy device
US8992440B2 (en) 2004-07-09 2015-03-31 Bard Peripheral Vascular, Inc. Length detection system for biopsy device
US9345458B2 (en) 2004-07-09 2016-05-24 Bard Peripheral Vascular, Inc. Transport system for biopsy device
US10166011B2 (en) 2004-07-09 2019-01-01 Bard Peripheral Vascular, Inc. Transport system for biopsy device
US9872672B2 (en) 2004-07-09 2018-01-23 Bard Peripheral Vascular, Inc. Length detection system for biopsy device
US8926527B2 (en) 2004-07-09 2015-01-06 Bard Peripheral Vascular, Inc. Tissue sample flushing system for biopsy device
EP1915949A3 (en) * 2004-07-09 2011-04-20 Bard Peripheral Vascular, Inc. Biopsy device
US8702621B2 (en) 2005-01-31 2014-04-22 C.R. Bard, Inc. Quick cycle biopsy system
US10058308B2 (en) 2005-01-31 2018-08-28 C. R. Bard, Inc. Method for operating a biopsy apparatus
US8702622B2 (en) 2005-01-31 2014-04-22 C.R. Bard, Inc. Quick cycle biopsy system
US11166702B2 (en) 2005-01-31 2021-11-09 C.R. Bard, Inc. Quick cycle biopsy system
US8012102B2 (en) 2005-01-31 2011-09-06 C. R. Bard, Inc. Quick cycle biopsy system
US9161743B2 (en) 2005-01-31 2015-10-20 C. R. Bard, Inc. Quick cycle biopsy system
US8262585B2 (en) 2005-08-10 2012-09-11 C. R. Bard, Inc. Single-insertion, multiple sampling biopsy device with linear drive
US8267868B2 (en) 2005-08-10 2012-09-18 C. R. Bard, Inc. Single-insertion, multiple sample biopsy device with integrated markers
US8771200B2 (en) 2005-08-10 2014-07-08 C.R. Bard, Inc. Single insertion, multiple sampling biopsy device with linear drive
US8728003B2 (en) 2005-08-10 2014-05-20 C.R. Bard Inc. Single insertion, multiple sample biopsy device with integrated markers
US8721563B2 (en) 2005-08-10 2014-05-13 C. R. Bard, Inc. Single-insertion, multiple sample biopsy device with integrated markers
US11219431B2 (en) 2005-08-10 2022-01-11 C.R. Bard, Inc. Single-insertion, multiple sampling biopsy device with linear drive
US11849928B2 (en) 2005-08-10 2023-12-26 C. R. Bard, Inc. Single-insertion, multiple sampling biopsy device usable with various transport systems and integrated markers
US10010307B2 (en) 2005-08-10 2018-07-03 C. R. Bard, Inc. Single-insertion, multiple sampling biopsy device with linear drive
US8961430B2 (en) 2005-08-10 2015-02-24 C.R. Bard, Inc. Single-insertion, multiple sampling biopsy device usable with various transport systems and integrated markers
US10368849B2 (en) 2005-08-10 2019-08-06 C. R. Bard, Inc. Single-insertion, multiple sampling biopsy device usable with various transport systems and integrated markers
US9439632B2 (en) 2006-08-21 2016-09-13 C. R. Bard, Inc. Self-contained handheld biopsy needle
US10617399B2 (en) 2006-08-21 2020-04-14 C.R. Bard, Inc. Self-contained handheld biopsy needle
US8951208B2 (en) 2006-08-21 2015-02-10 C. R. Bard, Inc. Self-contained handheld biopsy needle
US8251917B2 (en) 2006-08-21 2012-08-28 C. R. Bard, Inc. Self-contained handheld biopsy needle
US10172594B2 (en) 2006-10-06 2019-01-08 Bard Peripheral Vascular, Inc. Tissue handling system with reduced operator exposure
US8485987B2 (en) 2006-10-06 2013-07-16 Bard Peripheral Vascular, Inc. Tissue handling system with reduced operator exposure
US11559289B2 (en) 2006-10-06 2023-01-24 Bard Peripheral Vascular, Inc. Tissue handling system with reduced operator exposure
US9566045B2 (en) 2006-10-06 2017-02-14 Bard Peripheral Vascular, Inc. Tissue handling system with reduced operator exposure
US8262586B2 (en) 2006-10-24 2012-09-11 C. R. Bard, Inc. Large sample low aspect ratio biopsy needle
US11583261B2 (en) 2006-10-24 2023-02-21 C. R. Bard, Inc. Large sample low aspect ratio biopsy needle
US10149664B2 (en) 2006-10-24 2018-12-11 C. R. Bard, Inc. Large sample low aspect ratio biopsy needle
US7971776B2 (en) 2007-11-12 2011-07-05 Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd. Ultrasonic instrument and method for controlling its multiple probes
US9775588B2 (en) 2007-12-20 2017-10-03 C. R. Bard, Inc. Biopsy device
US8597205B2 (en) 2007-12-20 2013-12-03 C. R. Bard, Inc. Biopsy device
US10687791B2 (en) 2007-12-20 2020-06-23 C. R. Bard, Inc. Biopsy device
US8858463B2 (en) 2007-12-20 2014-10-14 C. R. Bard, Inc. Biopsy device
US8864682B2 (en) 2007-12-27 2014-10-21 Devicor Medical Products, Inc. Clutch and valving system for tetherless biopsy device
US8454532B2 (en) 2007-12-27 2013-06-04 Devicor Medical Products, Inc. Clutch and valving system for tetherless biopsy device
US8690793B2 (en) 2009-03-16 2014-04-08 C. R. Bard, Inc. Biopsy device having rotational cutting
US8708930B2 (en) 2009-04-15 2014-04-29 Bard Peripheral Vascular, Inc. Biopsy apparatus having integrated fluid management
US8708928B2 (en) 2009-04-15 2014-04-29 Bard Peripheral Vascular, Inc. Biopsy apparatus having integrated fluid management
US8708929B2 (en) 2009-04-15 2014-04-29 Bard Peripheral Vascular, Inc. Biopsy apparatus having integrated fluid management
US8845548B2 (en) 2009-06-12 2014-09-30 Devicor Medical Products, Inc. Cutter drive assembly for biopsy device
US9468424B2 (en) 2009-06-12 2016-10-18 Devicor Medical Products, Inc. Cutter drive assembly for biopsy device
US9655599B2 (en) 2009-08-12 2017-05-23 C. R. Bard, Inc. Biopsy apparatus having integrated thumbwheel mechanism for manual rotation of biopsy cannula
US10575833B2 (en) 2009-08-12 2020-03-03 C. R. Bard, Inc. Biopsy apparatus having integrated thumbwheel mechanism for manual rotation of biopsy cannula
US9173641B2 (en) 2009-08-12 2015-11-03 C. R. Bard, Inc. Biopsy apparatus having integrated thumbwheel mechanism for manual rotation of biopsy cannula
US9949726B2 (en) 2009-09-01 2018-04-24 Bard Peripheral Vscular, Inc. Biopsy driver assembly having a control circuit for conserving battery power
US8485989B2 (en) 2009-09-01 2013-07-16 Bard Peripheral Vascular, Inc. Biopsy apparatus having a tissue sample retrieval mechanism
US8597206B2 (en) 2009-10-12 2013-12-03 Bard Peripheral Vascular, Inc. Biopsy probe assembly having a mechanism to prevent misalignment of components prior to installation
US8430824B2 (en) 2009-10-29 2013-04-30 Bard Peripheral Vascular, Inc. Biopsy driver assembly having a control circuit for conserving battery power
US8808197B2 (en) 2009-10-29 2014-08-19 Bard Peripheral Vascular, Inc. Biopsy driver assembly having a control circuit for conserving battery power
US10285673B2 (en) 2013-03-20 2019-05-14 Bard Peripheral Vascular, Inc. Biopsy device
US11779316B2 (en) 2013-03-20 2023-10-10 Bard Peripheral Vascular, Inc. Biopsy device
US11534148B2 (en) 2013-11-05 2022-12-27 C. R. Bard, Inc. Biopsy device having integrated vacuum
US10456120B2 (en) 2013-11-05 2019-10-29 C. R. Bard, Inc. Biopsy device having integrated vacuum
US11179142B2 (en) 2015-05-01 2021-11-23 C.R. Bard, Inc. Biopsy device
US10463350B2 (en) 2015-05-01 2019-11-05 C. R. Bard, Inc. Biopsy device
US11116483B2 (en) 2017-05-19 2021-09-14 Merit Medical Systems, Inc. Rotating biopsy needle
US11793498B2 (en) 2017-05-19 2023-10-24 Merit Medical Systems, Inc. Biopsy needle devices and methods of use
US11844500B2 (en) 2017-05-19 2023-12-19 Merit Medical Systems, Inc. Semi-automatic biopsy needle device and methods of use

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1001705A4 (en) 2000-05-24
US6053871A (en) 2000-04-25
EP1001705A1 (en) 2000-05-24

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6053871A (en) Calibrated hollow probe for use with ultrasound imaging
US6615067B2 (en) Method and device for measuring physical characteristics in a body
CA2085912C (en) Apparatus for the cannulation of blood vessels
US3963028A (en) Suction wand
US5968085A (en) Pacing lead with integral guidance using ultrasound
JP3279558B2 (en) Tip-filled ultrasound catheter
US4834102A (en) Endoscope for transesophageal echocardiography
EP2934325B1 (en) Introducer having a flow sensor
AU611256B2 (en) Ultrasound imaging probe
US4535773A (en) Safety puncturing instrument and method
US6171250B1 (en) Ultrasound imaging guidewire with static central core and tip
US20060106315A1 (en) Guided hypodermic cannula
WO1997007746A1 (en) Magnetic resonance-compatible needle
EP1753340A1 (en) Powering a guide wire mounted sensor for intra-vascular measurements of physiological variables by means of inductive coupling
WO1991002489A1 (en) Intravascular ultrasonic imaging probe
US10874830B2 (en) Smart torquer and methods of using the same
US6520916B1 (en) Ultrasound imaging system and method for implantable and invasive devices
EP1568324A3 (en) Transvascular ultrasound hemodynamic catheter
CA2278540A1 (en) Calibrated hollow probe for ultrasound imaging
AU733996B2 (en) Calibrated hollow probe for use with ultrasound imaging
AU5573198A (en) Calibrated hollow probe for ultrasound imaging
EP1136032B1 (en) A device for measuring physical variables in a living body
CN111031904A (en) Pressure catheter and guidewire assembly
US20020103426A1 (en) Electrophysiology catheter
US20210077182A1 (en) Smart Torquer and Methods of Using the Same

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BY CA CH CN CU CZ DE DK EE ES FI GB GE GH GM GW HU ID IL IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MD MG MK MN MW MX NO NZ PL PT RO RU SD SE SG SI SK SL TJ TM TR TT UA UG UZ VN YU ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): GH GM KE LS MW SD SZ UG ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN ML MR NE SN TD TG

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 1998900656

Country of ref document: EP

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref country code: JP

Ref document number: 1998 534050

Kind code of ref document: A

Format of ref document f/p: F

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 2278540

Country of ref document: CA

Ref country code: CA

Ref document number: 2278540

Kind code of ref document: A

Format of ref document f/p: F

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 55731/98

Country of ref document: AU

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 1019997006575

Country of ref document: KR

WWW Wipo information: withdrawn in national office

Ref document number: 55731/98

Country of ref document: AU

WWR Wipo information: refused in national office

Ref document number: 1019997006575

Country of ref document: KR

WWW Wipo information: withdrawn in national office

Ref document number: 1019997006575

Country of ref document: KR

REG Reference to national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: 8642

WWP Wipo information: published in national office

Ref document number: 1998900656

Country of ref document: EP

WWW Wipo information: withdrawn in national office

Ref document number: 1998900656

Country of ref document: EP