Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

An apparatus configured to direct a medical needle onto a target inside a living body as indicated by an ultrasound imaging device includes an ultrasound transducer and a needle guide holding the medical needle, both attached to a vertical post by movable arms, an ultrasound imaging device and a computer-controller. The arms are provided with links connected by universal joints which permit positioning by the physician of the transducer and the needle guide in any place on the body in the desired direction. The position of the components is indicated to the computer controller by sensors mounted in the joints of the arms or by wireless transmission. The transducer issues signals regarding the target point to the imaging device which transmits the information to the computer controller, the latter adjusting the angular direction of the needle trajectory onto the target. The physician places the transducer on the body in accordance with the image of the target projected on the screen of the imaging device, and places the needle point on the skin close to the target, whereupon the direction of the needle trajectory is automatically adjusted by the apparatus.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim