Importance

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Abstract

A protection device for hand held ultrasound needle procedures that can be generally described as a shield attachable to a transducer. The shield protects the hand from needle puncture. The shield can be made from either a flexible or a rigid material which is resistant to needle punctures, by both or either a hand directed needle or a mechanically fired needle. The shield is bent in the shape of an arc. The arc has a first apex at the top of the arc. A second apex is located at the bottom of the arc. A first receiver and a first method of securing an upper end of a transducer, or cable attached thereto, is located at the first apex. A second receiver and a second method of securement is located at the second apex to receive and secure a lower end or head of a transducer to the shield. The device attaches above or over a biopsy guide typically located on the head of a transducer or it attaches directly to the transducer. It allows the technologist to grasp the transducer within the arc of the shield and use the transducer in a normal manner while providing a barrier between the directed biopsy needle and the technologist's or physician's hand. The receiver and method of securement can be as simple as an opening with hook and loop material or as elaborate as specialty latches designed to specifically attach to the transducer.

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First Claim