Ultrasound Guided Probe Device and Methods of Using Same

Abstract

The present invention is directed to improved devices and methods for use in ultrasound guiding of percutaneous probes during medical procedures. The ultrasound devices of the present invention include an ultrasound transducer housing having a passage therethrough configured to accommodate a probe. The devices can be utilized to guide a probe through the probe guide in the passage of the transducer housing, and along a path extending from the ultrasound transducer housing to a target at a known angular relationship to the ultrasound transducer. In this manner, the path of the advancing probe and hence the location of the probe tip can be more clearly known in relation to a target imaged by the ultrasound device. In addition, the devices can include a sterile sleeve including a sterile probe guide such that the transducer housing itself, including the integral probe guide opening, can be separated from the patient by a sterile barrier. The devices can also include a clamp for clamping the probe in the probe guide. The devices can also include means and methods for imaging a virtual probe overlaying the sonogram formed by the ultrasound device such that a real time image of the probe approach to the target may be observed during and after probe placement.

1 - 55 . (canceled) 
     
     
         56 . A medical device for inserting a probe percutaneously comprising:
 a monitor;   a probe configured for being guided to a subdermal location;   an ultrasound transducer housing, said housing including an ultrasound transducer for forming a sonogram of the subdermal location on the monitor, said ultrasound transducer housing including an open slot that leads from an edge of the transducer housing to a probe guide opening, the probe guide opening being an opening through which the probe is capable of passing;   at least one detector integral to the ultrasound transducer housing and configured for detecting motion of the probe in the probe guide opening, wherein the detector is different from the ultrasound transducer and wherein the detector is at a distance from the probe guide opening and from the probe in the probe guide; and   a processing unit in communication with the at least one detector, the monitor, and the ultrasound transducer, the processing unit configured for creating and displaying a real time image of a virtual probe, the processing unit being programmed to analyze data from the at least one detector to calculate a relative position of the probe in relation to a reference point, the processing unit being capable of communicating the relative position to the monitor, said relative position being displayed on the monitor as the real time image of the virtual probe; and   the processing unit being further configured for displaying on the monitor the real time image of the virtual probe overlaid on the sonogram of the subdermal location.   
     
     
         57 . The medical probe device of  claim 56 , further comprising an engageable clamp activatable by a user to selectively secure the probe in the probe guide. 
     
     
         58 . The medical probe device of  claim 56 , wherein the at least one detector senses the presence of the probe within the probe guide opening. 
     
     
         59 . The medical probe device of  claim 56 , further comprising a sterilizable seal removably co-operable with said transducer housing. 
     
     
         60 . The medical probe device of  claim 59 , wherein the seal comprises a first piece and a second piece removably attachable to one another. 
     
     
         61 . The medical probe device of  claim 56 , wherein the ultrasound transducer housing is non-invasive. 
     
     
         62 . The medical probe device of  claim 56 , further comprising a probe guide that is attachable to the ultrasound transducer house within the probe guide opening. 
     
     
         63 . A method for guiding a percutaneous probe to a target comprising:
 guiding a percutaneous probe through a probe guide opening of an ultrasound transducer housing to a subdermal location, wherein the ultrasound transducer housing includes an ultrasound transducer and includes an open slot that leads from an edge of the ultrasound transducer housing to the probe guide opening;   utilizing the ultrasound transducer to form a sonogram of the subdermal location on a monitor;   detecting the motion of the percutaneous probe in the probe guide opening by use of a detector, wherein the detector is different from the ultrasound transducer and integral to the ultrasound transducer housing and the detector is at a distance from the probe guide opening and the probe guided through the probe guide opening;   creating a data stream in response to the detected motion; and   utilizing a processing unit that is in communication with the detector, the monitor, and the ultrasound transducer to process information contained in the data stream to form a real time image of a virtual probe on the monitor, the processing unit being programmed to calculate a relative position of the probe in relation to a reference point, the processing unit being capable of communicating the relative position to the monitor, said relative position being displayed on the monitor as the real time image of the virtual probe; and   displaying on the monitor the sonogram and the real time image of the virtual probe, the real time image of the virtual probe being displayed in conjunction with the sonogram.   
     
     
         64 . The method according to  claim 63 , the method further comprising activating a clamp to grip the probe in the probe guide opening when the probe is at the subdermal location. 
     
     
         65 . The method according to  claim 63 , the method further comprising attaching a probe guide to the ultrasound transducer housing within the probe guide opening. 
     
     
         66 . The method according to  claim 63 , the method further comprising providing a sterile seal about the ultrasound transducer housing. 
     
     
         67 . The method according to  claim 63 , the percutaneous probe being guided along a path, wherein the path of the probe defines a line that is within the plane of the sonogram. 
     
     
         68 . The method according to  claim 63 , wherein the subdermal location is the lumen of a blood vessel. 
     
     
         69 . The method according to  claim 63 , wherein the subdermal location is a tissue mass. 
     
     
         70 . The method according to  claim 63 , wherein the subdermal location is a fluid-filled cavity. 
     
     
         71 . The method according to  claim 63 , wherein the method is carried out by a single operator.