Needle Guidance Systems for Use with Ultrasound Devices

Abstract

Ultrasound devices and guidance systems for ultrasound devices for subdermal devices (e.g., needles) used in conjunction with the ultrasound devices are described. The guidance systems can include features for easy release of a device from the system following targeting to a subdermal site. A guidance system can be ambidextrous such that a needle can be released by use of either the left or right hand and by use of either a thumb or a finger of an operator. Embodiments that include guidance tracks and slidable guidance cartridges that grasp the hub of a subdermal device are also described.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for use in conjunction with an ultrasound device comprising:
 a guide rail, the guide rail laying along a length of a track;   a guide cartridge capable of being held in conjunction with the guide rail such that the guide cartridge is in slidable conformation with the track along the length and the guide cartridge being capable of sliding from a first end of the track to a second end of the track, the guide cartridge being removably attachable to a hub of a subdermal device.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , the guide rail interlocking with the guide cartridge. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , the system comprising a second guide rail. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the guide rail and the second guide rail are the same or different lengths. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more guidance features, the guidance features being in proximity of the second end of the track. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a sterilizable shield that is removably attachable to an ultrasound transducer. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the guide rail is located along a length of the sterilizable shield. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the sterilizable shield comprises a pliable drape, the system further comprising a shell that is removably attachable to an ultrasound transducer with the pliable drape between the shell and the ultrasound transducer, the guide rail being located along a length of the shell. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a target for a detection system. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the target is associated with the guide cartridge. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the target is associated with the hub of the subdermal device. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the target comprises one or more magnets. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising an identification tag. 
     
     
         14 . A method for targeting a subdermal site comprising:
 attaching the hub of a subdermal device to the guide cartridge of the system of  claim 1 ;   sliding the guide cartridge along the length of the track from the first end of the track to the second end of the track as a tip of the subdermal device approaches the subdermal site; and   visualizing the subdermal site on a monitor by use of an ultrasound device that is removably attached to the guide cartridge of  claim 1 .   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising removing the guide cartridge from the track by sliding the guide cartridge off of the guide rail. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising detecting the location of the tip of the subdermal device as the tip approaches the subdermal site.