Instrument having enhanced ultrasound visibility
First Claim
1. A medical instrument for ultrasonic imaging comprising an elongate probe for insertion into a patient and at least one discrete deposit of ultrasonically reflectable material affixed to an exterior surface of the probe, said deposit displaying a substantially smooth outer surface, said ultrasonically reflectable material including a matrix of gas bubbles contained therein for reflecting ultrasonic energy.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A medical instrument is provided with enhanced ultrasonic visibility. The medical instrument includes an elongate probe or needle for insertion into a patient. Selected locations along the instrument are provided with deposits of a material exhibiting a high degree of ultrasonic reflectivity. The material includes a matrix of gas bubbles contained in a polymeric material. The gas bubbles exhibit high reflectivity of ultrasonar energy.
186 Citations
20 Claims
- 1. A medical instrument for ultrasonic imaging comprising an elongate probe for insertion into a patient and at least one discrete deposit of ultrasonically reflectable material affixed to an exterior surface of the probe, said deposit displaying a substantially smooth outer surface, said ultrasonically reflectable material including a matrix of gas bubbles contained therein for reflecting ultrasonic energy.
- 9. A biopsy needle assembly for ultrasonic imaging said biopsy needle assembly comprising an elongate needle cannula having opposed proximal and distal ends and a lumen extending axially therebetween, and at least one discrete ultrasonic reflector securely affixed to an exterior surface of said needle cannula, said ultrasonic reflector having a substantially smooth outer surface and comprising a matrix of gas bubbles contained therein for reflecting ultrasonic energy impinging on said biopsy needle.
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19. A medical instrument for ultrasonic imaging comprising an elongate probe for insertion into a patient and at least one discrete deposit of a plastic foam affixed to an exterior surface of the probe, the plastic foam displaying a substantially smooth outer surface and containing therein a matrix of gas bubbles for reflecting ultrasonic energy.
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20. A biopsy needle assembly for ultrasonic imaging, the biopsy needle assembly comprising an elongate needle cannula having opposed proximal and distal ends and a lumen extending axially therebetween, and at least one discrete ultrasonic reflector formed of a plastic foam securely affixed to an exterior surface of the needle cannula, the ultrasonic reflector displaying a substantially smooth outer surface and containing therein a matrix of gas bubbles for reflecting ultrasonic energy impinging on the biopsy needle.
Specification