Ultrasound probe, ultrasound system and method thereof

Abstract

Ultrasound probes, ultrasound systems, and methods thereof are disclosed herein. For example, an ultrasound system can include a console and an ultrasound probe. A display of the console can be configured to display an ultrasound image and one or more still or moving images of a surgical region. The ultrasound probe can include a camera integrated into the ultrasound probe for recording the one or more still or moving images of the surgical region, where a depth of field includes a distal end of the probe and a field of view includes a spatial region around the probe. With the one or more still or moving images displayed together with the ultrasound image, a clinician does not have to switch his or her spatial attention as frequently between spatial regions such as the surgical region and the display as with existing ultrasound systems, thereby maintaining spatial attention in one or more spatial regions.

Description

[0001] Priority

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 086,971, filed October 2, 2020, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference into this application. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present application relates to the field of medical instruments, and more particularly to an ultrasound probe, an ultrasound system, and methods thereof. BACKGROUND

[0004] There are various ultrasound systems for ultrasound imaging, including wired or wireless ultrasound probes. Whether wired or wireless, ultrasound systems such as the foregoing require the clinician to switch his or her spatial attention between different spatial regions, particularly between 1) a relatively proximal ultrasound probe used for ultrasound imaging and 2) a relatively distal display that presents corresponding ultrasound images. When ultrasound imaging and attempting to establish an insertion site with a needle, placing a vascular access device (“VAD”) such as a catheter in a patient’s blood vessel at the insertion site, etc., it can be difficult to have to switch spatial attention between the ultrasound probe and the display. This difficulty can be pronounced for less experienced clinicians, older clinicians with reduced lenticular flexibility in their eyes, etc. There is a need for ultrasound systems that do not require the clinician to continuously switch their spatial attention between different spatial regions.

[0005] Disclosed herein are ultrasound systems and methods for maintaining spatial attention in one or more spatial regions. SUMMARY

[0006] Disclosed herein is an ultrasound probe, including in some embodiments a probe body, a probe head extending from a distal end of the probe body, and a camera integrated into a side of the ultrasound probe. The probe head includes a plurality of ultrasound transducers arranged in an array. The camera is configured to record one or more still or moving images of a procedural field, wherein a depth of field includes a plane of the distal end of the probe head and a field of view includes a spatial region surrounding the probe head.

[0007] In some embodiments, the ultrasound probe further includes a light pattern projector integrated into the side of the ultrasound probe that includes the camera. The light pattern projector is configured to project a light pattern in the spatial region surrounding the probe head, the light pattern being focused in the plane of the distal end of the probe head. The light pattern is configured to guide insertion of a needle into an anatomical target under the probe head in the procedural field.

[0008] In some embodiments, the light pattern includes periodic hash marks along one or more rays radiating from a central axis of the ultrasound probe in the plane of the probe. Each of the hash marks corresponds to a depth below the probe that a needle can reach along the associated ray at a needle insertion angle relative to the plane of the probe.

[0009] In some embodiments, the light pattern includes periodic concentric circular arcs confined between two or more rays radiating from a central axis of the ultrasound probe in the plane of the probe. Each of the circular arcs corresponds to a depth below the probe that a needle can reach along the associated ray at a needle insertion angle relative to the plane of the probe.

[0010] In some embodiments, the ultrasound probe further includes a needle guide holder extending from the same side of the probe as the side of the ultrasound probe that includes the camera.

[0011] In some embodiments, the ultrasound probe further includes a single-use needle guide coupled to the needle guide holder. The needle guide holder, the needle guide, or the combination of the needle guide holder and the needle guide includes at least one degree of freedom that enables the needle guide to rotate between the two sides of the ultrasound probe.

[0012] Also disclosed herein is an ultrasound system, including in some embodiments a console and an ultrasound probe. The console includes a display configured to present on its display screen an ultrasound image of a surgical region and one or more still or moving images. The ultrasound probe includes a probe body, a probe extending from a distal end of the probe body, and a camera integrated into a side of the ultrasound probe. The probe includes a plurality of ultrasound transducers arranged in an array. The camera is configured for recording the one or more still or moving images of the surgical region, with a depth of field including a plane of the distal end of the probe and a field of view including a spatial region surrounding the probe.

[0013] In some embodiments, the ultrasound probe further includes a needle guide holder extending from the same side of the probe as the side of the ultrasound probe that includes the camera.

[0014] In some embodiments, the ultrasound probe further includes a single-use needle guide coupled to the needle guide holder. The needle guide holder, the needle guide, or the combination of the needle guide holder and the needle guide includes at least one degree of freedom that enables the needle guide to rotate between the two sides of the ultrasound probe.

[0015] In some embodiments, the ultrasound probe further comprises a light pattern projector integrated into a side of the ultrasound probe comprising the camera. The light pattern projector is configured to project a light pattern in a spatial region surrounding the probe, the light pattern being focused in a plane of a distal end of the probe. The light pattern is configured for guiding insertion of a needle into an anatomical target under the probe in the surgical region.

[0016] In some embodiments, the light pattern comprises periodic hash marks along one or more rays radiating from a central axis of the ultrasound probe in a plane of the probe. Each of the hash marks corresponds to a depth under the probe that a needle can reach along the associated ray at a needle insertion angle relative to the plane of the probe.

[0017] In some embodiments, the light pattern comprises periodic concentric circular arcs confined between two or more rays radiating from a central axis of the ultrasound probe in a plane of the probe. Each of the circular arcs corresponds to a depth under the probe that a needle can reach along the associated ray at a needle insertion angle relative to the plane of the probe.

[0018] In some embodiments, when both the light pattern and the needle are present in the spatial region surrounding the probe, one or more still or moving images display both the light pattern and the needle relative to the light pattern in the spatial region surrounding the probe. The one or more still or moving images optionally display both the light pattern and the needle relative to the light pattern on the display for guiding insertion of the needle into the anatomical target under the probe.

[0019] In some embodiments, the display is further configured to present one or more superimposed needle trajectories over the ultrasound image on the display screen according to one or more depths that the needle can reach as indicated by the light pattern. The one or more superimposed needle trajectories are configured for guiding insertion of the needle into the anatomical target under the probe on the display.

[0020] In some embodiments, the display is further configured to present a superimposed pattern over the one or more still or moving images on the display screen. The superimposed pattern is configured for guiding insertion of the needle into the anatomical target under the probe on the display.

[0021] In some embodiments, the superimposed pattern comprises periodic hash marks along one or more rays radiating from a central axis of the ultrasound probe in a plane of the probe. Each of the hash marks corresponds to a depth under the probe that a needle can reach along the associated ray at a needle insertion angle relative to the plane of the probe.

[0022] In some embodiments, the superimposed pattern includes periodic concentric circle arcs confined between two or more rays radiating from a central axis of the ultrasound probe in a plane of the probe. Each of the circle arcs corresponds to a depth below the probe that a needle can reach along the associated ray at a needle insertion angle relative to the plane of the probe.

[0023] In some embodiments, the one or more still or moving images display the needle relative to the superimposed pattern when the needle is present in the spatial region surrounding the probe. The one or more still or moving images optionally display the needle relative to the superimposed pattern on the display for guiding insertion of the needle into the anatomical target below the probe.

[0024] In some embodiments, the display is further configured to present one or more superimposed needle trajectories over the ultrasound image on the display screen according to one or more depths that the needle can reach as indicated by the superimposed pattern. The one or more superimposed needle trajectories are configured for guiding insertion of the needle into the anatomical target below the probe on the display.

[0025] Also disclosed herein is an ultrasound probe, including in some embodiments a probe body, a probe extending from a distal end of the probe body, and a display integrated into a side of the ultrasound probe. The probe includes a plurality of ultrasound transducers arranged in an array. The display is configured to present an ultrasound image and one or more superimposed needle trajectories over the ultrasound image on a display screen thereof. The one or more superimposed needle trajectories are configured for guiding insertion of the needle into the anatomical target below the probe on the display.

[0026] In some embodiments, the ultrasound probe further includes a light pattern projector integrated into the side of the ultrasound probe that includes the display. The light pattern projector is configured to project a light pattern in a spatial region surrounding the probe that is focused in a plane of a distal end of the probe. The light pattern is configured for guiding insertion of the needle into the anatomical target below the probe in the surgical region.

[0027] In some embodiments, the light pattern includes periodic hash marks along one or more rays radiating from a central axis of the ultrasound probe in a plane of the probe. Each of the hash marks corresponds to a depth below the probe that a needle can reach along the associated ray at a needle insertion angle relative to the plane of the probe.

[0028] In some embodiments, the light pattern includes periodic concentric circle arcs confined between two or more rays radiating from a central axis of the ultrasound probe in a plane of the probe. Each of the circle arcs corresponds to a depth below the probe that a needle can reach along the associated ray at a needle insertion angle relative to the plane of the probe.

[0029] In some embodiments, the one or more superimposed needle trajectories over the ultrasound image coincide with one or more depths to which the needle is able to reach as indicated by the light pattern.

[0030] In some embodiments, the ultrasound probe further comprises a needle guide holder extending from a side of the ultrasound probe that includes the display.

[0031] In some embodiments, the ultrasound probe further comprises a single-use needle guide coupled to the needle guide holder. The needle guide holder, the needle guide, or the combination of the needle guide holder and the needle guide comprises at least one degree of freedom that enables the needle guide to rotate between the two sides of the ultrasound probe.

[0032] Also disclosed herein is a method of an ultrasound system, in some embodiments, comprising an ultrasound probe obtaining step, an ultrasound probe moving step, a recording step, an ultrasound image monitoring step, and a needle insertion step. The ultrasound probe obtaining step comprises obtaining an ultrasound probe. The ultrasound probe comprises a probe body, a probe head extending from a distal end of the probe body, and a camera integrated into a side of the ultrasound probe. The ultrasound probe moving step comprises moving the ultrasound probe over a patient while the ultrasound probe transmits generated ultrasound signals from ultrasound transducers in the probe head into the patient and receives reflected ultrasound signals from the patient by the ultrasound transducers. The recording step comprises recording one or more still or moving images of a surgical region, wherein a depth of field comprises a plane of the distal end of the probe head and a field of view comprises a spatial region around the probe head. The ultrasound image monitoring step comprises monitoring an ultrasound image presented on a display screen of a display associated with a console of the ultrasound system to identify an anatomical target of the patient under the probe head. The needle insertion step comprises inserting a needle into the anatomical target. Optionally, the insertion of the needle is guided by the display with reference to the one or more still or moving images presented on the display screen thereof.

[0033] In some embodiments, the method further comprises a needle guide attaching step. The needle guide attaching step comprises attaching a needle guide to a needle guide holder extending from the probe body. The needle guide comprises a needle through-hole configured to guide the needle into the patient under the probe head at a needle insertion angle relative to a plane of the probe head.

[0034] In some embodiments, the method further comprises a needle guide rotating step. The needle guide rotating step comprises rotating the needle guide between the two sides of the ultrasound probe to find a suitable needle trajectory prior to the needle insertion step. The needle guide holder, the needle guide, or the combination of the needle guide holder and the needle guide comprises at least one degree of freedom that enables the needle guide to rotate.

[0035] In some embodiments, during the needle insertion step, the needle is guided in the surgical region according to a light pattern in a spatial region surrounding the probe. The light pattern is projected from a light pattern projector integrated into a side of the ultrasound probe comprising a camera and focused in a plane of the distal end of the probe for guiding the needle in the surgical region.

[0036] In some embodiments, the light pattern comprises periodic hash marks along one or more rays radiating from a central axis of the ultrasound probe in the plane of the probe. Each of the hash marks corresponds to a depth below the probe that the needle can reach along the associated ray at a needle insertion angle relative to the plane of the probe.

[0037] In some embodiments, the light pattern comprises periodic concentric circular arcs confined between two or more rays radiating from a central axis of the ultrasound probe in the plane of the probe. Each of the circular arcs corresponds to a depth below the probe that the needle can reach along the associated ray at a needle insertion angle relative to the plane of the probe.

[0038] In some embodiments, during the needle insertion step, the needle is further guided on the display. One or more still or moving images display both the light pattern in a spatial region surrounding the probe and the needle relative to the light pattern for guiding the needle on the display.

[0039] In some embodiments, during the needle insertion step, the needle is further guided on the display. An ultrasound image displays one or more superimposed needle trajectories according to one or more depths that the needle can reach as indicated by the light pattern for guiding the needle on the display.

[0040] In some embodiments, during the needle insertion step, the needle is guided on the display according to a superimposed pattern presented on one or more still or moving images on the display for guiding the needle on the display.

[0041] In some embodiments, the superimposed pattern comprises periodic hash marks along one or more rays radiating from a central axis of the ultrasound probe in the plane of the probe. Each of the hash marks corresponds to a depth below the probe that the needle can reach along the associated ray at a needle insertion angle relative to the plane of the probe.

[0042] In some embodiments, the superimposed pattern comprises periodic concentric circular arcs confined between two or more rays radiating from a central axis of the ultrasound probe in the plane of the probe. Each of the circular arcs corresponds to a depth below the probe that the needle can reach along the associated ray at a needle insertion angle relative to the plane of the probe.

[0043] In some embodiments, the needle is further guided on the display during the needle insertion step. The ultrasound image displays one or more superimposed needle trajectories according to one or more depths at which the needle can reach, indicated by the superposition pattern, for guiding the needle on the display.

[0044] These and other features of the concepts provided herein will become more apparent from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0045] Figure 1 An ultrasound system with a first ultrasound probe is shown in accordance with some embodiments.

[0046] Figure 2 An ultrasound probe is shown in accordance with some embodiments. Figure 1 A front view of the ultrasound probe of

[0047] Figure 3 An ultrasound system with a second ultrasound probe is shown in accordance with some embodiments.

[0048] Figure 4 An ultrasound probe is shown in accordance with some embodiments. Figure 3 A front view of the ultrasound probe of

[0049] Figure 5 An ultrasound probe is shown in accordance with some embodiments. Figure 3 A side view of the ultrasound probe of

[0050] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of guiding insertion of a needle into an anatomical target using a first light pattern or a first superposition pattern on one or more still or moving images on a display is shown in accordance with some embodiments.

[0051] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a first light pattern or a first superposition pattern is shown in accordance with some embodiments.

[0052] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a second light pattern or a second superposition pattern is shown in accordance with some embodiments.

[0053] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a third light pattern or a third superposition pattern is shown in accordance with some embodiments.

[0054] Figure 10 Guiding insertion of a needle into an anatomical target using a first light pattern or a first superposition pattern on one or more still or moving images on a display is shown in accordance with some embodiments.

[0055] Figure 11The use of a third light pattern or third superimposed pattern on one or more still or moving images on a display to guide needle insertion into an anatomical target is shown in accordance with some embodiments.

[0056] Figure 12 A block diagram of an ultrasound system in accordance with some embodiments is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] Before certain specific embodiments are disclosed in more detail, it is to be understood that the specific embodiments disclosed herein are not limiting of the scope of the concepts provided herein. It is also to be understood that the specific embodiments disclosed herein can have features that are capable of being readily separated from the specific embodiments and optionally combined with or substituted for features of any of a number of other embodiments disclosed herein.

[0058] With respect to the terms used herein, it is also to be understood that these terms are used to describe some specific embodiments and are not limiting of the scope of the concepts provided herein. Ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third, etc.) are generally used to distinguish or identify different features or steps in a group of features or steps and do not supply a serial or numerical limitation. For example, “first,” “second,” and “third” features or steps need not be in that order and the embodiments comprising such features or steps need not be limited to the three features or steps. Moreover, any of the foregoing features or steps can further comprise one or more features or steps, unless otherwise indicated. Labels such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” and the like are used for convenience and are not intended to imply, for example, any particular fixed location, orientation, or direction. On the contrary, such labels are used herein for the convenience of the reader to reflect, for example, relative positions, orientations, or directions. Singular forms of “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0059] With respect to “proximal,” for example, a “proximal portion” or a “proximal segment” of a catheter includes a portion or segment of the catheter that is intended to be proximate to a clinician when the catheter is used on a patient. Similarly, for example, a “proximal length” of a catheter includes a length of the catheter that is intended to be proximate to a clinician when the catheter is used on a patient. For example, a “proximal end” of a catheter includes an end of the catheter that is intended to be proximate to a clinician when the catheter is used on a patient. A proximal portion, a proximal segment, or a proximal length of a catheter can include a proximal end of the catheter; however, a proximal portion, a proximal segment, or a proximal length of a catheter need not include a proximal end of the catheter. That is, a proximal portion, a proximal segment, or a proximal length of a catheter is not a distal portion or a distal length of the catheter unless the context indicates otherwise.

[0060] With respect to "distal," for example, a "distal portion" or "distal segment" of a catheter includes a portion or segment of the catheter that is intended to be proximate to or within a patient when the catheter is used on the patient. Similarly, for example, a "distal length" of a catheter includes a length of the catheter that is intended to be proximate to or within a patient when the catheter is used on the patient. For example, a "distal end" of a catheter includes an end of the catheter that is intended to be proximate to or within a patient when the catheter is used on the patient. A distal portion, segment, or length of a catheter can include a distal end of the catheter; however, a distal portion, segment, or length of a catheter need not include a distal end of the catheter. That is, unless context dictates otherwise, a distal portion, segment, or length of a catheter is not a terminal portion or length of the catheter.

[0061] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0062] As noted above, there are various ultrasound systems for ultrasound imaging, including wired or wireless ultrasound probes. Whether wired or wireless, ultrasound systems such as the foregoing require a clinician to switch his or her spatial attention between different spatial regions, particularly between 1) a relatively proximate ultrasound probe used for ultrasound imaging and 2) a relatively distal display that presents corresponding ultrasound images. When ultrasound imaging and attempting to simultaneously establish an insertion site, place a VAD such as a catheter in a patient's blood vessel at the insertion site, etc., it can be difficult to have to switch spatial attention between the ultrasound probe and the display. This difficulty can be particularly pronounced for less experienced clinicians, older clinicians with reduced lenticular flexibility in their eyes, etc. There is a need for ultrasound systems that do not require a clinician to continuously switch their spatial attention between different spatial regions.

[0063] Ultrasound systems and methods for maintaining spatial attention are disclosed herein. For example, an ultrasound system can include a console and an ultrasound probe. A display of the console can be configured to display ultrasound images and one or more still or moving images of a surgical region. The ultrasound probe can include a camera integrated into the ultrasound probe for recording one or more still or moving images of the surgical region, where a depth of field includes a distal end of the probe and a field of view includes a spatial region around the probe. With the one or more still or moving images displayed together with the ultrasound images, a clinician does not have to switch his or her spatial attention as frequently between spatial regions such as the surgical region and the display as with existing ultrasound systems, thereby maintaining spatial attention in one or more spatial regions. These and other features will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, discloses particular embodiments.

[0064] Ultrasound system

[0065] Figure 1 and Figure 3 An ultrasound system 100 is shown that includes a console 102 and a first ultrasound probe 104 or a second ultrasound probe 204, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0066] Figure 2 A perspective view of the ultrasound probe 104 is shown, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0067] As shown, the ultrasound probe 104 includes a probe body 106, a probe head 108 extending from a distal end of the probe body 106, and a plurality of ultrasound transducers 110 arranged in an array in the probe head 108.

[0068] The ultrasound probe 104 can also include a camera 112 integrated to a side of the ultrasound probe 104, a light pattern projector 114 (e.g., a laser pattern projector) integrated to the side of the ultrasound probe 104, or both the camera 112 and the light pattern projector 114 integrated to the side of the ultrasound probe 104. Notably, the side of the ultrasound probe 104 that includes the camera 112 or the light pattern projector 114 is the primary side of the ultrasound probe 104, specifically, the top side (or front side, face) of the ultrasound probe 104, which facilitates an out-of-plane view of the needle 116 when establishing an insertion site using the needle 116 (see Figure 2 ), as described in the methods below. Moreover, the aforementioned side of the ultrasound probe 104 conveniently includes various buttons 118 of the ultrasound probe 104 that are used to operate the ultrasound probe 104 or 204 or the ultrasound system 100 while establishing an insertion site using the needle 116. That is, the side of the ultrasound probe 104 that includes the camera 112 or the light pattern projector 114 can alternatively be a secondary side of the ultrasound probe 104, which facilitates an in-plane view of the needle 116 when establishing an insertion site using the needle 116, as described in the methods below. Figure 6

[0069] The camera 112 is configured for recording one or more still or moving images 120 (see Figure 10 and Figure 11 ) of a surgical region that includes a subject portion of a patient, where the depth of field includes a plane of the distal end of the probe head 108 and the field of view includes a spatial region around the probe head 108. As set out in greater detail below, the one or more still or moving images 120 can be presented on a display screen of the display 158 along with ultrasound images 136 associated therewith, which allows a clinician to maintain spatial attention on the display 158 when establishing an insertion site with the needle 116, thereby avoiding the clinician from frequently switching his or her spatial attention between the display 158 and the surgical region as with existing ultrasound systems. ​

[0070] The light pattern projector 114 is configured to project a light pattern 122 in a spatial region surrounding the probe 108 that is focused in a plane of a distal end of the probe 108, thereby including the aforementioned subject portion of the patient in the surgical region. The light pattern 122 is configured for guiding insertion of the needle 116 in the surgical region to an anatomical target beneath the probe 108. As described in the methods below, the light pattern 122, when projected in the spatial region surrounding the probe 108, allows the clinician to maintain spatial attention in the surgical region when establishing an insertion site with the needle 116, thereby avoiding the clinician from frequently switching his or her spatial attention between the surgical region and the display 158 as with existing ultrasound systems, similar to one or more still or moving images 120 when presented on a display screen of the display 158.

[0071] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a first light pattern 122a is shown in accordance with some embodiments. Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a second light pattern 122b is shown in accordance with some embodiments. Notably, when reference is made herein to a general light pattern, reference is made to the light pattern 122. When reference is made herein to a specific light pattern, reference is made to the light patterns 122a, 122b, etc.

[0072] As shown, the light pattern 122a of 122b includes a periodic hash mark 124 along one or more rays 126 radiating from a central axis of the ultrasound probe 104 in the plane of the probe 108. In practice, the light pattern 122a includes a hash mark 124 along one ray 126 radiating from a central axis of the ultrasound probe 104, while the light pattern 122b includes hash marks 124 along three rays 126 radiating from a central axis of the ultrasound probe 104. As Figure 6 shown, each hash mark of the hash marks 124 corresponds to a depth beneath the probe 108 reachable by the needle 116 along the associated ray 126 at a needle insertion angle relative to the plane of the probe 108.

[0073] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a third light pattern 122c is shown in accordance with some embodiments.

[0074] As shown, the light pattern 122c includes a periodic concentric circle arc 128 confined between two or more rays 126 radiating from a central axis of the ultrasound probe 104 in the plane of the probe 108. In practice, the light pattern 122c includes a circle arc 128 confined between three rays 126 radiating from a central axis of the ultrasound probe 104. As Figure 6As shown, each arc of the arcs 128 corresponds to a depth below the probe 108 that the associated ray 126 can reach at a needle insertion angle of the needle 116 relative to the plane of the probe 108. Notably, the associated ray 126 can be an intervening ray between two or more rays 126 of the light pattern 122c radiating from the central axis of the ultrasound probe 104. The intervening ray need not be a visible light of the light pattern 122c; the intervening ray can be envisioned between two or more rays 126 of the light pattern 122c and follow the needle 116 when the needle 116 is used to establish the insertion site, as described in the methods below.

[0075] The ultrasound probe 104 can also include a needle guide holder 130 extending from the same side of the probe 108 as the side of the ultrasound probe 104 that includes the camera 112 or the light pattern projector 114, whether the aforementioned side is the primary or secondary side of the ultrasound probe 104 that includes the camera 112 or the light pattern projector 114.

[0076] The ultrasound probe 104 can also include a single-use needle guide 132 configured to couple to the needle guide holder 130. The needle guide 132, the needle guide holder 130, or the combination of the needle guide 132 and the needle guide holder 130 can include at least one degree of freedom that enables the needle guide 132 to rotate between the two sides of the ultrasound probe 104. In practice, if the needle guide holder 130 extends from the primary side of the ultrasound probe 104, the needle guide 132 can rotate between the secondary side of the ultrasound probe 104. If the needle guide holder 130 extends from the secondary side of the ultrasound probe 104, the needle guide 132 can instead rotate between the primary side of the ultrasound probe 104. To enable the needle guide 132 to rotate between the aforementioned sides of the ultrasound probe 104, the needle guide 132 and the needle guide holder 130 can include a joint (e.g., a ball joint) formed therebetween that provides the required degree of freedom. If the needle guide 132 is used with the needle 116 to establish the insertion site, the needle guide 132 can advantageously rotate along each arc of the arcs 128 of the light pattern 122c. The needle 116 can subsequently be inserted along any existing or envisioned ray of the light pattern 122c to establish the insertion site.

[0077] Figure 4 and Figure 5 Different views of the ultrasound probe 204 are shown in accordance with some embodiments.

[0078] As shown, the ultrasound probe 204 includes a probe body 206, a probe head 208 extending from a distal end of the probe body 206, and a plurality of ultrasound transducers 110 arranged in an array in the probe head 208. In addition, the ultrasound probe 204 can include a camera 112 integrated into a side of the ultrasound probe 204, a light pattern projector 114 integrated into a side of the ultrasound probe 204, or both a camera 112 and a light pattern projector 114 integrated into a side of the ultrasound probe 204. Thus, the ultrasound probe 204 is similar in some respects to the ultrasound probe 104. Accordingly, the above-described description for the ultrasound probe 104 applies equally to the ultrasound probe 204.

[0079] The ultrasound probe 204 also includes a display 134 integrated into a side of the ultrasound probe 204, specifically a top side (or front face, front face) of the ultrasound probe 204, which distinguishes the ultrasound probe 204 from the ultrasound probe 104. As described in the methods below, the display 134 is configured to present an ultrasound image 136 on its display screen, which allows the clinician to maintain spatial attention in the surgical area while establishing an insertion site with the needle 116, thereby avoiding the clinician from having to switch his or her spatial attention between the surgical area including the display 134 and another display (e.g., the display 158 of the console 102) as frequently as with existing ultrasound systems. In addition, the display 134 is configured to present one or more superimposed needle trajectories 138 on the ultrasound image 136. (See, e.g., FIGS. 2A and 2B for one or more needle trajectories 138.) Figure 11 ) The one or more needle trajectories 138 are configured for guiding insertion of the needle 116 under the probe head 208 to an anatomical target. In practice, the one or more needle trajectories 138 coincide with one or more depths at which the needle 116 can reach as indicated by the light pattern 122.

[0080] Notably, the ultrasound probe 104 or 204 can include a magnetic sensor to enhance guided insertion of the needle 116 to an anatomical target, as described herein for magnetic-based needle guidance. Such magnetic-based needle guidance is disclosed in U.S. 8,388,541; U.S. 8,781,555; U.S. 8,849,382; U.S. 9,456,766; U.S. 9,492,097; U.S. 9,521,961; U.S. 9,554,716; U.S. 9,636,031; U.S. 9,649,048; U.S. 10,449,330; U.S. 10,524,691; and U.S. 10,751,509, each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety into this application.

[0081] Figure 12 A block diagram of the ultrasound system 100 is shown in accordance with some embodiments.

[0082] As shown, the console 102 houses various components, including a processor 140 and a memory 142, such as a random access memory (“RAM”) or a non-volatile memory (e.g., an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory [“EEPROM”]), for controlling various functions of the ultrasound system 100 during its operation. Indeed, the console 102 is configured to instantiate various processes for controlling various functions of the ultrasound system 100 through executable instructions 144 stored in the memory 142 and executed by the processor 140.

[0083] For the various processes for controlling various functions of the ultrasound system 100, the various processes can include beamforming by a beamformer configured to drive the ultrasound transducers 110, where driving the ultrasound transducers 110 includes transmitting generated ultrasound signals and receiving, amplifying, and digitizing reflected ultrasound signals; signal processing by a signal processor configured to detect an amplitude of each of the above-mentioned reflected ultrasound signals or digitized signals corresponding thereto; and image processing by an image processor configured to manage storage of the detected amplitudes and transmit the ultrasound image 136 corresponding to a set of the detected amplitudes to a display screen of the display 134 or 158 upon completion of the ultrasound image 136.

[0084] In addition to the various processes for controlling various functions of the ultrasound system 100, the various processes can include processing electrical signals corresponding to color and intensity data from an image sensor of the camera 112 of the ultrasound probe 104 or 204 into one or more still or moving images 120; determining depths of various anatomical structures in the ultrasound image 136 from time delays between transmitting generated ultrasound signals from the ultrasound transducers 110 and receiving reflected ultrasound signals by the ultrasound transducers 110; adjusting a scale of the light pattern 122 projected from the light pattern projector 114 according to both the depths of the various anatomical structures in the ultrasound image 136 and a needle insertion angle, where the needle insertion angle is selected from a single ultrasound system-defined needle insertion angle, a clinician-selected needle insertion angle from various ultrasound system-defined needle insertion angles, and a dynamic needle insertion angle determined by a magnetic-based needle guidance; adjusting a scale of the overlay pattern 160 located on the one or more still or moving images 120 according to the depths of the various anatomical structures in the ultrasound image 136 and the needle insertion angle; and adjusting a scale of the one or more needle trajectories 138 located on the ultrasound image 136 according to the depths of the various anatomical structures in the ultrasound image 136 and the needle insertion angle.

[0085] The console 102 also includes a digital controller / analog interface 146 in communication with the processor 140 and other system components to manage the interface between the ultrasound probe 104 or 204 and other system components. Ports 148 are also included in the console 102 for connection with additional system components, including optional system components such as printers, storage media, keyboards, etc. The ports 148 can be universal serial bus (“USB”) ports, although other types of ports can be used for this connection or any other connection shown or described herein.

[0086] The console 102 includes a power connection 150 to enable an operable connection to an external power source 152. An internal power source 154 (e.g., a battery) can also be used with or without the external power source 152. Power management circuitry 156 is included in the digital controller / analog interface 146 of the console 102 to regulate the use and distribution of power.

[0087] A display 158 integrated into the console 102 is configured to present a graphical user interface (“GUI”) on its display screen of the ultrasound images 136 obtained by the ultrasound probe 104 or 204, one or more still or moving images 120 of the surgical field obtained by the camera 112 of the ultrasound probe 104 or 204, overlay patterns 160 located on the one or more still or moving images 120, one or more needle trajectories 138 located over the ultrasound images 136, etc. That is, the display 158 can alternatively be separate from and communicatively coupled to the console 102. Regardless, control buttons accessed through a console button interface 162 of the console 102 (see Figure 1 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 10 and Figure 11 ) can be used to immediately invoke a desired mode of the ultrasound system 100 to the display screen to assist in an ultrasound-based medical procedure, such as for establishing an insertion site using the needle 116, placing a VAD such as a catheter in a blood vessel of the patient at the insertion site, etc. For example, a mode of the ultrasound system 100 for establishing an insertion site using the needle 116 can include presenting one or more still or moving images 120 of the surgical field, overlay patterns 160 located on the one or more still or moving images 120, one or more needle trajectories 138 located over the ultrasound images 136, or a combination thereof.

[0088] Figure 10 and Figure 11 respectively show the use of the light patterns 122 (specifically, the light patterns 122a and 122c) to guide the insertion of the needle 116 into an anatomical target of the ultrasound image as shown in the one or more still or moving images 120 adjacent to the ultrasound image on the display 158.

[0089] When rendered on the display screen, the one or more still or moving images 120 show at least the needle 116 when the needle 116 is present in the spatial region around the probe 108 or 208, which alone allows the clinician to maintain spatial attention on the display 158 when establishing an insertion site with the needle 116. However, if the ultrasound probe 104 or 204 includes the light pattern projector 114, the one or more still or moving images 120 can show both the light pattern 122 in the spatial region around the probe 108 or 208 and the needle 116 relative to the light pattern 122 for guiding the needle 116 on the display 158 to insert into the anatomical target under the probe 108 or 208. Having both the light pattern 122 and the needle 116 shown in the one or more still or moving images 120 further allows the clinician to maintain spatial attention on the display 158 when establishing an insertion site with the needle 116, thereby avoiding the clinician to frequently switch his or her spatial attention between the display 158 and the surgical area as with existing ultrasound systems.

[0090] Figure 10 and Figure 11 It is also shown that the one or more still or moving images 120 adjacent to the ultrasound image on the display 158 are used to guide the needle 116 to insert into the anatomical target of the ultrasound image using the overlay pattern 160 (specifically the overlay patterns 160a and 160c, respectively).

[0091] Following the foregoing, if the ultrasound probe 104 or 204 does not include the light pattern projector 114 or if the clinician does not like to use the light pattern projector 114 of the ultrasound probe 104 or 204, the one or more still or moving images 120 can show the overlay pattern 160 positioned thereon. The one or more still or moving images 120 can thereby show both the overlay pattern 160 and the needle 116 relative to the overlay pattern 160 for guiding the needle 116 on the display 158 to insert into the anatomical target under the probe 108 or 208 when the needle 116 is present in the spatial region around the probe 108 or 208. Having both the overlay pattern 160 and the needle 116 shown in the one or more still or moving images 120 further allows the clinician to maintain spatial attention on the display 158 when establishing an insertion site with the needle 116, thereby avoiding the clinician to frequently switch his or her spatial attention between the display 158 and the surgical area as with existing ultrasound systems.

[0092] Similar to light pattern 122a or 122b, overlay pattern 160a or 160b includes periodic hash marks 124 along one or more rays 126 radiating from a central axis of ultrasound probe 104 or 204 in a plane of probe 108 or 208; however, unlike light pattern 122a or 122b, hash marks 124 and one or more rays 126 are virtual, existing only on the display screen. Similar to light pattern 122a, overlay pattern 160a likewise includes hash marks 124 along one ray 126 radiating from a central axis of ultrasound probe 104 or 204, and similar to light pattern 122b, overlay pattern 160b likewise includes hash marks 124 along three rays 126 radiating from a central axis of ultrasound probe 104 or 204. Each hash mark of hash marks 124 corresponds to a depth beneath probe 108 or 208 that needle 116 can reach along an associated ray 126 at a needle insertion angle relative to a plane of probe 108 or 208.

[0093] Similar to light pattern 122c, overlay pattern 160c includes periodic concentric circular arcs 128 confined between two or more rays 126 radiating from a central axis of ultrasound probe 104 or 204 in a plane of probe 108 or 208; however, unlike light pattern 122c, circular arcs 128 and two or more rays 126 are virtual, existing only on the display screen. Similar to light pattern 122c, overlay pattern 160c likewise includes circular arcs 128 confined between three rays 126 radiating from a central axis of ultrasound probe 104 or 204. Each circular arc of circular arcs 128 corresponds to a depth beneath probe 108 or 208 that needle 116 can reach along an associated ray 126 at a needle insertion angle relative to a plane of probe 108 or 208. Notably, the associated ray 126 can be an intermediate ray between two or more rays 126 of overlay pattern 160c radiating from a central axis of ultrasound probe 104 or 204. The intermediate ray need not be a visible light of overlay pattern 160c; the intermediate ray can be envisioned between two or more rays 126 of overlay pattern 160c, and followed by needle 116 when establishing an insertion site using needle 116, as described in the methods below.

[0094] As described above, display 158 is configured to present one or more needle trajectories 138 over ultrasound image 136 on a display screen thereof. One or more needle trajectories 138 are configured for guiding needle 116 on display 158 to insert into an anatomical target beneath probe 108 or 208. In practice, as shown, one or more needle trajectories 138 coincide with one or more depths that needle 116 can reach as indicated by light pattern 122c or overlay pattern 160c. Figure 11

[0095] In Figure 11 ​needle trajectories 138 labeled '1' are straightforwardly understood to be in a plane perpendicular to the ultrasound beam, for a so-called out-of-plane view relative to the needle 116. Moving the needle 116 from a circular arc 128 of the light pattern 122c or superimposed pattern 160c of Figure 11 the light pattern 122c or superimposed pattern 160c of the other circular arc 128 moves towards the central axis of the ultrasound probe 104 or 204 while keeping the needle insertion angle constant, the needle 116 moves on the display screen in the same direction (e.g., upwards) from one trajectory of the one or more needle trajectories 138 to another trajectory. In effect, inserting the needle 116 into the patient at the circular arc 128 closest to the central axis of the ultrasound probe 104 or 204 results in going past the anatomical target, e.g., a blood vessel under the probe 108 or 208. Notably, the needle 116 can still enter the blood vessel, but distal to the probe 108 or 208. Similarly, moving the needle 116 from a circular arc 128 of the light pattern 122c or superimposed pattern 160c of Figure 11 the light pattern 122c or superimposed pattern 160c of the other circular arc 128 moves away from the central axis of the ultrasound probe 104 or 204 while keeping the needle insertion angle constant, the needle 116 moves on the display screen in the same direction (e.g., downwards) from one trajectory of the one or more needle trajectories 138 to another trajectory. In effect, inserting the needle 116 into the patient at the circular arc 128 furthest from the central axis of the ultrasound probe 104 or 204 results in injecting down into a blood vessel under the probe 108 or 208. Notably, if the trajectory of the needle is followed exactly, the needle 116 will still enter the blood vessel, but proximal to the probe 108 or 208, and ultimately pass through the back wall of the blood vessel.

[0096] Figure 11 needle trajectories 138 labeled '2' and '3' are in a mirror plane that is oblique to the trajectory of the ultrasound beam, and thus, obliquely approach the blood vessel. However, similar to the discussion for Figure 11 needle trajectories 138 labeled '1', moving the needle 116 from a circular arc 128 of the light pattern 122c or superimposed pattern 160c of Figure 11 the light pattern 122c or superimposed pattern 160c of the other circular arc 128 moves towards the central axis of the ultrasound probe 104 or 204 while keeping the needle insertion angle constant, the needle 116 moves on the display screen in the same direction (e.g., upwards) from one trajectory of the one or more needle trajectories 138 to another trajectory. Moving the needle 116 from a circular arc 128 of the light pattern 122c or superimposed pattern 160c of Figure 11 the light pattern 122c or superimposed pattern 160c of the other circular arc 128 moves away from the central axis of the ultrasound probe 104 or 204 while keeping the needle insertion angle constant, the needle 116 moves on the display screen in the same direction (e.g., downwards) from one trajectory of the one or more needle trajectories 138 to another trajectory.

[0097] Returning briefly to the ultrasound probe 104 or 204, the ultrasound probe 104 or 204 includes buttons 118 for operating the ultrasound probe 104 or 204 or the ultrasound system 100 of which the ultrasound probe 104 or 204 is a part. For example, the buttons 118 can be configured for selecting a desired mode of the ultrasound system 100 as described above. The ultrasound probe 104 or 204 includes a button and memory controller 164 configured for operable communication with a probe interface 166 of the console 102, where the probe interface 166 includes input / output ("I / O") components 168 for interfacing with the ultrasound transducers 110 and button and memory I / O components 170 for interfacing with the button and memory controller 164.

[0098] Method

[0099] The method includes using the ultrasound system 100 to establish a method for accessing an insertion site of an anatomical structure (e.g., a blood vessel) of a patient. The method includes one or more of an ultrasound probe obtaining step, an ultrasound probe moving step, a recording step, an ultrasound image monitoring step, a needle guide attachment step, a needle guide rotating step, and a needle insertion step.

[0100] The ultrasound probe obtaining step includes obtaining the ultrasound probe 104. As described above, the ultrasound probe 104 includes the probe body 106, the probe head 108 extending from a distal end of the probe body 106, and the camera 112 integrated into a side of the ultrasound probe 104.

[0101] The needle guide attachment step includes attaching the needle guide 132 to the needle guide holder 130 extending from the probe body 106. The needle guide 132 includes a needle through-hole configured to guide the needle 116 into the patient under the probe head 108 at a needle insertion angle defined by the needle guide 132.

[0102] The ultrasound probe moving step includes moving the ultrasound probe 104 over the patient while the ultrasound probe 104 transmits generated ultrasound signals from the ultrasound transducers 110 in the probe head 108 into the patient and receives reflected ultrasound signals from the patient by the ultrasound transducers 110.

[0103] The recording step includes recording one or more still or moving images 120 of a surgical area including a subject portion of the patient. As described above, the one or more still or moving images 120 are recorded with a depth of field including a plane of a distal end of the probe head 108 and a field of view including a spatial area around the probe head 108.

[0104] The ultrasound image monitoring step includes monitoring the ultrasound image 136 presented on a display screen of a display 158 associated with a console 102 of the ultrasound system 100 to identify an anatomical target of a patient beneath the probe 108.

[0105] The needle guide rotator step includes rotating the needle guide 132 between the two sides of the ultrasound probe 104 prior to the needle insertion step to find a suitable needle trajectory. The needle guide holder 130, the needle guide 132, or a combination of the needle guide holder 130 and the needle guide 132, e.g., a joint formed therebetween, includes at least one degree of freedom that enables rotation of the needle guide 132.

[0106] The needle insertion step includes inserting the needle 116 into the anatomical target. During the needle insertion step, the insertion of the needle 116 into the anatomical target is guided with reference to the light pattern 122 in the spatial region around the probe 108 in the surgical region with reference to one or more still or moving images 120 or one or more needle trajectories 138 or a combination thereof presented on the display screen of the display 158.

[0107] With respect to the guidance of the light pattern 122 in the surgical region, the light pattern 122 is projected from the light pattern projector 114 into the spatial region around the probe 108 and is focused in a plane of a distal end of the probe 108 for guiding the needle 116 in the surgical region. As described above, the light pattern 122a or 122b includes the periodic hash marks 124 along one or more rays 126 radiating from a central axis of the ultrasound probe 104 in the plane of the probe 108. Each hash mark of the hash marks 124 corresponds to a depth beneath the probe 108 that the needle 116 can reach at a needle insertion angle relative to the plane of the probe 108 along the associated ray 126. As further set forth above, the light pattern 122c includes the periodic concentric circular arcs 128 confined between two or more rays 126 radiating from the central axis of the ultrasound probe 104 in the plane of the probe 108. Each circular arc of the circular arcs 128 corresponds to a depth beneath the probe 108 that the needle 116 can reach at a needle insertion angle relative to the plane of the probe 108 along the associated ray 126.

[0108] With respect to guidance referencing one or more still or moving images 120 on the display 158, the one or more still or moving images 120 can display both the light pattern 122 in the spatial region surrounding the probe 108 and the needle 116 relative to the light pattern 122 for guiding the needle 116 on the display 158. However, if the ultrasound probe 104 does not include the light pattern projector 114, or if the clinician does not like to use the light pattern projector 114 of the ultrasound probe 104, the one or more still or moving images 120 can display the superimposed pattern 160 located thereon for guiding the needle 116 on the display 158. As described above, the superimposed pattern 160a or 160b includes the periodic hash marks 124 along one or more rays 126 radiating from a central axis of the ultrasound probe 1014 in the plane of the probe 108. Each hash mark of the hash marks 124 corresponds to a depth below the probe 108 reachable by the needle 116 at an associated ray 126 along a needle insertion angle relative to the plane of the probe 108. As further set forth above, the superimposed pattern 160c includes the periodic concentric circle arcs 128 confined between two or more rays 126 radiating from a central axis of the ultrasound probe 104 in the plane of the probe 108. Each circle arc of the circle arcs 128 corresponds to a depth below the probe 108 reachable by the needle 116 at an associated ray 126 along a needle insertion angle relative to the plane of the probe 108.

[0109] Further, with respect to guidance referencing one or more needle trajectories 138 on the display 158, the ultrasound images 136 can display the one or more needle trajectories 138 according to one or more depths reachable by the needle 116 indicated by the light pattern 122 or the superimposed pattern 160 in the one or more still or moving images 120 for guiding the needle 116 on the display 158.

[0110] Notably, the foregoing method involves the ultrasound probe 104; however, the method can be modified for the ultrasound probe 204. In such a method, the ultrasound images 136 are optionally displayed on the display 134 of the ultrasound probe 204 in combination with the ultrasound images 136 and the one or more still or moving images 120 on the display 158 of the console 102. As described above, displaying the images on the display 134 of the ultrasound probe 204 allows the clinician to maintain spatial attention in the surgical region while establishing the insertion site with the needle 116 in the needle insertion step, thereby avoiding the clinician from frequently switching his or her spatial attention between the surgical region including the display 134 and another display (e.g., the display 158 of the console 102) as with existing ultrasound systems.

[0111] While certain specific embodiments have been disclosed herein, and while the detailed description contains many specifics, these are presented by way of example to provide a more thorough description of the concepts provided herein. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that various alternatives to the embodiments described herein can be employed in practicing the concepts provided herein. For example, the concepts provided herein can be applied to other types of devices, systems, and methods. In addition, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that throughout listings and quantities identified in the description and the claims are understood to be approximate. Accordingly, it is submitted that what is provided herein is intended to cover all such modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the concepts provided herein.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic system, characterized in that, include: A console includes a display configured to present ultrasound images of the surgical area and one or more static or moving images on its display screen; and An ultrasonic detector, the ultrasonic detector comprising: Detector body; A probe extending from the distal end of the detector body, the probe comprising a plurality of ultrasonic transducers arranged in an array; A camera, integrated into the side of the ultrasound detector, is configured to record one or more static or moving images of the surgical area, wherein the depth of field includes the plane of the distal end of the probe and the field of view includes the spatial region surrounding the probe; and A light pattern projector, integrated into the side of the ultrasound detector including the camera, is configured to project a light pattern in a spatial region surrounding the probe, the light pattern being focused in a plane at the distal end of the probe for guiding needle insertion into an anatomical target below the probe in the surgical area. The display is further configured to present one or more superimposed needle tracks on the display screen according to one or more depths that the needle can reach, indicated by the light pattern, the one or more superimposed needle tracks being located above the ultrasound image for guiding the needle to be inserted into the anatomical target below the probe on the display screen.

2. The ultrasonic system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ultrasonic detector also includes a needle guide retainer that extends from the side of the probe, which is the same side of the ultrasonic detector that includes the camera.

3. The ultrasonic system according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a single-use needle guide coupled to the needle guide retainer, the needle guide retainer, the needle guide, or a combination of the needle guide retainer and the needle guide, which includes at least one degree of freedom that allows the needle guide to rotate between the sides of the ultrasound detector.

4. The ultrasonic system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light pattern includes periodic hash marks along one or more rays radiating from the central axis of the ultrasonic detector in the plane of the probe, each hash mark corresponding to a depth below the probe that the needle can reach along the associated ray at a needle insertion angle relative to the plane of the probe.

5. The ultrasonic system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light pattern comprises periodic concentric arcs constrained between two or more rays radiating from the central axis of the ultrasonic detector in the plane of the probe, each arc corresponding to a depth below the probe that the needle can reach along the associated ray at a needle insertion angle relative to the plane of the probe.

6. The ultrasonic system according to claim 1, characterized in that, When both the light pattern and the needle are present in the spatial region surrounding the probe, the one or more static or moving images display the light pattern and the needle relative to the light pattern in the spatial region surrounding the probe, for optionally guiding the needle to be inserted into the anatomical target below the probe on the display.

7. The ultrasonic system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display is further configured to present an overlay pattern on the display screen above the one or more static or moving images for guiding the needle to an anatomical target inserted below the probe on the display screen.

8. The ultrasonic system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The overlay pattern includes periodic hash marks along one or more rays radiating from the central axis of the ultrasonic detector in the plane of the probe, each hash mark corresponding to a depth below the probe that the needle can reach along the associated ray at a needle insertion angle relative to the plane of the probe.

9. The ultrasonic system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The superimposed pattern includes periodic concentric arcs constrained between two or more rays radiating from the central axis of the ultrasonic detector in the plane of the probe, each arc corresponding to a depth below the probe that the needle can reach along the associated ray at a needle insertion angle relative to the plane of the probe.

10. The ultrasonic system according to claim 7, characterized in that, When the needle is present in the spatial region surrounding the probe, the one or more static or moving images display the needle relative to the superimposed pattern for guiding the needle into the anatomical target below the probe on the display.

11. The ultrasonic system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The display is further configured to present one or more superimposed needle tracks on the display screen according to one or more depths that the needle can reach, indicated by the superimposed pattern, the one or more superimposed needle tracks being located above the ultrasound image for guiding the needle to be inserted into an anatomical target below the probe on the display screen.

12. An ultrasonic detector, characterized in that, include: Detector body; A probe extending from the distal end of the detector body, the probe comprising a plurality of ultrasonic transducers arranged in an array; A display, integrated into the side of the ultrasound detector, is configured to display an ultrasound image and one or more superimposed needle tracks on its screen for guiding the needle to be inserted into an anatomical target below the probe on the display. and A light pattern projector, integrated into the side of the ultrasound detector including the display, is configured to project a light pattern in a spatial region surrounding the probe, the light pattern being focused in a plane at the distal end of the probe for guiding the needle to be inserted into the anatomical target below the probe in a surgical area. The light pattern includes periodic hash marks along one or more rays radiating from the central axis of the ultrasound detector in the plane of the probe, each hash mark corresponding to a depth below the probe that the needle can reach along the associated ray at a needle insertion angle relative to the plane of the probe; or the light pattern includes periodic concentric arcs confined between two or more rays radiating from the central axis of the ultrasound detector in the plane of the probe, each arc corresponding to a depth below the probe that the needle can reach along the associated ray at a needle insertion angle relative to the plane of the probe. The one or more superimposed needle tracks located on the ultrasound image are based on one or more depths that the needle can reach, indicated by the light pattern.

13. The ultrasonic detector according to claim 12, characterized in that, It also includes a needle guide retainer that extends from the side of the ultrasound detector that includes the display.

14. The ultrasonic detector according to claim 13, characterized in that, It also includes a single-use needle guide coupled to the needle guide retainer, the needle guide retainer, the needle guide, or a combination of the needle guide retainer and the needle guide, which includes at least one degree of freedom that allows the needle guide to rotate between the sides of the ultrasound detector.

Images