Guidance system for an ultrasound transducer

Abstract

To provide a guidance system used for guiding a surgical instrument.SOLUTION: A guidance system for an ultrasonic transducer having a body includes a reference member releasably secured to the body, the reference member having a mounting member defining a reference surface, a guidance member including a slide defining a sliding reference surface and a guidance portion connected to the slide and configured to hold a surgical instrument, and means for magnetically connecting the slide of the guidance member to the mounting member to maintain the reference surface of the mounting member in contact with the sliding reference surface while: And a magnetic connection allowing translation and rotation of the guiding member relative to the mounting member, the magnetic connection being formed by a magnet mounted on one of the mounting member and the sliding part of the guiding member and a magnetically attractable member mounted on the other of the mounting member and the sliding part of the guiding member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 675,363, filed July 25, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] This application relates generally to medical devices, and more particularly to systems and methods used to guide surgical instruments, such as needles or catheters, during insertion into a patient using an imaging system, such as an ultrasound transducer. [Background technology]

[0003] Ultrasound transducers are medical devices that emit and receive sound waves to visualize internal structures of the body. In some applications, these transducers are used to help physicians insert needles or catheters into a patient's blood vessels (e.g., veins, arteries), nerves, or any target within the body (e.g., biopsies for tumors, infiltration of joints, minimally invasive surgery). The physician can align a needle within the scanning plane of the transducer to visualize the needle as it is inserted into the patient. Typically, these actions are performed freehand and depend on the physician's dexterity and experience. While somewhat satisfactory, there is always a need for improvement. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] In one aspect, a guidance system for an ultrasonic transducer having a body is provided, the guidance system comprising: a reference member having a mounting member defining a reference surface releasably secured to the body of the ultrasonic transducer; a guide member including a sliding portion defining a sliding reference surface and a guide portion connected to the sliding portion and configured to hold a surgical instrument for insertion into a patient; and a magnetic connection portion that magnetically connects the sliding portion of the guide member to the mounting member and maintains the reference surface of the mounting member in contact with the sliding reference surface of the sliding portion while allowing translation and rotation of the guide member relative to the mounting member, wherein the magnetic connection portion is formed by a magnet attached to one of the mounting member and the sliding portion of the guide member, and a magnetically attractable member attached to the other of the mounting member and the sliding portion of the guide member.

[0005] The above-described guidance system may include any of the following features in any combination.

[0006] In some embodiments, the reference surface is circular to facilitate rotation of the guide member relative to the reference member.

[0007] In some embodiments, the reference member includes a collar attached at least partially around the body of the ultrasound transducer, with the attachment member attached to the collar.

[0008] In some embodiments, the mounting members include three mounting members disposed around the body of the ultrasound transducer, the three mounting members being spaced 90 degrees apart from one another.

[0009] In some embodiments, the three mounting members include two in-plane mounting members located on either side of the body of the ultrasound transducer, with the two in-plane mounting members located on the long sides of the body.

[0010] In some embodiments, one or both of the reference surfaces of the two in-plane mounting members are oriented transverse to the scanning plane of the ultrasound transducer, and the three mounting members include an out-of-plane mounting member positioned circumferentially midway between the two in-plane mounting members, the out-of-plane mounting member oriented parallel to the scanning plane of the ultrasound transducer.

[0011] In some embodiments, the mounting member includes a magnet and the slider includes a magnetically attractable plate that defines a sliding reference surface.

[0012] In some embodiments, the magnetically attractable plate includes a second magnet configured to attract the magnet of the mounting member.

[0013] In some embodiments, the slide defines rails, with sliding reference surfaces located between the rails, and the rails configured to maintain the reference surfaces of the mounting member in contact with the sliding reference surfaces.

[0014] In some embodiments, a guidance system for an ultrasonic transducer having a body includes a holding mechanism engageable with a guide portion for holding a surgical instrument, the holding mechanism having a connecting member pivotally engaging with the guide portion and a holder removably engageable with the connecting member and configured to support the surgical instrument.

[0015] In some embodiments, the connecting member includes a longitudinal arm configured to be received between a user's fingers and a handle configured to engage the user's hand, the longitudinal arm protruding laterally from the handle, the connecting member having a support member secured to the handle, and the holder removably secured to the support member.

[0016] In some embodiments, the holder is configured to be separated from the connecting member while complying with an Aseptic Non Touch Technique (ANTT), and the guidance system is further configured to maintain the catheter in a stable position relative to the insertion site during separation.

[0017] In some embodiments, the separation is assisted by an assisting member configured to assist in the separation of the holder and the connecting member while complying with Aseptic Non-Touch Technique (ANTT).

[0018] In another aspect, there is provided an ultrasonic transducer comprising: a body having a sensing end configured to emit ultrasonic waves within a sensing plane; and a guidance system secured to the body, wherein the guidance system comprises: a reference member releasably secured to the body of the ultrasonic transducer and having a mounting member defining a reference plane; a guidance member including a sliding portion defining a sliding reference plane and a guidance portion connected to the sliding portion and configured to hold a surgical instrument for insertion into a patient; and a magnetic coupling portion magnetically connecting the sliding portion of the guidance member to the mounting member and maintaining the reference surface of the mounting member in contact with the sliding reference surface of the sliding portion while allowing translation and rotation of the guidance member relative to the mounting member, wherein the magnetic coupling portion is defined by a magnet attached to one of the mounting member and the sliding portion of the guidance member, and a magnetically attractable member attached to the other of the mounting member and the sliding portion of the guidance member.

[0019] The ultrasonic transducer described above may include any of the following features in any combination:

[0020] In some embodiments, the reference surface is circular to facilitate rotation of the guide member relative to the reference surface.

[0021] In some embodiments, the mounting members include three mounting members disposed around the body of the ultrasound transducer, the three mounting members being spaced 90 degrees apart from one another.

[0022] In some embodiments, the three mounting members include two in-plane mounting members located on either side of the body of the ultrasound transducer, with the two in-plane mounting members located on the long sides of the body.

[0023] In some embodiments, the reference surfaces of the two in-plane mounting members are oriented in a direction transverse to the scanning plane of the ultrasound transducer, and / or the three mounting members include an out-of-plane mounting member positioned circumferentially midway between the two in-plane mounting members, the out-of-plane mounting member being oriented in a direction parallel to the scanning plane of the ultrasound transducer.

[0024] In some embodiments, the mounting member includes a magnet and the slider includes a magnetically attractable plate that defines a sliding reference surface.

[0025] In some embodiments, the ultrasound transducer includes a longitudinal magnet secured to the slide and configured to attract the magnet of the mounting member.

[0026] In some embodiments, the slide defines rails, with sliding reference surfaces located between the rails, and the rails configured to maintain the reference surfaces of the mounting member in contact with the sliding reference surfaces.

[0027] In yet another aspect, a method of guiding a surgical instrument using an ultrasound transducer is provided, the method including: positioning the ultrasound transducer relative to a patient until a scanning plane of the ultrasound transducer intersects a blood vessel of the patient; magnetically connecting a guidance member to an attachment member attached to the ultrasound transducer; and engaging a surgical instrument with the guidance member.

[0028] Next, please refer to the attached figure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional exploded view of a guidance system coupled to an ultrasound transducer. [Figure 2] FIG. 3D view of the guidance system. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3D view of the guidance system. [Figure 3B] 3B is a three-dimensional view of the guidance system shown in a different position from FIG. 3A. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a rear three-dimensional view of a guidance member of a guidance system. [Figure 5A] 10A-10C are three-dimensional views illustrating the step of assembling the reference member of the guidance system to the cover of the guidance system. [Figure 5B] 10A-10C are three-dimensional views illustrating the step of assembling the reference member of the guidance system to the cover of the guidance system. [Figure 5C] 10A-10C are three-dimensional views illustrating the step of assembling the reference member of the guidance system to the cover of the guidance system. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a top three-dimensional view of a cover and a rotating member fixed to the cover. [Figure 7A] 10A-10C are three-dimensional exploded views showing the steps of assembling the rotating member to the cover of the guidance system. [Figure 7B] 10A-10C are three-dimensional exploded views showing the steps of assembling the rotating member to the cover of the guidance system. [Figure 8A] 10A-10C are three-dimensional views of the rotating member shown in different positions relative to the cover. [Figure 8B] 10A-10C are three-dimensional views of the rotating member shown in different positions relative to the cover. [Figure 8C] 10A-10C are three-dimensional views of the rotating member shown in different positions relative to the cover. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a three-dimensional view of a guidance member including a catheter engaged via a retention mechanism including a holder and a connecting member, according to another embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a three-dimensional view of the guide member of FIG. 9. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional exploded view of the catheter and retention mechanism. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a three-dimensional view of the connecting member of the retention mechanism of FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 12 is a three-dimensional view of the holder of the holding mechanism of FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a three-dimensional view of a catheter engaged with a retention mechanism. [Figure 15] 11 is a three-dimensional view of a connecting member used with the guide member of FIG. 10 according to another embodiment. [Figure 16] 16 is a top view of the connecting member of FIG. 15 shown with the physician's left hand engaged. [Figure 17] 1 is a flow chart illustrating steps of a method for guiding a surgical instrument such as a needle or catheter using an ultrasound transducer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] As mentioned above, in the context of needle manipulation as a function of ultrasound tracking, skill and experience are required from the physician to properly position the needle in the required plane. Because the ultrasound beam is narrow, in practice, slight movements of the transducer can easily cause the physician to lose track of the needle in the output image. Naturally, existing techniques require a high degree of expertise and excellent hand-eye coordination, which can only be performed by highly trained professionals.

[0031] In anesthesiology, ultrasound can be used to guide needle placement when injecting local anesthetic solutions near nerves identified in ultrasound images. Ultrasound is also used for vascular access, such as cannulation of large central veins and arteries. Ultrasound transducers typically provide physicians with a single scan plane view, including a cross-sectional or longitudinal view of the needle. However, neither of these single scan planes provides all the information necessary to perform such medical procedures. For example, during ultrasound-guided application of anesthetics, it is necessary to place the needle near a nerve without penetrating the nerve.

[0032] Referring first to FIG. 1, an ultrasound transducer, hereinafter referred to as the "transducer," is generally designated 10 and includes a guidance system 20. The transducer 10 is configured to image an interior portion of a patient's body. The transducer 10 includes a body extending from a connecting end 10A to a sensing end 10B. The connecting end 10A is the end at which the transducer 10 is operatively connected to a device used to visually display the interior portion of the patient's body. The sensing end 10B is the end that contacts the patient and through which ultrasound waves are emitted and sensed to provide a visual image of the patient. The sensing end 10B emits and receives ultrasound waves in a scanning plane. The term "sensing plane" means that ultrasound waves are emitted parallel to or along this plane, although this term is arbitrary as other configurations are possible. Thus, the sensing plane intersects the patient's body, and what the physician observes corresponds to the portion of the body intersected by this plane.

[0033] The transducer 10 may include a guidance system 20 including a cover 11, which may be referred to as a housing, enclosure, or the like. A sensing surface emitted by the transducer 10 may be parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cover 11. The cover 11 may be hollow to surround the transducer 10 and extend longitudinally relative to a central axis A from an upper end 11A adjacent the connecting end 10A of the transducer to a lower end 11B adjacent the sensing end 10B of the transducer 10. The cover 11 may fit between the connecting end 10A and the sensing end 10B of the transducer 10. The guidance system 20 may be used with any device configured to perform medical imaging along a sensing surface, such as a transducer other than that shown as the transducer 10. It should be understood that while the cover 11 and the transducer 10 are described as separate components, this is not necessarily the case, and that in other embodiments, the transducer 10 may include the cover 11 as an integral part thereof. Thus, the cover 11 and the transducer 10 may be parts of a single monolithic body, and thus the cover 11 may not be referred to as a cover. For simplicity, references herein to the transducer 10 also cover embodiments in which the cover 11 is an additional or integral part of the transducer 10.

[0034] The guidance system 20 is configured to be removably secured to the cover 11 of the transducer 10. Alternatively, the guidance system 20 can be a part of the transducer 10 (i.e., non-removable), as described above. The guidance system 20 includes a reference member 30 secured to the cover 11 of the transducer 10 and a guidance member 40 engageable with the reference member 30 and configured to guide a surgical instrument (e.g., a needle or catheter). In some embodiments, the reference member 30 is removably secured to the cover 11 of the transducer 10. However, in some embodiments, the cover 11 can also define the reference member 30. In other words, the cover 11 and the reference member 30 can be a single monolithic component of the transducer 10 or part of a single integrated device. Hereinafter, the reference member 30 will be described using reference numerals in the 30 series, and the guidance member 40 will be described using reference numerals in the 40 series. The surgical instrument can be, for example, a needle, a catheter, scissors, a scalpel, a suture guide, or any other instrument used during surgery.

[0035] In some embodiments, the reference member 30 includes a collar 31 extending around the central axis A. The collar 31 may or may not extend the entire circumference of the central axis A to define an opening that allows the collar 31 to engage the cover 11 of the transducer 10. The collar 31 is used to removably secure the reference member 30 to the cover 11 of the transducer 10. The reference member 30 includes at least one mounting member 32, three being shown in the illustrated embodiment. The three mounting members 32 are spaced 90 degrees apart from one another around the central axis A. The mounting members 32 are attached to the collar 31 circumferentially spaced apart from one another around the central axis A. Each mounting member 32 defines a reference surface 32A facing away from the central axis A. The reference surfaces 32A each define a reference surface for a guide member 40, as described below. Each of these reference surfaces 32A may be annular (i.e., circular) so as to be flush with guide member 40 when engaged with guide member 40 and to facilitate rotation of guide member 40 relative to mounting member 32, as described below. Other shapes may also be used.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, each mounting member 32 includes a magnet 33, which can be substantially flat and cylindrical, although any suitable shape is contemplated. Multiple magnets (e.g., a group of small magnets) can be used. The magnet 33 is housed within a cavity 32b defined by the mounting member 32. The mounting member 32 can define a slot 32C into which the magnet 33 can be inserted, although the slot 32C is optional, as the magnet 33 can also be embedded therein. The slot 32C can allow for replacement of the magnet 33 if necessary. In some embodiments, an electromagnet can be used. In some cases, the mounting member 32 can be the magnet itself. In other words, the reference surface 32a can be defined by one or more magnets.

[0037] The transducer 10 can be used to perform two types of alignment of a surgical instrument: in-plane alignment and out-of-plane alignment. In in-plane alignment, a surgical instrument (e.g., a needle or catheter) is aligned with the long axis of the transducer 10 or the ultrasound beam along the ultrasound beam emitted by the transducer 10 so that the instrument is visible along at least a portion of the length of the instrument, including the tip of the instrument. In out-of-plane alignment, the instrument and the long axis (or other reference axis) of the transducer 10 are perpendicular to each other so that a cross section of the instrument is visible. When out-of-plane alignment is used, the tip of the instrument may not be visible.

[0038] The reference member 30 includes three mounting members 32, each for a specific purpose. Specifically, the three mounting members include a left in-plane mounting member 132, a right in-plane mounting member 232, and an out-of-plane mounting member 332. The left and right in-plane mounting members 132, 232 face each other and are positioned such that their reference surfaces 32a are parallel to the long axis of the transducer 10. In other words, the reference surfaces 32a of the two in-plane mounting members 132, 232 face in a direction transverse to the scanning plane of the ultrasound transducer 10. The scanning plane is parallel to the long side of the ultrasound transducer 10. Therefore, the left and right in-plane mounting members 132, 232 are used for in-plane alignment of surgical instruments. The two in-plane members 132, 232 are provided so that both left-handed and right-handed physicians can comfortably use the guidance system 20.

[0039] The out-of-plane mounting member 332 is located between the left and right in-plane mounting members 132, 232, and its reference surface 32a intersects with the long axis of the transducer 10. The out-of-plane mounting member 332 is used for out-of-plane alignment of the device. The out-of-plane mounting member 332 is oriented parallel to the scanning plane of the ultrasound transducer 10. That is, the reference surface 32a of the out-of-plane mounting member 332 is perpendicular to the scanning plane.

[0040] Continuing to refer to FIG. 1 , guide member 40 includes sliding section 41 and guiding section 42. Sliding section 41 and guiding section 42 are secured to one another via connecting section 43, which defines an elbow or other offset configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, sliding section 41 and guiding section 42 are parallel to one another but offset from one another. In other words, these two sections are not coplanar, although in some embodiments they can be coplanar. As described below, a retention mechanism 200 can be used to interconnect a catheter or other surgical instrument to guide member 40.

[0041] The connector 43 is used to create an offset between the slider 41 and the guide 42 of the guide member 40. The distance L1 between the slider 41 and the guide 42 of the guide member 40, taken as normal to the plane of the slider 41, is selected so that the guide 42 and the surgical instrument (e.g., needle or catheter) secured thereto are aligned with and parallel to the long axis (or other reference axis) of the transducer 10 when using either the left or right in-plane mounting member 132, 232, and so that the long axis intersects the instrument transversely when using the out-of-plane mounting member 332. Optionally, the distance L1 can also be selected so that the surgical instrument is aligned with the center of the scan plane when the reference member 30 is attached to the out-of-plane mounting member 332. As described below, this distance L1 can be created by another component, i.e., a retention mechanism. This allows the guide and the connector to be coplanar.

[0042] A magnetic connection is used to magnetically connect the sliding portion 41 of the guidance member 40 to one of the mounting members 32 of the reference member 30. The magnetic connection can be formed by a magnet attached to one of the mounting member 32 and the sliding portion 41 of the guidance member 40, and a magnetically-attractable member attached to the other of the mounting member 32 and the sliding portion 41 of the guidance member 40. The sliding portion 41 includes a magnetically-attractable plate 44. In the illustrated embodiment, the magnetically-attractable member corresponds to the magnetically-attractable plate 44. However, the magnetically-attractable member can also be another magnet with polarities such that the two magnets attract each other. In some embodiments, one or two electromagnets can be used. The reverse configuration, in which a magnet is present on the guidance member 40 and a magnetically-attractable member is present on the mounting member(s) 32 (e.g., ferromagnetic material), is also possible.

[0043] In this embodiment, the magnetically attractable plate 44 is shaped as a rectangle with rounded extremities. Other shapes are also envisioned, such as a capsule shape. The extremities can be semicircular. The shape of the plate 44 can also be circular. The diameter of these rounded extremities substantially matches or is larger than the diameter of the reference surface 32a of the mounting member 32 of the reference member 30. The sliding portion 41 defines a sliding reference face 44A, here defined by the magnetically attractable plate 44.

[0044] Specifically, FIG. 2 shows the guide member 40 engaged with one of the mounting members 32. In this embodiment, the guide member 40 is magnetically connected to one of the mounting members 32. The phrase "magnetically connected" in the context of this disclosure means that the guide member 40 and one of the mounting members 32 are secured to each other via a magnetic force generated by the magnet 33 of the mounting member 32. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the magnetically attractable plate 44 is formed of a ferromagnetic material or the like. It will be understood that any suitable combination of magnets and magnetically attractable materials can be used. For example, the magnetically attractable plate can define the reference surface 32a without a magnet on the mounting member 32, and the guide member 40 can have a magnet. Alternatively, the plate can be embedded in the mounting member 32. In some embodiments, both the slider 41 and the mounting member 32 can include respective magnets whose polarities are adjusted to ensure that the guide member 40 and the mounting member 32 attract each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the guide member 40 further includes a longitudinal or elongated magnet 45, shown in dashed lines in FIG. 2. As shown more clearly in FIG. 4 , the longitudinal magnet 45 can be rectangular or oblong and extend substantially the length of the slider 41 of the guide member 40. In this configuration, the longitudinal magnet 45 is housed within a sleeve 40A defined by the guide member 40. This sleeve 40A can allow for periodic replacement of the longitudinal magnet 45. The terms "substantially" and "approximately" in the context of this disclosure refer to a variation of plus or minus 10%. The longitudinal magnet 45 can be located behind the plate 44; in this case, the plate 44 does not need to be made of a magnetically attractable material but can be made of plastic or any material to facilitate sliding of the slider 41 relative to the reference surface 32A of the mounting member 32 of the reference member 30.

[0045] The guide member 40 further includes rails 46, two in the illustrated embodiment, extending lengthwise along the sliding portion 41 and substantially parallel to the longitudinal magnet 45. The plate 44 is disposed between the two rails 46. The rails 46 project laterally away from the reference surface 44a. The rails 46 are used to maintain the reference surface 32A of the mounting member 32 in contact with the sliding reference surface 44A of the guide member 40 while the guide member 40 is moving relative to the reference member 30. In other words, the rails 46 define abutments that contact the mounting member 32 to prevent it from separating from the plate 44. The rails 46 extend parallel to each other and terminate at the distal end of the sliding portion 41, defining an opening 41A through which the mounting member 32 can be released from the magnetic force on the sliding portion 41. Therefore, the rails 46 are absent from the opening 41A. The rail 46 terminates at the opening 41 A. The rail 46 can be made of a material that is not magnetically attracted to the reference member 30, such as plastic.

[0046] 3A and 3B illustrate the movement of the guide member 40 relative to the reference member 30. As shown in FIG. 3A, the guide member 40 can translate in a longitudinal direction D1 along the length of the sliding portion 41. As shown in FIG. 3B, the guide member 40 can rotate along a direction D2 relative to the reference member 30. It will be understood that any combined movement, such as a combination of translation along direction D1 and rotation along direction D2, is possible while the guide member 40 and one of the mounting members 32 are magnetically connected to each other. In other words, while the sliding reference surface 44A of the plate 44 is in contact with the reference surface 32A of one of the mounting members 32, movement in these translational and rotational degrees of freedom (DOFs) is possible. In some embodiments, because the diameter of the reference surface 32A is smaller than the height of the sliding reference surface 44A, up and down movement of the guide member 40 relative to the reference member 30 of about a few millimeters (e.g., 0-1 cm) is possible. Therefore, movement in two translational degrees of freedom is possible, in addition to an optional rotational degree of freedom.

[0047] 5A-5C illustrate the steps for assembling the reference member 30 to the transducer 10. It will be understood that in some embodiments, other assembly steps may be required. Other embodiments may require other assembly steps.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 11 of the transducer 10 defines two grooves 11C, one located on either side of the cover 11, and a rib 11D located circumferentially midway between the two grooves 11C. The reference member 30 is configured to mate with these features of the transducer 10. As will be appreciated, the reference member 30 can be formed with any suitable features used to mate with the transducer 10. In this embodiment, the reference member 30 includes two protrusions 34, each secured to opposite ends of a collar 31 for this purpose, and defines a slot 35 defined by the collar 31 between the two protrusions 34.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 5A, to assemble the reference member 30 to the transducer 10, first orient the collar 31 substantially vertically and insert each of the two protrusions 34 into one of the two side grooves 11C. As shown in FIG. 5B, the collar 31 is pushed along direction D3, which is substantially parallel to the central axis A of the transducer 10, until the protrusions 34 contact the abutments located at the ends of the two side grooves 11C. Then, as shown in FIG. 5C, the collar 31 is rotated along direction D4 around an axis intersecting both of the two protrusions 34. This rotation is made possible by the rounded nature of the protrusions 34 and the abutments at the ends of the grooves 11C. The collar 31 is rotated along direction D4 until the rib 11D is received in the slot 35. These movements are optional, as the reference member 30 can be fixed to or integral with the transducer 10.

[0050] The disclosed guidance system 20 can facilitate the insertion of a needle or catheter into a patient's blood vessel. The needle or catheter can be maintained sterile prior to contact with the patient. The system 20 allows for two types of procedures: in-plane and out-of-plane alignment to accommodate physician preference.

[0051] 6, transducer 10 is shown with an optional rotation mechanism 50. Rotation mechanism 50 may be releasably secured to cover 11 of transducer 10 and configured to allow rotation of transducer 10 relative to rotation mechanism 50. In some embodiments, rotation mechanism 50 may be integrated with cover 11 of transducer 10, which may facilitate some operations performed by a physician using transducer 10, as described below.

[0052] 7A , the rotation mechanism 50 includes an outer member 51 and an inner member 52. The outer member 51 is rotatable relative to the inner member 52 about a central axis A of the cover 11 of the transducer 10, as described below. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner member 52 and the outer member 51 define an opening 53 that allows the rotation mechanism 50 to be coupled to the cover 11 of the transducer 10. The opening 53 may also allow a physician to wrap a sterile bag around the rotation mechanism 50. The opening 53 may allow the transducer 10 to be clipped onto the rotation mechanism 50 even when the rotation mechanism 50 is covered by a sterile bag. Of course, the openings of both members must be circumferentially aligned to allow attachment of the rotation mechanism 50 to the cover 11 of the transducer 10. The inner member 52 defines two bumps 52A sized to mate with correspondingly shaped recesses 11E defined in the outer surface of the cover 11 of the transducer 10. The two recesses 11E are located on both long sides of the cover 11. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the recesses 11E can be located on the short sides of the cover 11.

[0053] 7A and 7B illustrate a procedure for assembling the rotation mechanism 50 to the cover 11 of the transducer 10. It should be understood that this assembly procedure is exemplary and may differ for other embodiments of the rotation mechanism 50. In FIG. 7A, the cover 11 is inserted into the rotation mechanism 50 through the opening 53 in a direction D5 transverse to the central axis A of the cover 11. As shown in FIG. 7B, a force is applied along the direction D5 until the bump 52A aligns with the recess 11E of the cover 11. The outer and inner members 51 and 52 have elasticity that allows elastic deformation so that the cover 11 can be inserted into the inner cavity of the rotation mechanism 50 until the bump 52A snaps into the recess 11E. It should be understood that other means, such as fasteners, keyways, and dog and slots, can be used to secure the inner member 52 to the cover 11.

[0054] 8A-8C, different positions of the inner member 52 relative to the outer member 51 are shown. As shown, the inner member 52 is received within a groove 51A defined by the outer member 51. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the inner member 52 includes two arcuate rails 52B that are each slidably received within a respective one of the two arcuate grooves 51A of the outer member 51. The arcuate rails 52B and the arcuate grooves 51A extend circumferentially around the central axis A and define an arcuate shape, such as a circular shape, that allows for relative rotation between the inner member 52 and the outer member 51.

[0055] The rotation mechanism 50 can be used in conjunction with the guidance system 20 described above with reference to FIGS. 1-5C. In use, the physician can hold the cover 11 of the transducer 10 with the rotation mechanism 50, specifically with the outer member 51, until they find the body part they are looking for (e.g., a blood vessel). In locating this blood vessel, the transducer 10 can be positioned so that the scanning plane intersects the blood vessel along or over its length. Once the blood vessel is located, the physician may wish to rotate the scanning plane 90 degrees before proceeding to insert a surgical instrument, in this case a needle or catheter. However, hand movements can be imprecise. Therefore, the physician continues to hold the transducer 10 via the outer member 51 with the same hand while rotating the transducer 10 with the other hand. This movement is made possible by the rotation of the cover 11 and inner member 52 of the transducer 10 relative to the outer member 51. The hand holding the outer member 51 maintains the proper alignment of the transducer 10 while the other hand rotates the transducer 10. In some cases, the rotating hand can be placed on the guide member 40 or on the reference member 30. Once rotation is complete, the user can apply pressure to the outer member 51 to frictionally prevent rotation of the outer member 51 relative to the inner member 52. This allows the physician to maintain alignment with the vessel.

[0056] Another embodiment of a guidance system is shown in FIG. 9 at 120. For brevity, only the features that differ from the guidance system 20 described above will be described below. The guidance system 120 includes a guidance member 140 similar to the guidance member 40 described above, with some differences as described below. The guidance member 140 is configured to engage a needle or catheter, shown at 160. A retention mechanism 200 is configured to interconnect the catheter 160 to the guidance member 140. These different features will be described below in order. The retention mechanism 200 is also configured to allow a physician to manipulate the catheter 160 while maintaining proper alignment, as described below. In an alternative embodiment, a sterile non-touch technique (ANTT) is used. The retention mechanism 200 disclosed herein can enable the requirements of an ANTT procedure, i.e., a method that allows the user to avoid contact with the patient's skin, to be met. The retention mechanism 200 includes a connecting member 210 that pivotally engages the guide member 140 and a holder 220 that is removably securable to the connecting member 210 and configured to hold the catheter 160. The retention mechanism 200 may further enable separation of the guide system 20 from the catheter 160 while meeting the requirements of an ANTT procedure. Indeed, a physician may disconnect or otherwise disengage the catheter 160 from the guide system 20 while the catheter 160 is inserted into the patient. This can be accomplished by removing the holder 220 and the attached catheter 160 from the connecting member 210 while they are not in contact with the patient.

[0057] Figure 10 shows guide member 140 in more detail. In this embodiment, guide member 140 includes slider 41 as described above. Slide 41 is connected to connector 143, which leads to guide 142. In this embodiment, connector 143 and slider 41 are substantially coplanar and / or parallel, although a slight offset may exist. This is in contrast to the configuration in Figure 1, which shows slider 41 and guide 42 as not coplanar but offset from one another.

[0058] As described below, the guide portion 142 pivotally engages the retention mechanism 200 for relative rotation about a pivot axis P1. The guide portion 142 includes a shaft 144 extending transversely relative to the connecting portion 143. A locking member 145 is removably engageable with the shaft 144. In some embodiments, the locking member 145 can be frictionally engaged with the shaft 144 via a bore defined therethrough. Alternatively, the locking member 145 can be threadably engaged with the shaft 144 via correspondingly mating threads. Other configurations (e.g., indexing the locking member 145) are also contemplated. The shaft 144 is used to define a pivot axis for rotation of the guide member 140 relative to the retention mechanism 200. Any suitable means can be used for this purpose. In some embodiments, a bearing can be used. The locking member 145 can have an arcuate surface 145A configured to engage an arcuate tab 142A ( FIG. 9 ) of the guide member 140. The arcuate surface 145A and the arcuate tab 142A can slide relative to one another to constrain movement to rotation about the pivot axis P1. Additionally, the locking member 145 can define two abutment surfaces 145B configured to abut portions of the retention mechanism 200 to limit the range of movement of the guide member 140. For example, as shown in FIG. 9 , the two abutment surfaces 145B can abut against a connecting member 210 (described below) of the retention mechanism 200 to limit the range of movement. However, this is not required, and it will be understood that complete free rotation of the guide member 140 around the retention mechanism 200 is also possible. The locking member 145 is used to limit the rotation of the connecting member 210 (described below) within a desired range.

[0059] 11, catheter 160 includes a base 161 that allows a source of fluid to be secured thereto. Base 161 is configured to be connected via any other suitable device. Catheter 160 has a tip 162 that is configured to penetrate (e.g., pass through) the soft tissue of a patient.

[0060] 11-12, the retention mechanism 200 pivotally engages the connecting portion 143 of the guide member 140. To this end, the retention mechanism 200 includes a connecting member 210 that pivotally engages the guide portion 142. The connecting member 210 includes a body defining two brackets 211, although only one or more than two brackets may be used. Each of the two brackets 211 defines an aperture 211A that is aligned with one another and sized to accommodate the shaft 144 of the guide member 140 therein. The space defined between the two brackets 211 is sized to accommodate the locking member 145 therein. It will be understood that any means may be used to pivotally connect the connecting member 210 to the guide member 140. For example, a tube and a shaft housed within the tube, a hinge, or the like may be used. The connecting member 210 further includes a spacer 212 and a support member 213. Although the two brackets 211 extend laterally relative to the spacer 212 and the support member 213 also extends laterally relative to the spacer 212, other configurations are possible. The brackets 211 and the support member 213 can also extend away from each other, i.e., in opposite directions relative to the spacer 212. The spacer 212 is configured to provide an axial offset between the slider 41 of the guidance member 140 and the catheter 160. As described above, the length of the spacer 212 is selected to ensure that the catheter 160 intersects the scanning plane of the transducer 10. As will be explained further below, the support member 213 is configured to hold the needle. As will be explained in more detail below, the spacer 212 can be engaged by the physician's hands. While the different components of the spacer 212 have been described as belonging to a single monolithic body, this is not necessarily the case; the spacer 212 can also be formed by assembling multiple different components.

[0061] The support member 213 defines a dimple 213A having a frustoconical shape, although other shapes and configurations are envisioned, including holes, bores, and the like. The dimple 213A can be used to facilitate engagement with another element of the retention mechanism 200, described below, possibly in a male-female engagement, among other possibilities. The dimple 213A can be considered a recess or cavity defined by the support member 213. The support member 213 further defines a protrusion 213B that protrudes substantially axially relative to the pivot axis P1 and away from the two brackets 211, although this is optional. The protrusion 213B can have a tapered shape such that the cross-sectional area, taken on a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis P1, decreases from its base to its tip. The protrusion 213B can have a non-circular shape (e.g., elliptical, oval, etc.) that can be used to prevent rotation of the mating element, although this may not be necessary in all embodiments. The connecting member 210 may include a rear tab 213C (also referred to as a trailing tab relative to the needle insertion direction) secured to an end of the support member 213 and extending laterally. The rear tab 213C is positioned to face the base of the needle, allowing the physician's hands to engage and manipulate the attached catheter 160. In other words, the longitudinal axis of the catheter needle may be perpendicular to the rear tab 213C. The support member 213 further defines two abutment portions 213D that project substantially axially relative to the pivot axis P1 and away from the two brackets 211. It will be understood that other means for releasably engaging the connecting member 210 with the holder 220 are also contemplated. Accordingly, the abutment portions 213D may be omitted and replaced with other features. The two abutment portions 213D are angled to face each other and partially face toward the protrusions 213B. In other words, the two abutment portions 213D are arranged to form a V-shape. The two abutment portions 213D converge toward each other in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support member 213. In some configurations, the two abutment portions 213D can be parallel to each other. Each of the two abutment portions 213D defines a bulge 213E at or near its tip.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 13 , the retention mechanism 200 further includes a holder 220 that is detachably secured to the connecting member 210, although the holder 220 can be integral with the connecting member 210. The holder 220 has a base 221 and two sidewalls 222 that are spaced apart and extend laterally from the base 221. The two sidewalls 222 may or may not be non-parallel to each other and may extend toward each other in a direction toward the distal end 162 of the catheter. This orientation can contribute to improved stability of the catheter 160, but need not be present in all configurations. The two sidewalls 222 define a space therebetween configured to receive the catheter 160. Each of the two sidewalls 222 defines a respective bump 222A that extends away from each other and is configured to engage the dimple 213A. The dimple 213A and the bump 222A can be said to have mating shapes, each being the “negative” of the other. The engagement of bump 222A within dimple 213A can form a positive stop between these two elements. Additionally, bump 222A not received within dimple 213A can be engaged by a physician's finger, which can assist the physician in manipulating catheter 160. In some embodiments, bumps can be omitted. The two side walls 222 each define an aperture 222B sized to receive protrusion 213B of support member 213 therein. Due to the tapered shape of protrusion 213B described above, engagement of protrusion 213B within aperture 222B can form an interference fit that limits play between these components. It will be understood that this protrusion is not necessary in all configurations.

[0063] Optionally, the two side walls 222 each have a flared portion 222C that converges toward the bump 222A, decreasing in height. This height is measured transversely across the base 221. The flared portion 222C is shaped to be received between the two abutment portions 213D of the support member 213. The holder 220 may include a rear wall 224 that can abut against the catheter 160 when the catheter 160 engages the holder 220. This allows the catheter 160 to fit more securely in the holder 220. The rear wall 224 can further increase the rigidity of the holder 220 by limiting deformation of the side walls 222 when the physician intervenes. Furthermore, the reduced height of the flared portion 222C can contribute to a secure hold by the connecting member 210. The converging shape of flared portion 222C of sidewall 222 can provide an inward stabilizing force when the physician is manipulating catheter 160. It can be seen that holder 220 is symmetrical so that it can be connected to connecting member 210 from either side. The same can be seen with connecting member 210. Thus, the same pair of connecting member 210 and holder 220 can be used with transducer 10 and guidance system 20 / 120 regardless of which side it is on. However, it is also possible to have a set of connecting member 210 and holder 220 that is specialized for either side.

[0064] 13-14 , when it is desired to attach the holder 220 to the connecting member 210, the two components are moved toward one another until the protrusion 213B is received in one of the apertures 222B in the two side walls 222. At this point, a force is applied to move the two components toward one another, causing the two abutment portions 213D in contact with the bulges 213E to resiliently deform slightly until the holder 220 snaps into engagement with the connecting member 210. At this point, one of the bumps 222A is received within the dimple 213A, or other mating engagement is achieved. This snap-fit ​​connection, or equivalent, can provide an efficient and reproducible method for releasable engagement and disengagement of the two components. Furthermore, by engaging the protrusion 213B within one of the apertures 222B and the bump 222A within the dimple 213A, these two components can be stabilized relative to one another, effectively eliminating any play that might otherwise exist between them. This ensures accurate and precise manipulation of the catheter 160. It will be understood that other fastening means, such as fasteners, dog-and-slot devices, bayonet locks, and keyway engagements, can also be used. In this embodiment, the holder 220 can be engaged with and disengaged from the connecting member 210 only axially relative to the pivot axis P1. In fact, the rear tab 213C and the two abutments 213D prevent the holder 220 from moving in other directions. This facilitates safe removal of the holder 220 from the connecting member 210 while minimizing the risk of manipulating a used catheter. It is understood that in other embodiments, holder 220 can be separated from connecting member 210 along other directions (eg, parallel to catheter 160, rotation of holder 220 relative to connecting member 210).

[0065] Referring again to FIG. 13 , in the illustrated embodiment, the holder 220 further includes two needle-engaging tabs 223 projecting laterally from the base 221 and positioned between the two side walls 222. The tabs 223 are spaced apart to accommodate receipt of the base 161 of the catheter 160 therein, as described below. The tabs 223 define bulges 223A at their distal ends to allow for a snap-fit ​​connection with the base 161 of the catheter 160. The tabs 223 are elastically deformable by bending away from each other when the catheter 160 is inserted between them. In other words, the tabs 223 are used to secure the catheter 160 to the holder 220. It will be appreciated that other methods of securing the catheter to the holder 220 may also be used, including straps, brackets, fasteners, and the like. In some embodiments, the holder 220 can be tamper-evident, such that it cannot be disengaged from the catheter 160 without damaging one or both of the catheter 160 and the holder 220. Thus, both the holder 220 and the catheter 160 can need to be discarded. The holder 220 can be a disposable device that is replaced after each use, and the connecting member 210 can be disposable, or not. This can be achieved, for example, by ensuring that one or both of the tabs 223 break off after removal of the catheter 160.

[0066] In some embodiments, separation of the holder 220 from the connecting member 210 can be performed in compliance with Aseptic Non-Touch Technique (ANTT). Specifically, the guidance system can be configured to allow the physician to perform the separation without touching the area near the insertion site or the needle body, thus minimizing the risk of contamination. The shape of the holder 220 and support member 213 can facilitate this separation through one or more designated gripping areas located away from the patient's skin or insertion zone. Various configurations are also contemplated in which one or more auxiliary components, such as a separation tool, cap, lever, or any separation mechanism, can be temporarily or permanently attached to the system to assist in ANTT-compliant separation of the holder 220 from the connecting member 210. The guidance system can ensure that the catheter 160 remains stable relative to the insertion site throughout the separation process. This stability can prevent unintended movement or displacement of the catheter during separation. Separation can be performed using one of two methods: (A) a frontal approach, in which the physician faces the insertion site and performs a direct forward movement; or (B) a vertical oblique approach, in which the physician performs the separation in a vertical trajectory in the sagittal or oblique plane. These methods can allow compliance with clinical protocols while maintaining user ergonomics and minimizing the risk of catheter displacement. While specific separation approaches are illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that other configurations and methods for detaching the holder from the connecting member can be employed as long as they adhere to the principles of sterile non-touch technique (ANTT) and maintain catheter stability during the procedure. These methods can include, but are not limited to, the use of additional components, tools, or mechanisms temporarily or permanently incorporated into the system to facilitate safe, ergonomic, and sterile detachment. Therefore, any detachment method that allows the user to detach the holder from the connecting member without compromising the sterility of the insertion site and displacing the catheter should be considered within the scope of this disclosure.

[0067] 15-16, another embodiment of a connecting member is shown at 310. For the sake of brevity, only those features that differ from connecting member 210 described above will be described below.

[0068] In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting member 310 also includes a support member 213 for engaging the holder 220. The connecting member 310 includes a handle 320 sized to fit within the palm of a physician's hand H, although finger loops, such as for one or more fingers, can also be used, as described in more detail below. The connecting member 310 includes a longitudinal arm 321, at the end of which a bracket 211 or other suitable fastening means is disposed, that projects laterally from the handle 320 and is configured to pivotally engage the guide member 140. The longitudinal arm 321 is offset from either end of the handle 320 so that the arm 321 is received between two fingers of the physician's hand H. That is, in this embodiment, the arm 321 is received between fingers F2 (middle finger) and F3 (ring finger), while fingers F1 (index finger) and F2 are located on the opposite side of the arm 321 and are located between the arm 321 and the support member 213. Preferably, the arm 321 can be accommodated between the fingers F3 and F4 (little fingers). In such a case, only the little finger is located on the left side of the arm 321. Thus, the handle 320 can have two portions 320A and 320B located on either side of the arm 321, although there can also be a single portion. A spacer 322 can protrude from the end of the handle 320 and be used to connect the support member 213 to the handle 320. Note that while this image is provided for a left-handed physician, the device can be flipped 180 degrees for use by a right-handed physician. This configuration can allow the physician to use the thumb T and finger F1, and optionally finger F2, to hold the connecting member 210 using the handle 320 while maintaining fine motor skills. The physician's fingers F3, F4, and / or palm can be used to guide / rotate the connecting member 310 relative to the guiding member 140 while keeping the guiding member 140 aligned and magnetically engaged with the reference member 30 (FIG. 2).

[0069] 17 illustrates a method 1700 for guiding a needle or catheter using an ultrasound transducer 10. The method 1700 includes, at 1702, positioning the ultrasound transducer 10 relative to a patient until a scanning plane of the ultrasound transducer 10 intersects a blood vessel of the patient, at 1704, magnetically coupling a guidance member 40, 140 to a mounting member 32 attached to the ultrasound transducer 10, and, at 1706, engaging a surgical instrument with the guidance member 40, 140.

[0070] In some embodiments, the method 1700 includes inserting the needle or catheter into the blood vessel by one or both of translating and rotating the guide member 40, 140 relative to the mounting member 32 while the reference surface 32A of the mounting member 32 remains in contact with the sliding reference surface 44A of the guide member 40 so that the needle or catheter remains parallel or transverse to the scanning plane of the ultrasound transducer 10.

[0071] It should be noted that the above description and drawings illustrate various connections between elements. These connections are general and, unless otherwise specified, can be direct or indirect, and the specification is not intended to be limiting in this respect. A coupling between two or more entities can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection. An indirect connection can include one or more intervening entities. Thus, the terms "connected" or "coupled" can include both a direct coupling (where two coupled elements contact each other) and an indirect coupling (where at least one additional element is disposed between the two elements).

[0072] Additionally, the above description and drawings have depicted various method or process steps in embodiments of the present disclosure. The description may have presented these method and / or process steps in a particular sequence. However, these methods or processes should not be limited to the particular order of steps described unless reliance is placed on the particular order of steps set forth herein. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, other orders of steps are possible. Therefore, the particular order of steps set forth herein should not be construed as limiting.

[0073] Furthermore, no elements, components, or method steps in this disclosure are intended to be open to the general public, regardless of whether those elements, components, or method steps are expressly recited in the claims. As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variations of these terms, are intended to include a non-exclusive inclusion, and thus a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements does not include only those elements, but may also include other elements not expressly listed or that are specific to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0074] While various aspects of the present disclosure have been disclosed, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the present disclosure described herein includes multiple aspects and embodiments that include particular features. While these particular features may be described individually, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that any or all of these features may be combined with any one of these aspects and remain within the scope of the present disclosure. References to "various embodiments," "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "an exemplary embodiment," etc. indicate that while the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, not all embodiments necessarily include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. The use of the indefinite article "a" in reference to a particular element herein is intended to include "one or more" such elements, and similarly, the use of the definite article "the" in reference to a particular element is not intended to exclude the possibility that multiple such elements are present.

[0075] The term "substantially" in the context of this disclosure refers to slight variations caused by, for example, manufacturing tolerances. The term "about" refers to a variation of plus or minus 10%.

[0076] The embodiments described herein represent non-limiting examples of possible implementations of the present technology. Those skilled in the art will recognize, upon reviewing this disclosure, that modifications can be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope of the present technology. Those skilled in the art will be able to make further modifications in light of this disclosure, which will also fall within the scope of the present technology.

Claims

1. 1. A guidance system for an ultrasound transducer having a body, comprising: a reference member releasably secured to the body of the ultrasonic transducer and having a mounting member defining a reference plane; A sliding portion that defines a sliding reference surface, and a guide portion connected to the slider and configured to hold a surgical instrument for insertion into a patient; an induction member including a magnetic connection that magnetically connects the sliding portion of the guide member to the mounting member and maintains the reference surface of the mounting member in contact with the sliding reference surface of the sliding portion while allowing translation and rotation of the guide member relative to the mounting member; Equipped with the magnetic connection portion is formed by a magnet attached to one of the mounting member and the sliding portion of the guide member, and a magnetically attractable member attached to the other of the mounting member and the sliding portion of the guide member. Guidance system.

2. the reference surface is circular to facilitate rotation of the guide member relative to the reference member; The guidance system of claim 1 .

3. the reference member includes a collar at least partially attached around the body of the ultrasonic transducer, and the attachment member is attached to the collar; 3. A guidance system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The mounting members include three mounting members disposed around the body of the ultrasonic transducer, the three mounting members being spaced 90 degrees apart from one another. A guidance system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the three mounting members include two in-plane mounting members disposed on either side of a body of the ultrasonic transducer, the two in-plane mounting members being disposed on long sides of the body; The guidance system of claim 4 .

6. The reference planes of the two in-plane mounting members are oriented transverse to the scanning plane of the ultrasonic transducer; and the three mounting members include an out-of-plane mounting member disposed midway between the two in-plane mounting members in the circumferential direction, the out-of-plane mounting member facing in a direction parallel to the scanning plane of the ultrasonic transducer; 6. The guidance system of claim 5, wherein the first and second electrodes are either one or both of the first and second electrodes.

7. the mounting member includes a magnet, and the sliding portion includes a magnetically attractable plate that defines the sliding reference surface; A guidance system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. the magnetically attractable plate includes a second magnet configured to attract the magnet of the mounting member; The guidance system of claim 7.

9. the sliding portion defines rails, the sliding reference surfaces are located between the rails, and the rails are configured to maintain the reference surfaces of the mounting member in contact with the sliding reference surfaces. A guidance system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. a holding mechanism engageable with the guide portion for holding the surgical instrument, the holding mechanism comprising: a connecting member pivotally engaging with the guide portion; a holder removably engageable with the connecting member and configured to support the surgical instrument; 10. The guidance system according to claim 1, wherein

11. the connecting member includes a longitudinal arm configured to be received between a user's fingers and a handle configured to engage with the user's hand, the longitudinal arm protruding laterally from the handle, the connecting member having a support member fixed to the handle, and the holder being removably fixed to the support member; The guidance system of claim 10.

12. An ultrasonic transducer, a body having a sensing tip configured to emit ultrasonic waves within a sensing surface; a guidance system fixed to the body; The guidance system comprises: a mounting member that defines a reference plane; A sliding portion that defines a sliding reference surface, and a guide portion connected to the slider and configured to hold a surgical instrument for insertion into a patient; an induction member including a magnetic connection that magnetically connects the sliding portion of the guide member to the mounting member and maintains the reference surface of the mounting member in contact with the sliding reference surface of the sliding portion while allowing translation and rotation of the guide member relative to the mounting member; Equipped with the magnetic connection portion is defined by a magnet attached to one of the mounting member and the sliding portion of the guide member, and a magnetically attractable member attached to the other of the mounting member and the sliding portion of the guide member. Ultrasonic transducer.

13. the reference surface is circular to facilitate rotation of the guide member relative to the reference surface; 13. The ultrasonic transducer of claim 12.

14. The mounting members include three mounting members arranged around the body of the ultrasonic transducer, the three mounting members being spaced 90 degrees apart from one another.

14. The ultrasonic transducer according to claim 12 or 13.

15. the three mounting members include two in-plane mounting members disposed on either side of the body of the ultrasonic transducer, the two in-plane mounting members being disposed on long sides of the body; 15. The ultrasonic transducer of claim 14.

16. the reference planes of the two in-plane mounting members are oriented transverse to the scanning plane of the ultrasonic transducer; the three mounting members include an out-of-plane mounting member disposed midway between the two in-plane mounting members in the circumferential direction, the out-of-plane mounting member facing in a direction parallel to the scanning plane of the ultrasonic transducer; 16. The ultrasonic transducer of claim 15, wherein the first and second electrodes are either or both of the first and second electrodes.

17. the mounting member includes a magnet, and the sliding portion includes a magnetically attractable plate that defines the sliding reference surface; 17. An ultrasonic transducer according to any one of claims 12 to 16.

18. a longitudinal magnet secured to the slide and configured to attract the magnet of the mounting member; 18. The ultrasonic transducer of claim 17.

19. the sliding portion defines rails, the sliding reference surfaces are located between the rails, and the rails are configured to maintain the reference surfaces of the mounting member in contact with the sliding reference surfaces.

19. An ultrasonic transducer according to any one of claims 12 to 18.

20. 1. A method of guiding a surgical instrument using an ultrasonic transducer, comprising: positioning the ultrasound transducer relative to the patient until a scanning plane of the ultrasound transducer intersects a blood vessel of the patient; magnetically connecting an induction member to a mounting member attached to the ultrasonic transducer; engaging the surgical instrument with the guide member; A method comprising:

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