US5611345A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Medical instrument with improved ultrasonic visibility
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1995-04-24
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Granted: 1997-03-18
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Expires: 2015-04-24
Abstract
Abstract A medical instrument, and in particular, a needle, having improved reflective properties and enhanced ultrasonic visibility when used in conjunction with an ultrasonic imaging system is disclosed. The medical instrument has a non-circular shaped portion adapted for insertion into the body, the non-circular shaped portion comprising at least one exterior planar surface capable of reflecting an incident ultrasonic beam.
Inventors
- 👤 John F. Hibbeln
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 15:48
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B8/00; A61B8/08; A61B8/0833; A61B90/00; A61B90/39; A61B2090/3925
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
71 words
A method of monitoring the location of a percutaneous positioned needle comprising: a) providing a percutaneously positioned needle, the needle comprising a body and a distal tip wherein the needle body comprises a non-circular cross-section and, a planar surface; b) directing an incident beam of energy at the planar surface of the needle body such that the incident beam of energy is reflected; and c) receiving and monitoring the reflected beam.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
71 words
A method of monitoring the location of a percutaneous positioned needle comprising: a) providing a percutaneously positioned needle, the needle comprising a body and a distal tip wherein the needle body comprises a non-circular cross-section and, a planar surface; b) directing an incident beam of energy at the planar surface of the needle body such that the incident beam of energy is reflected; and c) receiving and monitoring the reflected beam.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the incident beam comprises an ultrasonic beam.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the needle comprises a biopsy needle.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the needle comprises a fluid aspiration needle.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the needle body comprises a square cross-section.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 5 wherein the needle body comprises a hollow body and a stylet positioned within the hollow body.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the planar surface is continuous along a substantial portion of the length of the needle body.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
53 words
A combination of a needle for insertion into the body and an ultrasonic imaging system adapted to direct an incident beam of ultrasonic energy into the body, the needle comprising a body and a distal tip, the needle body comprising a non-circular cross-section and, a planar surface adopted to reflect the incident beam.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
53 words
A combination of a needle for insertion into the body and an ultrasonic imaging system adapted to direct an incident beam of ultrasonic energy into the body, the needle comprising a body and a distal tip, the needle body comprising a non-circular cross-section and, a planar surface adopted to reflect the incident beam.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
21 words
The needle of claim 8 wherein the needle body comprises a hollow body and a stylet positioned within the hollow body.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
22 words
The needle of claim 9 wherein the planar surface is continuous along a substantial portion of the length of the needle body.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2000-03-17 | 2000-09-16 | 2001-03-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-03-17 | 2004-09-16 | 2005-03-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-03-17 | 2008-09-16 | 2009-03-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |