Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Haichong Zhang

Yichuan Tang

Ryosuke Tsumura

An ultrasonic imaging configuration rendering an image based on a reflected beam aligned with a needle insertion axis provides enhanced images and guidance. A percutaneous insertion guidance device for ultrasonic (US) imaging includes an US transducer and a reflector for redirecting imaging signals between the transducer and an imaged region. An enclosure or bracket is adapted to support the reflector at a predetermined angle based on a surgical target in the imaged region such that a forward beam direction from the transducer reflects in a direction of the needle insertion as the needle passes through a discontinuity or slot in the reflector. The resulting return signal is based on an axial alignment of the US signals with the needle travel towards the surgical target.

Ultrasonic imaging device

A Ring-Arrayed Forward-viewing (RAF) ultrasound imaging and administration device combines an ultrasonic (US) US imager including a plurality of single element transducers arranged in a circular frame to define a ring array, and an instrument posture tracking circuit coupled to the ring array for performing RF (radio frequency) data acquisition with the plurality of ring-arrayed transducers. A needle holster is concentrically disposed in the ring array and is adapted to receive and direct an insertion instrument such as a needle, probe or extraction tool along an axis defined by a center of the ring array directed by the concentric needle holster. The tracking circuit includes a processor having instructions for instrument posture tracking and US imaging.

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Shrewsbury, MA, United States of America

Haichong Zhang