C. R. Bard, Inc.

Randi Cleverly

Glade Harold Howell

Robert N Golden

Jon B Newman

Eddie K Burnside

Bret Hamatake

Joseph J Stupak, Jr

Chad A Hadley

Sarah L Creasy

Michael S Guthrie

Sarah L Montgomery

A method of attaching a magnetic element to a needle assembly. The needle assembly can include a cannula extending along a longitudinal axis. The method can include placing the magnetic element in a magnetic field such that a magnetic axis of the magnetic element substantially aligns with the magnetic field. The method can further include securing the magnetic element to a portion of the needle assembly while the magnetic element is substantially aligned with the magnetic field such that the magnetic axis of the magnetic element is secured in a desired predetermined orientation.

Needle assembly including an aligned magnetic element

A guidance system for assisting with the insertion of a needle into a patient body is disclosed. The guidance system utilizes ultrasound imaging or other suitable imaging technology. In one embodiment, the guidance system comprises an imaging device including a probe for producing an image of an internal body portion target, such as a vessel. One or more sensors are included with the probe. The sensors sense a detectable characteristic related to the needle, such as a magnetic field of a magnet included with the needle. The system includes a processor that uses data relating to the sensed characteristic to determine a 3-D position of the needle. The system includes a display for depicting the position of the needle. A needle assembly including a hub, cannula, and magnetic element is also disclosed, wherein a magnetic axis of the magnetic element is configured to be coaxially aligned with the needle cannula.

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Bountiful, UT, United States of America

Randi Cleverly