Patent ID: 7981041
Filing Date: 2011-07-19
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A needle guide for use with an imaging probe, comprising: an elongate guide body configured to mount to the imaging probe; the guide body having a groove running generally longitudinally along a substantial portion of the length of the guide body; the groove having a longitudinal opening extending longitudinally along the groove; wherein the groove is configured to guide translation of a needle along the guide body to a treatment location in a body lumen of a patient; an elongate retainer; and a slot running adjacent to the groove, the slot configured to receive the retainer; wherein the slot is located substantially parallel and external to the groove such that the retainer, when retained in the slot, blocks the longitudinal opening along at least a substantial portion of the length of the longitudinal opening; wherein the retainer slideably mates with the slot such that the retainer may be selectively removed from the guide body to expose the groove, thereby allowing the needle to be separated from the guide body and imaging probe while the needle remains located at the treatment location.