Patent Description:
Accurate needle placement is vital for performing safe and efficient procedures such as biopsy, drug delivery, vascular access, regional anaesthetic blocks e.g. central and peripheral nerve blocks, and other such medical and non-medical procedures. Also, image guided minimally invasive surgical interventions require the accurate placement of instruments e.g. percutaneous tracheostomy, maternal-fetal inverventions, radiofrequency ablation etc..

Ultrasound (US) scanning can identify and localise the target structure inside the body which can help carrying out an intervention more accurately e.g. needling procedure. Ultrasound guidance is used to improve successful insertion of needle and/or catheter; it provides relevent information e.g. the size of the target, best angle to insert the needle at, the direction of approach, and the depth of the target, along with the length of the needle needed to be inserted, etc. Pre-puncture ultrasound, or pre-intervention imaging guidance is usually used for two main procedures: vascular access, and neuraxial blocks. It can also be used for other procedures, including drainage of cavities, supra pubic catheterisation of the urinary bladder, localization of nerves or other important structures prior to surgery, percutaneous surgical interventions, foreign body/prosthesis localization, joint injections, etc..

When imaging a vessel or nerve as the target structure for a needling procedure, the US probe can either be held in the longitudinal orientation, or transverse orientation. The longitudinal orientation is gained when the long axis of the target structure lines up with the long axis of the footprint of the US probe; whereas the transverse orientation is gained by aligning the short axis of the target structure with the long axis of the footprint of the US probe. In this folowing, 'longitudinal' and 'transverse' will refer to positioning with respect to the target structure, and 'long axis' and 'short axis' will refer to positioning with respect to the US probe. 'Long axis' and 'short axis' will only be used when referring to marking guides in this document.

The use of US to assist needling procedures can take two different forms: real-time, and pre-puncture ultrasound scan.

When carrying out a real-time US procedure, the needle is advanced in conjunction with US imaging, meaning that the ultrasound guides the progress of the needle insertion or other intervention in real time.

Ultrasound beams are planar; both an in-plane technique (the longitudinal axis of the inserted needle would be in the same plane as the ultrasound beam) and an out-of-plane technique (the longitudinal axis of the inserted needle would be in a plane perpendicular to the ultrasound beam) are commonly used techniques in real-time ultrasound guided needle interventions. <FIG> show pictorial representations of out-of-plane and in-plane techniques respectively. Both in-plane and out-of-plane injection techniques have associated advantages and disadvantages, and thus preference as to which technique to use is left to the clinical scenario and discretion of the clinician.

Oblique needle placement is also a possibility. This is not a common procedure; it is performed by expert users to reach a difficult target.

It is not an easy task to insert the needle freehand at a required angle and to the required depth using real-time ultrasound guidance. These procedures require skills obtained through training and experience. Consequently, a needle guidance system may be used by clinicians to help guide a needle into a patient in a more accurate and precise manner with better needle visualisation, reducing the time taken to place the needle.

Examples of needle guidance systems are described in: <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT> and <CIT>.

In pre-puncture ultrasound procedures, the clinician/operator/interventionist (clinician) first carries out a scout US scan. The pre-puncture ultrasound examination is performed to gather information such as (a) location the target, its size, depth etc. (b) assessment of the suitability of the target (c) selection of a safe needle entry point and (d) decision on the plane of needling. Once this is done, the clinician marks the skin before proceeding to insert the needle free-hand using aseptic technique, without real-time guidance of US. When marking the skin, the clinician can either mark in the long axis or the short axis of the US probe.

The choice of a pre-puncture ultrasound technique over a real-time one can be due to many factors, including: the size of the target structure, availability of space for performing the procedure, the entry point of the needle with respect to the transducer placement, equipment constraints, clinical situation, skill of the clinician, the clinician's preferred method and local clinical practice, etc..

The pre-puncture scan can enhance the safety and accuracy of interventions when compared to landmark guided techniques in many situations; e.g. in large build ups of fluid or air, or when the target is large, the pre-puncture technique may be an alternative. This is because a large collection of air or fluid can be confidently drained using a pre-puncture ultrasound technique. Procedures that may be performed using a pre-puncture ultrasound technique include: pleurocentesis, pericardiocentesis, and abscess drainage.

The pre-puncture ultrasound technique may be suitable when there are constraints related to space, such as using adult size ultrasound probes in very small patients or where there is a limited area to scan and perform a real-time ultrasound guided procedure. During central venous catheter (CVC) insertion landmark guided technique, it is possible to miss the internal jugular vein (IJV) and instead puncture the internal carotid artery (ICA), which normally runs medially to it, this can cause potentially life-threatening complications. The use of imaging guidance is expected to reduce/alleviate such complication rate. Also, there can be spatial constraints e.g. in the forearm where the curvature or body shape can make a real-time ultrasound guided procedure difficult, in which case a pre-puncture ultrasound approach would offer some help, and be beneficial to the patient when compared to landmark guided techniques.

In spinal interventions, such as epidural drug delivery, the pre-puncture ultrasound method is recommended to assess the depth and direction of the epidural space or ligamentum flavum - dura complex prior to needling procedure. Also, the realtime ultrasound guided procedure is not very convenient and safe to perform due to technical difficulties including the fact that the path of the needle follows the central line of the transducer. The pre-puncture ultrasound needle guide, as described below, may be of great help in this situation.

When carrying out an invasive procedure like needling, it is important that aseptic technique is used. Normally the US probe is placed inside a sterile cover for use in real-time US procedures, and a sterile US gel should be used. If the clinician has no access to these resources, they can still carry out a pre-puncture ultrasound procedure if they wish to use some US assistance. Also, when delivering a neuraxial block, the use of real-time US using ultrasound gel is of concern as the "neurotoxicity of US gel is unclear" [<NUM>].

It has been documented that multiple attempts to deliver spinal or epidural anaesthesia are associated with a greater incidence of complications such as post dural-puncture headache, paraesthesia, haematoma, and spinal injury, and so reducing the number of attempts will save time, reduce complications and enhance patient care and satisfaction besides improving work flow and operator comfort. The use of pre-puncture ultrasound in epidural anaesthesia is gaining popularity and has been documented in case studies and case series, as well as in randomised control trials by Grau et al [<NUM>]. Also, Chin et al [<NUM>] note that the "first-attempt success rate was twice as high in group US than in group LM" whereby 'group US' used pre-puncture US guided technique, and 'group LM' used landmark guided technique. In addition, the number of needle insertions and number of needle passes were reduced by approximately half in group US compared to group LM. So the use of US guidance is clearly beneficial to patient safety and wellbeing.

<CIT> describes a guidance device for CT guided drainage and biopsy procedures. <CIT> describes a disposable universal needle guide apparatus (for amniocentesis). <CIT> describes a method and device for marking skin during an ultrasound examination. <CIT> describes a device for locating and marking contact point between skin of a patient and centre of ultrasound transducer. <CIT> describes a removable needle rule for ruling the depth of penetration of a needle.

Further relevant prior art is disclosed in <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

A general aim of the present invention is to improve the success rate of real-time and pre-puncture ultrasound guidance.

Especially for pre-puncture ultrasound guidance, a general aim is to reduce the number of passes needed by providing a "needle guide" that can be accurately positioned, subsequent to a US scan, to guide a needle into a patient (or other object) from a desired needle entry/puncture point and at a desired angle and length to reach a target. The Needle guide system in accordance with embodiments of the present invention will be of great help to a wide range of clinicians interventionists, from newly trained to well experienced, when using pre-puncture ultrasound guided procedures, as it provides alternatives to, and also removes some of the technical difficulties of real-time US guidance, whilst having the potential of maintaining the accuracy and precision needed to minimise patient discomfort and improve the outcome. The invention provides a needle guide system according to claim <NUM> and a method of positioning said system according to claim <NUM>.

It should be noted that the term "needle guide" is used herein to refer to a structure that can serve to guide a needle or other similar items, including probes, micro-blades, surgical instruments and other instruments for performing interventions, including interventions other than vascular access and nerve block. The terms "needle guide", "needle" and other terms employing the word "needle" used hereing should be construed accordingly.

In some embodiments, the one or more features on the base of the needle guide are intended for alignment with a mark or marks made on the surface using the surface marking guide.

Another variable that requires consideration is the orientation in which the US probe is held with regards to the plane of the direction of travel of the needle. When marking in the long axis of the footprint of the probe, the mark would be made on the skin further away from the midline of the image and so the angle of entry must be smaller in order for the needle to enter the target at the location that was scanned. The opposite is true whilst marking in the short axis, as the mark will be closer, so the angle of entry needs to be greater. However, we can modify this angle of insertion by moving the guide itself either closer to, or further from, the centre point of the US probe.

Thus, in other embodiments, the system further comprises a second marking guide that has a first set of one or more features for alignment with marks made using the surface marking guide and a second set of one or more features (e.g. a ruled edge with length markings, or marks transfer adaptor) for identifying to a user where to mark a surface to make secondary marking offset from the marking made using the surface marking guide. In this case, the one or more features on the base of the needle guide are then intended for alignment with a mark or marks made on the surface using the second marking guide. This offsetting of the markings may be desirable in some case, for example to allow a different angle of insertion and to reach other targets within the US image. This offsetting of the markings may also be desirable to allow needle insertion at any position on the surface in between the long axis and short axis of the US probe footprint.

The second marking guide may be integral with the surface marking guide or separate from it. It may, for example, be a simple rule. Alternatively, it could be a slidable extension strip that can be extended from the surface marking guide. Another possibility is that the second marking guide is an optical device that projects guide features onto the surface.

The difference between marking in the long axis and short axis can also be accomodated by differing the distance from the scanned plane to the marking guide, making the long axis marking guide closer, the short axis marking guide further away, or both, as described further below.

In some embodiments, the one or more features of the surface contact portion of the surface marking guide define a position relative to a centre line of the ultrasound probe and an orientation of the probe.

The features may take any of a number of appropriate forms that are able to define a position and an orientation. Examples include, but are not limited to one or any combination of two or more of:.

In some embodiments, the marking guide can be a laser/light guide attached to the probe. Such optical device project a feature (similar to above) on the skin, which is used to mark the appropriate feature on the surface of the skin using a marker.

In some embodiments, the features on the base of the needle guide are the same as the features on the surface contact portion of the surface marking guide.

In some embodiments the base of the needle guide and/or the surface contact portion of the surface marking guide may be 'sticky' (e.g. have an adhesive layer or substance applied to them) in order to help provide a stable placement once positioned on the skin and/or to hold the component in place even when not being held by hand. This may be particularly beneficial for the base of the needle guide, for helping to keep the needle guide stable during needle insertion. Similarly, any other skin contacting elements of the system may, if desired, have an adhesive layer or substance applied to them to help provide stable placement on the skin and/or to hold the component in place even when not being held by hand.

The angle of needle insertion and length to which the needle must be inserted can be determined, for a given needle insertion point, from the pre-puncture ultrasound. The desired angle will typically differ depending on the procedure and the clinician's preference. For example, with vascular access, the entry angle is important to allow for successful cannulation with reduced or no complications, such as a catheter or guide-wire kink. It would therefore be advisable for the pre-puncture ultrasound needle guide assistance to use angles such as <NUM>°, <NUM>°, and <NUM>° or thereabouts. For nerve blocks, on the other hand, the angle may be less important unless a catheter is inserted along the long axis of nerve to provide continuous block, hence target depth, adjacent structures and spatial constraints become more important parameters. Thus, for pre-puncture ultrasound needle guide assistance, a wide range of angles may be used, including angles such as <NUM>° and <NUM>°. Taking into account both vascular access and nerve block like procedures, this gives a typical range of angles of <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, and <NUM>° or thereabouts.

To cater for different needle insertion angles, in some embodiments the needle guide system includes a plurality of needle guides in which the angle of the needle channels relative to the bases of the needle guides are different from one another.

In other embodiments, a single needle guide may cater for multiple needle insertion angles. More specifically, the needle guide can be configured so that a needle channel can be provided at a plurality of different angles relative to the base of the needle guide.

For example, a needle guide may be provided in which the needle support can be selectively mounted at any one of a plurality of discrete needle support mounting positions on the base, the angle of the needle channel being different at each mounting position.

Alternatively, the needle support may be pivotably mounted on the base of the needle guide, whereby the angle of the needle channel relative to the base can be varied by pivoting the needle support relative to the base. Where the angle is variable, markings can be provided on the needle guide to indicate the appropriate angular position of the needle channel for a given desired needle insertion angle and/or target depth. This can cater for insertion of the needle at any chosen angle or to reach any chosen depth along the centre line of the US probe.

It may sometimes be desirable to insert one, two or more needles close to each other, and parallel to each other or at other angular orientations, during the same pre-puncture ultrasound guided procedure. Therefore, the needle guide may have one, two or more needle channels, which are parallel to each other or at other angular configurations.

To cater for different gauge needles, the system may be provided with a plurality of needle supports, each needle support having a needle channel adapted to receive a needle of a different gauge to the other needle supports. In some embodiments, the needle supports (e.g. a needle gauge insert) can, for example, be formed in two parts that can be separated and placed around the needle, or can be manufactured using a flexible material with a vertical split, to allow for non-uniform needles or surgical instrument, such as the Tuohy needle, to be used.

In some embodiments, the surface marking guide and needle guide are configured so that when the needle is in the needle channel with the needle guide located by the marks on the surface, the needle is aligned with the US probe axis, the probe axis being the axis that was through the centre line of the US probe when the probe was positioned on the surface and the surface was marked using the surface marking guide.

In some embodiments, the surface contact portion of the surface marking guide is fixed to the attachment portion via a curved arm, a centre of curvature of the curved arm being located at a mid-point of the US probe footprint when the surface marking guide is mounted on the probe. The length of the curved arm is preferably adjustable to change the angle of the surface contact portion relative to the attachment portion. In such embodiments, the needle support of the needle guide is also attached to the base of the needle guide via a curved arm that has the same radius of curvature as the curved arm connecting the surface contact portion of the surface marking guide to the attachment portion of the surface marking guide. This can enable the needle entry point on the skin to be at the centre of the US probe used in the pre-scan. In this example, the surface contact portion of the surface marking guide and the base of the needle guide may be identical or the same component.

As noted above, to accurately place the tip of a needle at a target, as well as inserting the needle at a defined angle, it is also important to insert the needle to a specific depth. It is a combination of the needle entry point, needle angle and insertion length that determine the final position of the needle tip. In some embodiments, the needle guide system also includes a needle insertion length rule that can be used to mark a needle with a desired needle insertion length.

In some embodiments, the needle itself is also supplied as part of the system. That is, the system can be a kit of parts including the surface marking guide, the needle guide, an introducer needle, and the needle, in some cases including a plurality of needle guides for different angles and/or target depths, and/or a plurality of needle supports for different gauge needles. Preferably, the needle guides have markings to identify the needle angle and/or depth they are to be used for.

In some embodiments, the surface marking guide comprises an optical guide attachment on the probe and features projected onto the surface by this optical guide attachment. In this case the primary marks are made on the surface on or adjacent to the projected features. In other embodiments, the step of marking the surface may comprise transferring a marking element (e.g. a sticker) from the marking guide to the surface.

In some embodiments, the method uses a second marking guide to make one or more secondary marks on the surface at a predetermined position relative to said one or more primary marks. In this case, the step of aligning the base comprises aligning the base of the needle guide with one or more of the primary and/or secondary marks.

In some embodiments, a chart or software associated with the US probe is used to indicate the required needle insertion angle, needle insertion length and other details to reach a target at a specific depth on the centre line of the US probe. The chart or software may indicate the required needle insertion angle and needle insertion length taking account of needle insertion points at different off-sets from the US probe centre line. The chart or software associated with the US probe may provide the appropriate needle guide to be used; this can be a needle guide with a specific needle insertion angle, or a needle guide with appropriate configuration to reach any target position on the US image.

In some embodiments the needle guide is removed once the needle has been inserted. This may be achieved using a needle guide in which the needle support can be separated from the needle guide base, for example; or by using a needle guide in which the needle channel is open on one side so that it can be removed laterally from the needle, with the needle passing through the open side.

A needle guide system according to claims <NUM>-<NUM> is used for the method of claims <NUM> and <NUM>.

In a third aspect, the invention provides a needle guide for use with an ultrasound probe (also known as ultrasound transducer) to guide a needle or instrument (in real-time, i.e. whilst the probe is in position on a patient) along a predetermined path relative to the ultrasound probe, the needle guide comprising:.

Embodiments of this aspect of the invention have the advantage that it becomes possible to remove the needle support completely from the needle during a procedure whilst the needle is in situ in the patient. In some embodiments it is also possible to remove the entire needle guide from the needle and the ultrasound probe whilst maintaining the needle in situ and the ultrasound probe in position.

In some embodiments, in order to attach the needle support to the needle guide body, these two parts may comprise cooperating engagement features that can be releasably engaged with one another. For example, a protruberance may be formed on one of the components with a socket into which the protruberance can be received on the other component. The protruberance may be formed on the needle guide body and the socket on the needle support or vice versa.

In some embodiments using a socket/protruberance type engagement between the needle support and the needle guide body the socket is defined between the inner faces of two opposed arms that can be moved apart to receive the protruberance therebetween and closed around the protruberance to secure it in the socket.

In some embodiments the cooperating engagement features are configured so that they can be disengaged from one another by moving the needle support relative to the needle guide body in a direction generally in line with the needle axis when the needle is engaged in the needle channel. For example, the needle support may include a cylindrical barrel within which the needle channel is formed along the axis of the barrel and the needle guide body may have a cylindrical socket within which the barrel of the needle support can be received. Alternatively, the needle support may include one or more tabs that can be engaged with and disengaged from complementary slots in the needle guide body by moving the needle support relative to the needle guide body generally in line with the needle axis.

In some embodiments, the needle channel within the needle support is open on the side that faces the needle guide body. In this case, the open side of the channel can be closed off by the needle guide body when the needle support and needle guide body are attached to one another, to securely hold the needle in the desired position. However, by having an open sided channel in the needle support it becomes possible to easily release the needle once the needle support is disengaged from the needle guide body.

In some embodiments, the needle guide is configured such that, with a needle in place in the needle channel and inserted into a patient, when the needle support is disengaged from the needle guide body, the needle becomes disengaged from the needle guide body and can be manipulated freely relative to the needle guide body. The needle can be manipulated with the needle support still in place around the needle. Alternatively, the needle support may be removed from the needle prior to manipulation of the needle.

In some embodiments the needle support is also configured to be removeable laterally from the needle (i.e. without having to slide the needle support off the end of the needle) when the needle support is disengaged from the needle guide body. For example, the needle support may comprise a pair of opposed arms with the needle channel defined between opposed faces of the arms. In this way, the arms may be moved apart from one another to open the channel and allow the needle to be released laterally from the channel.

In some embodiments in which the needle support comprises two opposed arms, opposed faces of the arms may define a socket in the needle support for engaging a protruberance on the needle guide body and may also define the needle channel. In such arrangements, when the arms are moved apart the needle support can be detached from the needle guide body and the needle at the same time.

In embodiments in which the needle support comprises two opposed arms as proposed above, the arms may be biased towards one another, for example by a spring.

In order to facilitate opening of the arms of the needle support for release from the needle guide body and/or for opening the needle channel, the arms may be pivoted to one another. Grip portions of the arms may be provided to the opposite side of the pivot from the socket and/or needle channel to facilitate opening of the arms (e.g. against a biasing force) to move the opposed faces of the arms apart from one another.

In some embodiments, the needle support comprises a needle support body and a needle channel insert that is mountable on and detachable from the needle support body, the needle channel being formed in the needle channel insert. In this way, it is possible to accommodate different needle sizes simply by selecting a needle channel insert with an appropriately sized needle channel.

In embodiments in which the needle support comprises a pair of opposed arms, the needle channel insert may be formed in two parts, each part mountable on a respective one of the arms so that when the arms are closed together the two parts of the needle channel insert are held together to form the needle channel therebetween. For convenience, in some embodiments the two parts of the needle channel insert are held together prior to use with a connector element (e.g. a weak link element) that can be broken or removed once the two parts are in place.

In some other embodiments, rather than the needle channel being formed between opposed faces of the two arms of the needle support or within a needle channel insert, the needle channel may be provided between an inside surface of one of the arms and a needle channel insert mounted on that arm. The needle channel insert may be mounted on the arm by a sliding connection or a pivot connection, for example. This configuration has the advantage that it is potentially possible to release the needle from the needle channel independently of releasing the needle support from the needle guide body. It is possible to adapt the needle support to different needle sizes by selecting a needle channel insert with an appropriately sized needle channel.

In some embodiments, the angle of the needle channel is adjustable relative to the needle guide body, whereby in use any of a number of different angles of attack for a needle relative to the ultrasound probe can be selected. Whilst the needle guide may be configured to dictate a plurality of discrete angles for the needle channel, in some embodiments the angle of the needle guide is adjustable in a continuous range between two end points.

In some embodiments, in which the needle support is releasably attached to the needle guide body by cooperating engagement features, the cooperating engagement feature on the needle guide body may be pivotable to change the angle of this feature relative to the needle guide body, thereby to change the angle of the needle support, and the needle channel therein, relative to the needle guide body. For example, the needle guide body may comprise a main body part and a pivot arm pivotally attached to the main body part, with the cooperating engagement feature being provided on the pivot arm. In this way, pivoting the pivot arm relative to the main body part adjusts the angle of the engagement feature and hence ultimately the angle of attack of the needle in use.

In some embodiments, in order that the needle angle can be accurately set, the needle guide comprises scale markings and a marker that moves along the scale markings with the changing angle of the needle channel to indicate a current angle of the needle channel relative to the needle guide body (and hence relative to the axis of the ultrasound probe in use). For example, in the case where the needle guide body comprises a main body part and a pivot arm, the scale markings may be formed on the main body part and a marker on the pivot arm can indicate the angle (or the pivot arm itself may serve as the marker).

The scale markings for adjustment of the needle guide can be either:.

Whilst the needle guide of the third aspect may be configured for direct attachment to the ultrasound probe, it is more preferred that the attachment is via a bracket. In this way, different brackets may be configured for attachment to different models of ultrasound probe so that the same needle guide may be used with multiple probe models simply by selecting the appropriate bracket.

Accordingly, in a fourth aspect, the invention provides a needle guide system, comprising a needle guide according to the first aspect above and a bracket for mounting the needle guide to the ultrasound probe.

In some embodiments the bracket is adapted to engage with the ultrasound probe in a specific fixed orientation and position relative to the probe and the bracket comprises at least one needle guide mount on which the needle guide can be mounted at a specific position on the bracket and at a specific orientation relative to the bracket. In this way, the position and angle of the needle channel in the needle guide relative to the ultrasound probe can be accurately repeated every time.

The bracket may be a single-piece component that can be mounted on the ultrasound probe (e.g. by pushing onto the bottom of the probe, placing over the top of the probe or pushing on from a side of the probe. Alternatively, the bracket may comprise two or more parts that can be mounted on the probe and held in position, in a fixed orientation, using an appropriate locking mechanism.

In some cases, it may be desirable to introduce the needle from different positions around the ultrasound probe, for example to gain the advantages of oblique needle placement. Accordingly, in some embodiments the bracket comprises a plurality of needle guide mounts for mounting the needle guide on the bracket at a corresponding plurality of specific positions. The bracket may be configured, for example, to extend at least partially around the ultrasound probe in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the ultrasound beam produced by the probe, with the plurality of needle guide mounts spaced along the bracket. The bracket may, for example, have mounts spaced apart at <NUM> degree intervals around the bracket, <NUM> degree intervals around the bracket or some other regular or irregular interval. Additionally or alternatively, the bracket may have a plurality of guide mounts side-by-side along the bracket, all oriented in the same direction.

In a further alternative embodiment, the bracket may include a needle guide mount that takes the form of a continuous rail extending around a segment of (or the whole of) the bracket, so that the needle guide can be mounted at any location along the rail. The rail may, for example, have a semi-circular / semi eliptic or circular / eliptic form to wrap around two or more sides of the ultrasound probe when the bracket is mounted on the ultrasound probe. The rail (or a portion of the bracket adjacent the rail) may have markings to indicate positions around the perimeter of the ultrasound probe to help ensure accurate placement of the needle guide and hence the needle itself.

The position of the bracket around the ultrasound probe can be changed manually.

In some embodiments, the bracket further comprises a needle support mount on which the needle support can be mounted when it is detached from the needle guide body.

In a fifth aspect, the invention provides a kit of parts for a needle guide or a needle guide system, the kit of parts comprising:.

In some embodiments, the kit of parts according to this aspect includes a plurality of needle depth pointers adapted for use with different gauge needles.

In some embodiments, the needle itself and an introducer needle are also supplied as part of the system. That is, the system can be a kit of parts including the needle guide, (optionally) an introducer needle, and the needle itself. In some cases the kit may include a plurality of introducer needles of different lengths and gauges, and/or a plurality of needle supports for different gauge needles.

An example of a needle rule that can be used in conjunction with a depth guide for setting an insertion length on the needle is described in <CIT>.

Where practicable, features described above in the context of pre-puncture embodiments can also be used in conjunction with real-time embodiments and vice versa.

The invention will now be further described with reference to the following non-limiting Figures and Examples. Other embodiments of the invention will occur to those skilled in the art in the light of these. Embodiments of pre-puncture needle guides are discussed first, followed by embodiments of real-time needle guides.

Two types of pre-puncture guides have been developed and examples of each type are described below: one system for universal pre-puncture ultrasound needle guidance, referred to as "The Universal Guide", and one specific for certain procedures, such as epidural procedures, where the US probe placement may hinder the needle insertion point and needle trajectory in real time guidance, for example, when there is a need to insert the needle at the centre of the US probe footprint at any angle; this is referred to a "The Epidural System" for ease of reference, although it has wider applicability. A more generic name can be "inter-probe base variable pose guide system".

The pre-puncture ultrasound Universal Guide systems are designed to be as simple and streamlined as possible to provide quick and effective needle guidance for situations that prohibit or do not necessitate the use of more advanced systems, or where realtime ultrasound guidance is not possible, or where the target size is large (i.e. criticality of high accuracy is reduced), etc. It should also be noted that the proposed systems allow for the needle to be inserted both, outside of, or within, the footprint of the US probe. The Epidural System can be used with different types of ultrasound probe e.g. linear, curvilinear etc., and is specifically targeted for procedures which necessitate the insertion of the needle at the centre of the US probe footprint within a range of angles. For ease of reference, it is referred to in this document as "Epidural System" as it will be most commonly used for epidurals. However, it can be used for other procedures which involve the same needle insertion requirements, including spinal anaesthesia, abscess drainage, biopsies, etc..

The general process of using the Loughborough University (LU) Pre-Puncture Ultrasound Needle Guide system is as follows. First, a US scan of the target area is performed and the target is located. The surface of the body is then marked relative to the US probe using a probe attachment (i.e. a surface marking guide). The LU needle guide is then aligned to the mark (or marks made on the surface using the second marking guide), and finally the needle is inserted using the needle guide.

The skilled person will appreciate that the needle guides illustrated in the Figures and described above are examples embodying inventive concepts described herein and that many and various modifications can be made without departing from the invention as defined by the scope of the claims.

Three types of the universal guide system have been developed,.

The Centre Line Fixed Depth and the Centre Line Fixed Angle systems can be used with two universal guide types, the Key System and the Protractor System. Here, the 'Depth' refers to the depth of the target, on the ultrasound image, with respect to the body surface; and the 'Angle' refers to the needle insertion angle with respect to the body surface. Typical images of the universal guide demonstrating the main principles of the system are shown in <FIG> (Key System) and <FIG> (Protractor System). Full description and method of use for both systems are discussed below. It should be noted that while the Protractor System is described below for Fixed Angle use, it can also be used for Fixed Depth.

The Variable Angle and Depth (VAD) System works on the same principle as the CLFA and the CLFD systems, but allows one guide to be used for a range of depths and angles. <FIG> shows a typical VAD system.

The pre-puncture ultrasound needling procedure is undertaken by first scanning the area. The target is then located, depth measured (on the US monitor) and any structures which can complicate the procedure are determined. Secondly a marking strip attached to the US probe such as typically shown in <FIG> is used to create a mark on the skin using a marker pen (alternatively, a "transferrable marking sticker" may be transferred from the marking strip to the skin when the marking strip is pressed against the skin). The "L" (referring to the Long axis of the US probe ) and "T" (referring to the Short axis of the US probe) are used throughout the design as a means to quickly identify the relevant needle guide for the marking strip; different letters may be used for such identification. It should be noted that the marking strip attachment to the probe may be done differently and will depend on the US probe shape and size, which differ depending on the manufacturer. <FIG> shows an alternative design of the marking guide which features both L and T marking strips.

Next the needle guide <NUM> is aligned to the mark on the skin and the needle <NUM> is inserted. This process differs for the Key and Protractor systems and are discussed further below.

The Universal Guide systems can be used for:.

This is when the US probe <NUM> is held transverse to the target structure, and the L marking guide <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) is used, so that the needle <NUM> is inserted transversely to the target (e.g. nerve block).

This is when the US probe <NUM> is held transverse to the target structure, and the T marking (shown in <FIG>) guide is used, so that the needle <NUM> is inserted longitudinally with the target (e.g. vascular access).

This is when the US probe <NUM> is held longitudinal to the target structure, and the L marking guide <NUM> is used, so that the needle <NUM> is inserted longitudinally with the target (e.g. vascular access).

This is when the US probe <NUM> is held longitudinal to the target structure, and the T marking guide <NUM> is used, so that the needle <NUM> is inserted transversely to the target (e.g. nerve block).

e) Longitudinal or Transverse scanning with needle insertion between L and T axes, referred to here as Off-Axis (OA) needle insertion. Users, especially advanced users, will sometimes want to introduce the needle <NUM> this way to avoid one or more structures on the trajectory to the target. Either the aforementioned second marking guide <NUM> is used here or a marking strip <NUM> of a different orientation with respect to the L and T strips is attached to the marking guide. It must be noted that marking strips at varying angles with respect to the L (or T) strip can be attached to the marking guide <NUM>.

The choice between the methods is based on the target structure, clinical decision, and on the experience and/or choice of the clinician.

Looking now specifically at the Key system (e.g. as seen in <FIG>), the flow chart in <FIG>, depicts which process to follow for the Key system depending on the position of the target with respect to the US probe centre line <NUM> and the needle trajectory line(s) and/or choice of the operator. It should be noted that the needle trajectory lines can be shown automatically on the US screen image once a guide is selected, i.e. software/programming will be embedded within the US software or on a different device, for example as an app on a smartphone or tablet device.

A typical key system is composed of a needle guide <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and a marking guide <NUM> as shown in any of <FIG>.

The needle guide <NUM>, is for guiding a needle <NUM> (or an introducer needle) and includes:.

In some embodiments, the needle guage insert <NUM> may be composed of two parts, which are mounted on the needle before it is inserted into the channel. In other embodiments, the insert may be formed from a flexible material and with a vertical split. These forms of insert may be useful when the needle tip is not uniform with respect to the rest of the cylindrical section of the needle, for example a Tuohy needle (See <FIG>).

The marking guide <NUM> is attached to a US probe <NUM> and includes:.

The kit may also include a depth gauge <NUM> to be used when the user wants to mark the needle insertion length on the needle - see <FIG>.

The key pre-puncture ultrasound guide body will come in a sterile pack. The needle gauge insert may be supplied separately to the guide body, either independently or in a pack with an introducer needle and a needle <NUM> of corresponding gauge, and will also come in a sterile pack. The needle gauge inserts, which are needle gauge (or introducer needle gauge) specific, will be available for a range of needle gauges. The needle guide body can be used for different needle gauges as the outside dimensions of the inserts are all identical. The Key pre-puncture ultrasound guide body and the Needle Gauge Insert are designed to be single use and disposable. However, the Marking guide <NUM> can be reusable and needs only cleaning (instead of sterilising) as it is attached to a non-sterile US probe <NUM>.

<FIG> show the marking guides fitted to a linear US probe <NUM>. While the marking guides are shown with a linear US probe <NUM> the system can also be used with a curvilinear, or any other, US probe <NUM> by attaching an appropriate marking guide <NUM> to suit the shape and size of the probe <NUM>.

The Centre Line Fixed Depth (CLFD) pre-scan system is intended to provide a simple needle guidance system. An assembly of the CLFD Key system is composed of the Key Guide assembly, shown in <FIG> and the Marking Guide assembly shown in one of <FIG>. The CLFD Key system provides a guide for the needle <NUM> to reach a target on the centre line <NUM> of the US probe <NUM> when such a target is at the depth indicated on the Key System Needle Guide body. Both the US probe centre line target depth and the needle insertion length (with respect to the needle guide body to reach the centre line target) are fixed for each guide and can be given on the guide body.

A Key Needle Guide body could be provided for target depth increments of <NUM> (or other increments), and for each US probe centre line depth increment the respective needle insertion length can be marked on the guide body below or adjacent to the centre line depth value.

The process of using the system is as follows:.

If the target is on one of the Needle Trajectory Lines but is not on the Centre line <NUM> of the US probe <NUM> as indicated in <FIG>, then the depth of the target (with respect to the base of the probe <NUM>) must be measured on the ultrasound image and the corresponding needle insertion length is read from a chart provided, typically as shown in Table <NUM>. For example, for a "Fixed" Depth <NUM> Key Needle Guide body, and a target depth of <NUM>, the needle insertion length is given as <NUM>. Such information is dependent on the dimensions of the Needle Guide body and obviously will differ if the relevant dimensions of the Needle Guide body are changed (during the design phase); such dimensions can also be provided automatically on the US image following a "click" on a target placed on any of the needle trajectory lines (described in Step <NUM> above). It should also be noted that the software may be embedded in other devices.

The values for Table <NUM> have been calculated using Equation (<NUM>), shown below, for a <NUM> 'fixed' depth Needle guide Body, and with reference to dimensions shown in <FIG>. It should be noted that the needle insertion length includes the distance travelled through the guide.

It must be noted that a different equation would be used if instead of dimension 'C', a different dimension, such as the dimension along the insertion path from the entry point of the Needle Gauge Insert <NUM> to the base of the Needle Guide Body, is given.

If the target falls in-between the trajectory lines, provided by the US display for the CLFD for different depths (i.e. when the target is not at a fixed depth), then the needle entry point <NUM> must be moved closer to the US probe <NUM> in order to reach the target by selecting the Needle Guide Body corresponding the needle trajectory line underneath the target point on the US display (i.e. corresponding to the Needle Guide body for the next larger fixed depth with respect to the target depth). The system calculates how much the Needle Guide Body will need to be shifted to reach the target. The needle trajectory line used (and then shifted) is always the one "below" the target, so that the needle insertion point is moved closer to the US probe centre line <NUM>. This is shown diagrammatically in <FIG> and <FIG>. It should be noted that if the trajectory lines are not visible, the depth of the target point is measured and the Needle Guide body corresponding to the next larger fixed depth with respect to the target depth is selected.

With reference to <FIG>, the 'shift distance' (A - B) is calculated using the measured target depth distance (X), the known depth value for the selected Needle Guide Body (distance Y); the needle entry point distance (A), with respect to the US probe centre line <NUM>, of the selected Needle Guide Body (i.e. the Needle Guide Body corresponding to the trajectory line below the target point, which also corresponds to the Needle Guide body for the next larger fixed depth with respect to the target depth).

The 'shift distance' (A - B) is obtained using equation (<NUM>), where A and Y are constants for a given fixed depth needle guide body and X is the depth of the target. It must be noted that different equations can also be used to work out the 'shift distance' (A - B).

New marks are made on the skin using a similar technique to the one described below for the "Centre Line Fixed Angle (CLFA) Key System - Fixed Angle Needle Insertion", which also describes another alternative by means of a needle guide <NUM> which incorporates a rule, illustrated in <FIG>.

This system can be used to approach a certain location at a desired angle (e.g. for venous access). The Centre Line Fixed Angle (CLFA) key system allows a target at any depth on the centre line <NUM> of the US probe <NUM> to be reached at any given angle (e.g. <NUM><NUM>, <NUM><NUM>, <NUM><NUM> etc.). This is achieved by shifting the Needle Guide Body placement closer to or further from the US probe centre line <NUM> when clinically possible/suitable, to hit a target shallower or deeper respectively. A set of rules and marking gauges have been developed for this method to allow the skin position mark, referred to here as the "Gamma" mark, to be positioned into the correct position as described in the process below.

In the various procedures discussed above, various alternative forms of marker guide and needle guide <NUM> could be used, with different features defining the marks. Examples are shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> shows a line and dot arrangement for marking. The marking guide <NUM> and the needle guide <NUM> both have a recessed chamfered slot and hole which the line and dot can be marked in / aligned with respectively. To align the guide, the hole is first aligned with the dot, and then, whilst keeping the dot in position, the guide is rotated such that the line is within the slot. Alternatively, the slot could be aligned with the line first and then the guide is shifted to align it with the dot.

<FIG> shows a similar arrangement but in this case the features on the needle guide <NUM> are in effect one half of the slot and one quarter of the hole of the arrangement see in <FIG>, to provide a recessed straight edge and a notch used for lining up with the line and dot respectively. The quarter circle allows the clinician to view the dot easily without obstruction. In this case the marking guide <NUM> is the same as the one seen in <FIG>.

<FIG> shows another variant. In this case, the hole for marking the dot is offset from the line of the slot (the slot being in-line with the US plane). The needle guide <NUM> has a recessed straight edge (as in <FIG>) to align with the line, and a semi-circular notch at the end to line up with the dot.

Various other arrangements of features are suitable to achieve the desired marking and alignment. It should be noted that some marking arrangements may provide better alignment accuracy; for example, a 'line and dot' may provide a more accurate and easier alignment arrangement compared to a 'dot and dot' feature.

The systems described above have featured different Needle Guides <NUM> for Longitudinal and Transverse applications. The need for this arises because the same length of marking guide strip <NUM> is used for both orientations. It is, however, possible to change the dimensions of the marking guide strips in order to have a common Needle Guide for both Longitudinal and Transverse applications. This is achieved by ensuring that the distance of the L and T marking strips furthest edge to the US probe midpoint is equal (shown in <FIG>). The same also applies to other forms of marking the skin, for example an optical system would be positioned at the same distance with respect to the probe centre line <NUM> for both orientations.

Making these distances the same means that the needle guides <NUM> only need to be produced in one size to reach a given depth removing the need for T or L markings on the Needle Guide Bodies <NUM> thus simplifying the system.

The Protractor system is used for fixed angle procedures similar to the Key CLFA System as outlined above.

There are two methods of positioning the protractor pre-puncture ultrasound system; that will be referred to in the following as the "Gamma" marking method and the "Line & Dot" method respectively.

Typical examples of the protractor system are shown in <FIG>. The system is used with a needle <NUM>, having a depth mark (as in the systems described above). The needle guide <NUM> includes a needle guide body (referred to as a "protractor" because of the shape) and a quick release needle gauge clip <NUM> (corresponding to the gauge of the needle <NUM>) that attaches to the needle guide body at the desired angle. This system uses the same other components as the Key Systems, i.e.: a US probe <NUM>, marking guide body <NUM> and marking strip <NUM> (for example as shown in <FIG>, and a needle insertion length rule (for example as shown in <FIG>).

The protractor pre-scan system will be packaged in a sterile pack containing a range of different gauges of Needle Gauge clip <NUM>. The same protractor body can be used for different needle gauges by simply choosing a Needle Gauge clip <NUM> of the desired gauge. All of the components are designed to be single use and disposable.

The needle guide <NUM> seen in <FIG> differs from the guide in <FIG> in that it caters for two different angles of insertion. The needle gauge clip <NUM> can be attached in a selected one of two different positions depending on the chosen angle. The two needle guides <NUM> also show different features for alignment with the skin marks, as discussed below. Such alignment features can be used for either of the guides.

The "Gamma" Protractor system utilises the "Gamma" (Square Edge) marking guide <NUM> shown in <FIG> (although any appropriate marking guide <NUM> may be used, including those discussed above in the context of the 'key system'). This guide is used in the following manner.

The "Line and Dot" Protractor system utilises the line dot marking guide <NUM> shown in <FIG> and, in this example, the needle guide <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

A Variable Angle and Depth (VAD) system has been developed as shown in <FIG>. This allows a single pre-scan needle guide <NUM> to be used to reach targets at different depths and also for different insertion angles. As seen most clearly in <FIG>, follower <NUM> pegs run on tracks on the VAD body. A key feature is that these tracks have a projected centre of curvature at the point where the needle <NUM> is required to enter the skin. The follower <NUM> has a number of locating pegs (typically <NUM> or <NUM>) which provide a stable and smooth movement along the tracks (A single track with just two locating pegs can also be used). The depth scale <NUM> is marked on the top of the device, and the angular scale <NUM> is marked on both faces, making it symmetrical.

<FIG> illustrate further optional features that could be incorporated in the VAD system for ease of use, including:.

Ultrasound guidance is used for the Spinal or Epidural or Combined Spinal epidural anaesthesia to assess the level of vertebra, needle entry direction/path and depth of dura-ligamentum flavum complex. The needle entry point is normally along the midline axis of the US Probe <NUM> and thus causes difficulties to the clinician in inserting a needle <NUM> at the correct point and with the correct orientation in real time ultrasound guidance. Also, the Key and the Protractor Needle Guides <NUM>, discussed above may be too restrictive and demand more setting up, so an Epidural Needle Guidance System has been developed to assist with such procedural requirements. The key design feature of the epidural pre-scan system is that the centre of curvature of the needle guide <NUM> is at the mid-point of the US probe <NUM> and thus the needle entry point <NUM>. Ideally the needle <NUM> should follow a chosen path determined during pre-scanning. This requires the pose of the probe <NUM> to be measured as well as locating the entry point <NUM>. The needle insertion depth can also be determined.

Although it is called the Epidural System, this pre-puncture ultrasound needle guide could be used with any other procedure using a curvilinear or linear probe <NUM>, for example Spinal or Combined Spinal Epidural or liver biopsy or abscess drainage among others.

Epidural procedures normally use a Curvilinear Ultrasound Probe rather than a Linear Probe; therefore, for demonstration of the principle, an exemplary guide system has been designed to fit a GE Curvilinear Probe 4C. However, the proposed guide systems can be designed to fit any type of ultrasound probes. The Epidural Needle Guidance System and typical epidural process are described below.

It should be noted that there are medical interventions which can be performed using a rotation (tilt) of the probe <NUM> in just the transverse plane (Single Axis Method), and other interventions, as described later, when for example the vertebra is rotated in the transverse plane, meaning that the optimum pose of the probe necessitate a rotation in the transverse plane as well as in the sagittal plane (Dual Axis Method). The procedure requiring just one angle of rotation/tilt (the Single Axis Method) is described first.

A typical system is shown in <FIG>. Using this system the scan is first undertaken with the bracket <NUM> attached but without the marking guide <NUM> (i.e. without the angle arm attachment and marking base). This gives the clinician the ability/freedom to rotate/maneuver the probe <NUM> through a large angular range while performing transverse or longitudinal scans. The marking guide <NUM> is then attached to the bracket and the procedure is completed as described below. If required, the marking guide <NUM> can also be removed and re-inserted as and when desired.

The use of a removable Marking Guide System is preferable, compared to a system with the angle arm permanently fixed to the bracket, to give the clinician maximum freedom in the manipulation of the probe <NUM> during the pre-scan. Different alternative attachment methods are shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>.

It should be noted that instead of transferring the angular position, read from the marking guide <NUM>, to a sterile needle guide <NUM> (as per Steps <NUM> and <NUM>), the non-sterile pre-scan Angle Arm (locked as describe in Step <NUM>) can be detached from the bracket <NUM> and placed in an appropriate sterile cover. A needle channel <NUM>, for example similar to the one shown as integral part of the needle guide <NUM> (<FIG>), but designed with, for example, a mounting interface <NUM> can be attached through the sterile cover to the locked pre-scan Angle Arm. This will increase the accuracy and elliminate any potential mistakes during in the reading and transfer of the tilt angle measurement.

It should also be noted the VAD needle guide <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) can also be used here. However, the alignment gamma marking may be shifted to align the needle axis to be along the centre line <NUM> of the US probe.

There can be different mechanisms for attaching the removable marking guide <NUM> to the bracket. One such mechanism is shown in <FIG>, and the manner in which it is attached and removed is shown in <FIG>. Two other such mechanisms are shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, and the manners in which they are removed are shown in <FIG> and <FIG> respectively.

<FIG> shows an exploded view of the single axis epidural system shown in <FIG>. In this example the Angle Arm is mounted onto the Bracket <NUM> by a clipping arrangement including a Mounting Interface <NUM> on the Bracket <NUM> and Clip <NUM> which is connected to the Angle Arm. The Mounting Interface <NUM> and Clip <NUM> have mating faces that locate the two components relative to one another. The Clip <NUM> has opposed clip portions that engage under opposite ends of the Mounting Interface <NUM> when the clip is pushed onto the mounting interface. By squeezing the Tabs together the jaws of the Clip <NUM> are spread apart. This allows the release of Clip <NUM> from the Mounting Interface <NUM> and can also be used to reduce the resistance to clip engagement. The Mounting Interface <NUM> has a wide Backing Plate; when the clip is engaged the side of the clip lies flush with the Backing Plate which adds stability to the connection. The Backing Plate extends out from both sides of the Mounting Interface <NUM> to allow for left hand or right hand designs of the clip to be used with the same bracket. The Backing Plate also helps locate the Clipping in the same plane as the Mounting Interface <NUM> during clip engagement.

Alternate clipping mechanisms can also be used to connect the Angle Arm to the Bracket; one example mechanism is shown in <FIG>. The design features a pivot point at the bottom of the Mounting Interface <NUM>. During clip engagement the pivot point mating features of the Clip <NUM> and Mounting Interface <NUM> are located. The Clip <NUM> is then rotated into the Mounting Interface <NUM> until the Clipping Point goes over the upper lip of the Mounting Interface <NUM> and the Clip is engaged. To release Clip <NUM>, the Tab is pulled outwards as shown in <FIG>; this lifts the Clipping Point over the upper lip of Mounting Interface <NUM> and allows Clip <NUM> to be removed.

Another clipping mechanism is shown in <FIG>. Clip <NUM> has angled sides which the sides of the Mounting Interface <NUM> fit into. There is a Lip on Clip <NUM> which causes the clipping face to flex outwards as Clip <NUM> is pushed down into the Mounting Interface <NUM>. Clip <NUM> is fully engaged when Lip extends over the bottom edge of the Mounting Interface <NUM> and locates Clip <NUM> vertically. Clip <NUM> is released by pulling Tab to lift the lip over the bottom edge of the Mounting Interface <NUM>.

These angular length scales on the guides can be designed at different lengths to allow clinicians to choose an angular range at which the system would work between, for example -<NUM>° to <NUM>° or -<NUM>° to <NUM>°. This increased choice of angular ranges would enable the system to be used in a wider array of applications, and also give greater freedom for epidural procedures, to account for variations of spinal curvature and deformity.

In scoliotic<NUM> patients, the vertebra can rotate/bend in the transverse plane, meaning that the optimum angle of insertion may be rotated in the transverse plane as well as the sagittal plane. This means that the angle measured in two planes will provide more information. A needle guide <NUM> for a scoliotic patient should then be able to record and fix the needle insertion pose in both the transverse and sagittal planes. Two methods, the "Double Axis - Pen system" and the Double Axis - Variable Base Angle system" of accomplishing this are describe below. It should be noted that both methods are equally valid for single axis procedures described above. <NUM> Scoliosis: lateral (sideways) deviation of the backbone, caused by congenital or acquired abnormalities of the vertebrae, muscles, and nerves. [<NUM>]Error! Reference source not found.

The Marking Pen System, shown in <FIG>, uses a datum point (centre of US probe) and two reference points to set angles in both the transverse and sagittal planes. The example shown in <FIG> is designed for a right handed user; this may be adapted for a left handed user by moving the transverse plane marker to the opposing side of the bracket as shown in <FIG>. An alternate design which would be applicable to both left and right handed users would have a double sided bracket, as shown in <FIG>, and the user can choose which side to use as desired. The extension of the pens (also referred to as sliders) is used to define the pose of the probe <NUM>, by locking them in position once pushed to touch the (and mark) the skin as shown in <FIG>. Different orientation scenarios are shown in <FIG>.

An exploded view of the Double Axis Pen System is shown in <FIG>. The US Probe <NUM> clips onto to the Marking Bracket <NUM>. Marking Pens <NUM> slide through the Bracket Marking Pen Housings <NUM> and can be locked in place by tightening Locking Screws (other locking methods may also be used). There is a Reference Mark <NUM> on Marking Pen Housing <NUM> which is used (in this example) to read off the extension of the Marking Pens <NUM> (also referred to as sliders) on Scale <NUM> (shown also in <FIG>). Marking Pens <NUM> have inked tips to mark to skin. The two marks from the two Marking Pens <NUM>, together with the extension of the Marking Pens (shown in <FIG>), are used to locate the position of the US probe <NUM> on the skin of the patient, as well as determine the pose of the US probe <NUM> with respect to the skin. Additional pen housings (and thus pens) can be used at other locations on the bracket <NUM> to allow the user flexibility of where to place the pens and/or reduce the effect of skin compression on the measurement (through the pens' depths) of the pose of the probe.

It should be noted that instead reading off the pens' depth from Scales <NUM>, such measurement could be provided automatically using pens with integral linear sensors. The depth position of each pen is then transferred to a screen via wires or wireless.

Another method is by replacing the marking pens <NUM> and pen housings <NUM> by optical (e.g. laser) pointers, fixed to the bracket <NUM>, which can project a marking spots on the skin as well as measure the distance from each pointer to the skin. Such measurement can then be used for positioning the reference pens <NUM> of the Needle Insertion Guidance System (<FIG>) as described below for the Pen System.

The Needle Insertion Guidance System is shown in <FIG>, with the exploded view shown in <FIG>. The base of the Needle Guide Body <NUM> has the same curvature/shape as the base of the US probe <NUM> the Marking System is designed for. The Reference Pen Housings <NUM> (in <FIG>) have the same position and orientation with respect to the needle insertion axis and skin insertion point of the Needle Guide <NUM> (shown complete in <FIG>) as the Marking Pen Housings <NUM> of Bracket <NUM> (in <FIG>) are with respect to the US Probe axis and base centre. Thus, using the position of the two Marking Pens <NUM> (in <FIG>) recorded during the pre-scan (as shown in <FIG>), and positioning the sterile Reference Pens <NUM> (with dry tips), in <FIG> at the respective same depths in the Reference Pen Housings <NUM> of the sterile Needle Guide <NUM>, the needle insertion trajectory will be the same as the central axis of the US probe <NUM> obtained during pre-scan when the tips of the Reference Markers are aligned with the two marks on the skin made (using the Marking Pens) during pre-scan.

The Needle Insert <NUM> comes in varying sizes to accommodate different gauges of needle. The insert <NUM> used in this example is the same as described previously for the Key System, although other methods may be used to channel the needle <NUM>. During the position of the Needle guide <NUM> and the insertion of the needle <NUM>, the Needle guide <NUM> may be held between the added Lip and Reference Pen Housing <NUM> (in <FIG>) on the opposing side of the Guide. It should be noted that Needle Insert <NUM> may not have a small external cylindrical shape at the needle entry area; it may have a different shapes, for example, a large cylindrical shape or two rectangular lips as shown in <FIG>, to ease its removal (using two fingers). The needle insert may also have a slit, or composed of two halves to allow mounting it to needles which do not have a straight tip, e.g. Touhy tip.

It should be noted that, in order to ensure maximum accuracy, the force/pressure applied on the skin of the patient during the needle insertion procedure should be of a similar magnitude as the force/pressure exerted on the US probe <NUM> during pre-scan skin marking. More than <NUM> marking pens (and reference pens) may also be used to improve accuracy.

Rather than locating the Marking Pen <NUM> and Reference Pens <NUM> centrally with respect to the sagittal plane on the Marking Bracket and Needle guide <NUM> respectively, it may be offset to either side as shown in <FIG> (left and right hand versions) for the Marking guide <NUM> and <FIG> (left and right hand versions) for the Needle guide <NUM>. This would allow the Needle guide <NUM> to be removed (if required) from the inserted needle <NUM> with greater ease as it would not require a diagonal motion, as shown in <FIG>. This will also help in changing the angle of the needle <NUM> in the sagittal plane after pulling out the needle insert, when needed.

Alternate embodiments of the Marking Pen <NUM> and Reference Pen <NUM> may be used.

One further example of how the Marking Pens <NUM> can be designed is referred to as the Internal Pen Method; the marking part of this method has three parts (shown in <FIG>): an Internal Pen <NUM>, an Outer Case <NUM> and an internal spring mechanism between the two parts to allow the engagement (extension) and disengagement (retraction) of the Internal Pen <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. This method has common features with the previous example such as the Reference Scale on the Outer Case <NUM> and the Pen Tip which serve the same functions.

One benefit of this method over the previous example is that the user can lower the outer case <NUM> onto the patient's skin and adjust it without leaving a mark.

In order to mark the patient's skin the top of the Internal Pen <NUM> is pushed down as shown in <FIG>. The base of the Outer Case <NUM>, shown in <FIG>, increases the contact area on the skin during marking compared to the previous example. This reduces the pressure on the skin, and so, may be more comfortable for the patient. Also, as mentioned previously the internal pen could deposit a sticker on the skin.

The needle guide <NUM> is positioned by aligning the marking points with a cut out in the foot of the Reference Pen <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

Different methods of locking the Marking and Reference Pens can be used. For example a wedge inserted between the marking pen and the housing. The marking pen can be circular (<FIG>) or non-circular (<FIG>). The wedge can be an integral part of the body (See <FIG>) or can be a separate item inserted into the main body (<FIG>).

In order to allow for a larger contact area with the patient's body, a marking pen with a larger surface area base could be used. The marking pen assembly could be in two parts, a support rod (with a measurement scale along its length) and an attachable base (foot), as shown in <FIG>. The marking pen assemblies are pushed into the bracket without locking them. Once the pose of the probe is finalised, the two marking pen assemblies are pushed against the skin and locked, and the skin is marked using any corner of the base (alternative base designs may also be used), as shown in <FIG>. A mark around just one corner of each base would be sufficient, but one could mark more than one corner. It should be noted that the base can have any orientation on the skin.

The same procedure is followed to position and lock sterile reference assemblies (of the same design and shape as the marking pen assemblies) in a sterile needle insertion guide body as previously described, as shown in <FIG>. However, for ease of use, the two sterilised bases (without the support rods) can be first stuck on the skin at the marks made and then the needle insertion guide system is positioned on the skin of the patient by placing the tips of the two support rods into the two bases.

The Marking System is non-sterile, it is used during the pre-puncture scan before the insertion area of the skin is sterilised, as such simply disassembling the Marking System and disinfecting, using appropriate sterile technique, between uses is sufficient for reuse. However, for the Needle guide <NUM> there are two options; (<NUM>) the Needle guide <NUM> may be single-use in which case it will be delivered in sterile packaging and be disposed of after use; or (<NUM>) it may be made of a sterilisable material such as for example anodised aluminium or titanium and sterilised after/before use. The Needle Insert <NUM> is required in many gauge sizes (which may be colour coded) so it may be practical to have a single-use Needle Insert <NUM> and the rest of the Needle Guide System either reusable (sterilisable) or single-use.

Instead of using a non-sterile bracket, a sterile bracket could be used instead during the skin marking phase. The same bracket with the marking pens locked in position is then used with a corresponding sterile needle guide attachment during the needle insertion phase. This removes any errors that may occur during the transfer of the depth positions of the marking pens from the bracket to the Needle Insertion Guidance System. This method also removes the need for a scale on the marking and reference pens.

For this system, the skin is first disinfected using appropriate sterile technique, then: the US probe is placed into a sterile cover as per current practices; the sterile bracket is fixed to the US probe (<FIG>); the pose of the US probe is defined in the usual way; the sterile marking pens (which can also be referred to as Reference Pens) on the sterile bracket are locked in position and the skin is marked in the same manner as previously described. Then, the sterile bracket (<FIG>) is removed from the US probe and a needle guide body is inserted into the bracket (<FIG>). The assembly is then positioned on the skin, using the marks on the skin, and the needle is inserted as described previously (<FIG>). The removal of the bracket-guide assembly to release the needle is also carried in the same way as previously described.

Some of the designs described above involve marking the body twice, one for each marking pen, and then realigning the epidural guide to the two marks made. Another alternative of the sterile system described immediately above uses "support rods" with "feet" as described further above. For this embodiment, the base (foot) has a loose interference fit to the "support rod", and has a sticky underside (e.g. double sided tape on the underside of the foot) to allow it to be stuck to the body once the pose of the US probe (with the bracket attached) is defined in the usual way, i.e. once the US probe is in the correct pose the "support rods" are pushed towards the skin to stick their corresponding "foot" to the skin. The "support rods" are then locked in position and the US probe together with the bracket is removed, leaving the "feet" in place (stuck to the skin). Then, the sterile bracket is removed (with the "support rods" still locked in position with respect to the bracket) from the US probe and a needle guide body is inserted into the bracket. The assembly (bracket with needle guide body) is then relocated on the skin by inserting each "support rods" into its corresponding "foot", and the needle is inserted into the patient as described previously. The removal of the bracket-guide assembly to release the needle is also carried in the same way as previously described, but in this case with the "feet" remaining in place, stuck to skin, and removed after the procedure is completed.

The "feet" do not need to have straight edges, as shown e. g in <FIG>; they can be circular or any other shape. Also, another advantage of this alternative is that there is no need to mark the body, thus making the process more accurate and quicker. Also, the support rods do not need a measurement scale along their length as they remain locked in position.

The Variable Angle and Base design comprises two parts: a pre-puncture Marking System and a Needle guide <NUM>. The design and operation is similar to that of the Single Axis epidural needle guidance system described previously. The difference between the Variable Angle and Base design and the Single axis design is that the Marking Base in the Variable Angle and Base system can rotate in the transverse plane as shown in <FIG>. The Variable Angle and Base design is shown in <FIG>. Typical graduations on the foot are shown in <FIG>.

An exploded view of the full Marking System is shown in <FIG>. The Male Part <NUM> of the cylindrical joint which connects Guide Body to the Marking Base rotates within the Female Part <NUM>. The two parts of the cylindrical joint are locked together once the pose of the US probe <NUM> is finalised; an example of the locking mechanism may be such that the back plate of the Female Part <NUM> of the cylindrical joint having a threaded hole, and when a Locking Screw is tightened using the threaded hole a compressive force is exerted onto the cylinder joint, giving a frictional lock (alternative locking methods may be used). The angular position is given on the Angle Scale at either of the Reference Marks <NUM>.

The Needle Guidance System is shown in <FIG>. The design is similar to that for the single axis system but with the same modification of the foot as described above for the Variable Angle and Base System design.

The auto alignment system uses a <NUM>-axis accelerometer or gyroscope (the sensor) and works by providing the clinician with up to three angular orientations; one about each of the three perpendicular axes of the probe, which accurately describe the orientation of the US probe in space. Such orientation can then be transferred to a needle guide which is positioned by adjusting its orientation to match the previously acquired US probe orientation. Three angles are needed when the US probe position with respect to the skin is marked at just one location (e.g. with a dot corresponding to a feature on the US probe), and only two angles could be needed when the US probe position with respect to the skin is marked with two marks (e.g. two dots corresponding to two features on the US probe).

A typical scenario is given as follows. An appropriate sensor holder is clipped to the US probe. The orientation sensor (A <NUM>-axis accelerometer or gyroscope) is fitted to the holder; (<FIG> depicts a typical example). The site of interest is scanned and once the pose of the US probe is finalised, a mark (e.g. a dot) is made on the skin at a known position with respect to the US probe, and a button integral with the sensor (or on an accessible pendant or integral with the US machine) is pressed to register of the final orientation of the US probe. The skin is then disinfected, using appropriate sterile technique. The sensor holder is put in a sterile bag and fitted to a sterile needle guide (<FIG> shows an example of the needle guide with sensor, a needle support and the needle - the sterile cover on the sensor is not shown for clarity of image). The needle guide is then placed at the same final position of the US probe using the mark on the skin. The clinician then orients the needle guide using one angular adjustment (pan, tilt or roll) at a time. Corresponding lights (LEDs) on the sensor can be used to aid the orientation of the needle guide. For example, the pan light will flicker at a varying frequency to indicate whether the guide is being rotated towards or away from the desired angular orientation until the correct angle is achieved; similarly for the other two angles. A graphical interface on the US machine screen, or on a separate screen, could also be used to assist the clinician to orient the needle guide quickly. Associated interface electronics and software protocols are used.

<FIG> shows a typical example of the needle guide system during the insertion of the needle into the body. <FIG> shows a needle guide composed of two alternative supports for the orientation sensor for ease of use.

A slightly different process can be used if it is desired to scan the body after disinfecting the skin.

The needle guide procedures have been described above using a needle <NUM> of appropriate gauge and the insertion length mark, on the main needle <NUM>, has been referred to the funnelled Needle Gauge Insert <NUM> or the Needle Gauge clip <NUM> (or the body of the needle guide in the case of the Protractor needle guide). However, it is sometimes necessary / desirable to use an Introducer Needle to make a skin hole, at the main needle insertion point, to facilitate entry of the main needle <NUM> through the skin; the main needle <NUM> is then pushed through the Introducer Needle to perform the rest of the procedure. In this case the Needle Gauge Insert <NUM> or the Needle Gauge clip <NUM> of appropriate gauge for the Insertion Needle is used. Also, the feature against which the mark for the insertion length of the main needle <NUM> is positioned may vary when the Introducer Needle is used. For example, the main needle insertion mark may be aligned with the (visible) end of the Introducer Needle when the Introducer Needle is inserted a known depth with respect to the needle guide <NUM>. In this case, the Insertion Needle may be inserted a fixed / known length/depth identified by a mark on its body, or the Insertion Needle is inserted as desired, and the visible part of the Insertion Needle is measured and such length is used (with reference to a chart or inputted in an electronic device) to define the position of the mark on the main needle <NUM>. The approach can be used in all of the embodiments exemplified above.

In addition, in the case of the embodiments exemplified by the Key System, special introducer needles could be provided as part of the package. The non-metallic section of such introducer needles will have the same external profile as the needle gauge insert <NUM> and thus can fit in the same way, as the needle gauge insert, to the guide, and the provided needle insertion length (described in the embodiments exemplified above) is unaffected. Also, the special introducer needles may project the base of the guide by specific lengths to suit the need of the clinician.

In any of the embodiments described above, the skin/surface contacting surfaces of one or more elements of the system (e.g. the base of the needle guide and/or the surface contact portion of the surface marking guide) may be 'sticky' (e.g. have an adhesive layer or substance applied to them) in order to help provide a stable placement once positioned on the skin/surface.

<FIG> show a needle guide system <NUM> in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention. The needle guide system <NUM> is mounted on an ultrasound probe <NUM> (i.e. a hand held ultrasound probe). <FIG> shows a needle <NUM> located in a needle channel in the guide system <NUM> to be held at a specific position and orientation relative the ultrasound probe <NUM>.

The tip of the needle can be guided to a desired target, e.g. in a human body, beneath the ultrasound probe by appropriate selection of the angle and length of needle insertion. The operator of the system can be provided with tabular information to give them the required angle and needle insertion length for a given depth below the probe or the software driving the ultrasound system, or another device, could be configured to provide this information to the operator.

The needle guide system <NUM> includes a bracket <NUM> for mounting on the ultrasound probe <NUM>, a needle guide body <NUM> that releasably attaches to the bracket <NUM>, and a needle support <NUM> that, in this example, releasably clips to the needle guide body <NUM>.

The needle <NUM> is received within a needle channel <NUM> defined in the needle support <NUM>. The diameter of the channel <NUM> is only a little large than the diameter of the needle <NUM>, so that when the needle <NUM> is located within the channel it is free to move up and down through the channel <NUM> but is held securely with its axis extending along the central axis of the channel to accurately control the trajectory of the needle relative to the probe.

The needle support <NUM> in this example is clipped to a pivot arm component <NUM> of the needle guide body <NUM>. The angle of the pivot arm <NUM> can be adjusted relative to a mounting part <NUM> of the needle guide body <NUM> (the mounting part <NUM> mounting the needle guide body <NUM> on the bracket <NUM>), about a pivot at the bottom end of the pivot arm <NUM>, in order to adjust the orientation of the needle support <NUM> relative to the mounting part <NUM> and hence to change the angle of the needle channel <NUM> relative to ultrasound probe <NUM> when the system <NUM> is mounted on the probe <NUM> via the bracket <NUM>. A lock element, for example a thumb screw, can be provided to lock the pivot arm <NUM> at the desired angle.

As the angle of the pivot arm <NUM> is adjusted, an upper end of the pivot arm <NUM> moves along a scale <NUM> on the mounting part <NUM> of the needle guide body <NUM>, allowing the operator to accurately set the angle of the needle channel <NUM>. The marking on the scale <NUM> may provide a measure of angle, as seen in <FIG> or, in some embodiments, the scale markings can instead show depths of the target taken along the centreline of the ultrasound probe. Taking the latter approach the depth measurement along the ultrasound probe axis is used directly to adjust the angular position of the guide. However, typically two scales are needed in this case, one for in-plane procedures and one for out-of-plane procedures, because the distance between the needle support and the centre line of the probe will tend to be shorter for out-of-plane procedures (although an alternative is to use the same scale for in-plane and out-of-plane procedures by setting the distance from the needle guide attachment to the proce central axis to be the same for both procedures). An exemplary dual depth scale, one for in-plane and one for out-fo-plane procedures, is illustrated in <FIG>, which is the same component from opposite sides.

As seen most clearly in <FIG>, the bracket <NUM> is shaped to fit snugly on the ultrasound probe <NUM>. Different brackets can be provided for different shapes of probe. Various different designs of bracket are possible, one alternative being a bracket that clips around the probe from the side rather than being pushed onto the probe from the bottom as with the illustrated example. A further example is a bracket in two (or more) parts that can be mounted on the probe and held in position using an appropriate locking mechanism to secure the parts of the bracket to one another and/or to the probe.

The bracket <NUM>, in this example, has two mounting projections <NUM> to which the needle guide body <NUM> can be mounted. In this example, the needle guide body is mounted to the projections <NUM> on the bracket by a clip portion <NUM> of the needle guide body <NUM>. Lugs <NUM> at either side of a bottom end of the clip portion <NUM> engage recesses <NUM> at the bottom of the mounting projections <NUM> and a latch <NUM> at the top of the clip portion <NUM> latches over a top end <NUM> of the projections <NUM> to securely attach the needle guide body <NUM> to the bracket <NUM>. In this example, a tab <NUM> extends from the top of the clip portion <NUM> and can be manipulated to release the clip portion <NUM> from the mounting projections <NUM> to disengage the needle guide body <NUM> from the bracket <NUM>. The two mounting projections <NUM> are positioned on the bracket <NUM> to enable the needle guide to be mounted for in-plane and out-of-plane use respectively. Additional lugs <NUM> are also provided on the bracket <NUM> to which the needle support <NUM> can be clipped to temporarily store the needle support <NUM> when not clipped to the needle guide body <NUM>, for example when the needle <NUM> has been released in order to be manipulated.

<FIG> shows the needle support <NUM> on an enlarged scale. In this example, the needle support is a clip having two arms <NUM>. At one end the arms define a socket <NUM> within which a protrusion <NUM> on the pivot arm <NUM> of the needle guide body can be engaged to secure these two components together. The arms <NUM> are pivoted to one another, in this example by being formed as a unitary component including a flexible bridge portion <NUM> spanning between the arms <NUM> to provide a pivot. Grip portions <NUM> are provided at the ends of he arms opposite the socket <NUM>, with the bridge portion <NUM> being about half way along the length of the arms <NUM>. By squeezing the grip portions <NUM> together, the jaws of the socket <NUM> at the other end are spread apart, allowing them to be clipped over the protrusion <NUM>. The grip portions <NUM> are resiliently urged apart by a spring <NUM> (shown separated from the clip in <FIG> but in use would be located between the arms <NUM>), so that when they are released, the jaws of the socket <NUM> close tightly around the protrusion <NUM> to hold the needle support securely in place on the pivot arm <NUM>.

The needle channel <NUM> is formed within the needle support between a pair of needle channel inserts <NUM> that are fixed to respective ones of the arms <NUM>. By using inserts in this way, the needle guide system can be adapted to different needle sizes simply by changing the needle channel inserts <NUM>.

The needle channel inserts are located in the arms on the same side of the bridge portion <NUM> as the socket <NUM> (i.e. on the opposite side of the bridge <NUM> to the grip portions <NUM>), in the passage <NUM>. Consequently, when the grip portions <NUM> are squeezed together to open the jaws of the socket <NUM>, the two channel inserts are also moved apart. In this way, at the same time as releasing the needle support <NUM> from the needle guide body <NUM>, the needle support can also be completely removed from the needle <NUM> itself, for example if it is desired to manipulate the needle to navigate safely around e.g. a vessel, or through tough tissue/ligaments. The clinician will then be able to re-attach the guide component back in place and continue. This process can be reversed to place the needle back in the needle channel <NUM> and re-attach the needle support <NUM> to the needle guide body <NUM>, all without disturbing the insertion depth of the needle. This ability to release the needle also allows the clinician to free the needle from the assist device and carry out the procedure without any guidance, when a particular situation demands it.

A needle guide in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention is shown in <FIG>. Similarly to the first example above, the needle guide <NUM> includes a needle guide body <NUM> that can be mounted on an ultrasound probe via a bracket (for example as shown in <FIG>) and a needle support <NUM> that clips to a pivot arm <NUM> of the needle guide body <NUM>.

In this second example, the clip portion <NUM> of the needle guide body <NUM> has a different form to the clip portion <NUM> in the first example above but it performs the same function of releasably attaching the needle guide body <NUM> to a selected one of one, two or more mounting protrusions on the bracket in order to hold the needle guide in a predetermined position and orientation relative to the ultrasound probe.

Similarly to the first example, the needle support <NUM> of this second example includes two arms <NUM> that are pivoted to one another by a bridge portion <NUM>. Grip portions <NUM> at one end of the arms can be squeezed together to open up the other end of the arms, which engage with the pivot arm <NUM>. In this example, one of the arms <NUM> has a straight end <NUM> that engages a slot <NUM> in the pivot arm <NUM>. The other arm has a latch <NUM> at its end that latches around an angled protrusion <NUM> on the pivot arm <NUM>. By squeezing the grip portions together, similarly to the first example, the latch <NUM> is disengaged from the protrusion <NUM>, allowing the straight end <NUM> of the other arm to be withdrawn from the slot <NUM> to disengage the needle support <NUM> from the needle guide body <NUM> (if the needle has been inserted and is to be left in situ, then it must also be released from the needle support in the manner described below).

However, unlike the first example, the needle channel <NUM> in this example is formed between an inside face of one of the arms <NUM> (in this case, the arm carrying the latch <NUM>) and a single needle channel insert <NUM> mounted on that arm. As best seen in <FIG>, the needle channel insert <NUM> is pivotally mounted on the arm <NUM> so that it can be twisted away from the inside surface of the arm to open the needle channel <NUM> in order that the needle support <NUM> can be removed from the needle.

The pivot connection between the needle channel insert and the arm is preferably configured so that there is resistance to the insert moving away from the arm to open the channel. For example, one or more detents in the pivot connection may be used to resist movement of the insert until a certain degree of force is applied to 'snap' the insert open. To facilitate this movement, a tab <NUM> protrudes from the rear of the channel insert, to the opposite side from the needle channel of the inserts pivot connection to the arm, providing a lever for opening and closing the channel insert.

<FIG> show the needle channel insert <NUM> separated from the arm <NUM> and on an enlarged scale. The tab <NUM> is clearly visible as is the open channel that forms the needle channel <NUM>. Spigot <NUM> engages with an aperture in the arm <NUM> to provide the pivot connection.

It will be appreciated that in this example the needle channel <NUM> can be opened and closed independently of the squeezing together of the grip portions <NUM> to open the latch <NUM>.

Similarly to the first example, the needle support <NUM> of this example can be readily adapted to different needle sizes by simply changing the needle channel insert <NUM>.

A third example of a needle guide system is shown in <FIG>. As with the previous examples, the needle guide system includes a bracket <NUM> for mounting on the ultrasonic probe. A needle guide body <NUM> clips onto the bracket <NUM> in one of two different positions, for in-plane and out-of-plane use respectively (see <FIG>). A needle support <NUM>, in which a needle channel <NUM> is formed, is mounted on a pivot arm <NUM> of the needle guide body <NUM>.

In this example, the needle guide body <NUM> is mounted on the bracket <NUM> by a clip arrangement including a mounting interface <NUM> on the bracket <NUM> and a clip <NUM> on the guide body <NUM>. The mounting interface and clip have mating faces that locate the two components relative to one another. The clip <NUM> has opposed clip portions that engage under opposite ends of the mounting interface <NUM> when the clip is pushed down onto the mounting interface. To release the clip from the mounting interface (and hence release the needle guide body <NUM> from the bracket <NUM>) upwardly extending tabs on the clip <NUM> are squeezed together to spread apart the clip portions and release themfrom below the ends of the mounting interface. The guide body <NUM> can then be lifted directly upwardly away from the bracket.

In this third example, the scale <NUM> for indicating the angle of the needle channel <NUM> is carried by the pivot arm <NUM>. The scale <NUM> moves relative to fixed part <NUM> of the needle guide body <NUM> as the pivot arm <NUM> is moved and the angle can be read off the scale adjacent a marker <NUM> on the sides of a channel <NUM> in the fixed part <NUM> of the needle guide body <NUM> through which the scale <NUM> slides.

The needle support <NUM> is mounted on the rear face of the pivot arm <NUM>, rather than on a side of the pivot arm as in the previous examples. This means that when a needle <NUM> is held in the needle channel <NUM> it is in-line with the pivot arm, rather than being off-set to one side of the pivot arm (as in the embodiments of <FIG>) and can be in-line with the central plane of the needle guide body, so that the needle, pivot arm and centre line of the needle guide body are all in-line with the ultrasound image plane when the needle guide system is configured as shown in <FIG>.

In this example, as seen most clearly in <FIG>, the needle support <NUM> is an elongate, channel member that is open on the side <NUM> that faces the pivot arm <NUM>. The needle channel <NUM> in the needle support is closed by the rear face of the pivot arm <NUM> when the needle support <NUM> is connected to the pivot arm <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the arrangement means that the needle <NUM> can easily be released from the needle channel <NUM>, without its position being disturbed, by detaching the needle support <NUM> from the pivot arm <NUM>. This is achieved by first lifting the needle support <NUM> upwards relative to the pivot arm, from the position seen in <FIG> to the position seen in <FIG>. This disengages tabs <NUM>, <NUM> on the front face of the needle support <NUM>, from corresponding slots <NUM> and detents <NUM> at the top and bottom of the pivot arm <NUM> respectively. Once these tabs <NUM>, <NUM> are disengaged, the needle support <NUM> can be withdrawn backwards away from the pivot arm <NUM>, opening the needle channel <NUM> and releasing the needle <NUM>. To secure the needle <NUM> in the channel <NUM>, this procedure is reversed.

Similarly to the previous examples, different size needles can be accommodated by providing a range of needle supports <NUM> having differently sized needle channels <NUM> therein.

In cases when the needle tip is not uniform with respect to the rest of the cylindrical section of the needle, for example a Tuohy needle (See <FIG>), the needle support <NUM> could be partly positioned on the pivot arm <NUM>, the needle <NUM> is mounted loosely on the needle channel <NUM> to allow enough space for the non-uniform part of the needle to be pushed through the needle channel <NUM>. The needle support <NUM> is then fully engaged into the pivot arm <NUM>.

<FIG> shows three different possible configurations for the needle support of the third and/or fourth examples. They differ from one another in the location and size of tabs <NUM>, <NUM> that help when grasping the needle support <NUM> to detach it from the pivot arm <NUM> of the needle guide body <NUM>. The tabs help to stop the user's fingers sliding upwards when the needle support is grasped with two fingers. The needle supports shown in <FIG> can be grasped by the relatively large tab <NUM> or in the case of the needle support shown in <FIG> the support can be grasped with a finger to either side of the support under or around the two tabs <NUM>, <NUM>. In the case of the needle support shown in <FIG>, which has two relatively small tabs <NUM>, <NUM>, it would normally be removed by grasping with a finger to either side of the support under or around the two tabs <NUM>, <NUM>. It can also be seen that, conveniently, these tabs <NUM> are used to carry an indication of the gauge of needle for which the needle support <NUM> is intended. Such indications can additionally or alternatively be carried on a side wall of the needle guide as seen in <FIG> for example, or elsewhere on the needle guide body.

The needle support shown in <FIG> is suitable for use with the fourth example described below. The needle guides shown in <FIG> are suitable for use with the third example described above and the fourth example described below.

<FIG> shows a fourth example of needle guide system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In this example, the needle support <NUM> has a similar form to the needle support of the third example, being an elongate channel member, having a needle channel <NUM> therein, one side of which is closed by the pivot arm <NUM> of the needle guide body <NUM>. However, in this example, the needle support is mounted on the side of the pivot arm <NUM>.

The angular positioning of needle channel <NUM> is similar to the first and second examples. The needle support <NUM> in this example is clipped to the pivot arm <NUM> of the needle guide body <NUM>. The angle of the pivot arm <NUM> can be adjusted relative to the main body <NUM> of the needle guide body <NUM> about a pivot at the bottom end of the pivot arm <NUM>, in order to adjust the orientation of the needle support <NUM> relative to the mounting part <NUM> and hence to change the angle of the needle channel <NUM> relative to the ultrasound probe. A lock element, for example a thumb screw, can be provided to lock the pivot arm <NUM> at the desired angle. Another method of locking the pivot arm <NUM> is using a system which locks the pivot arm at fixed increments with increased resolution using the mechanism shown in <FIG>. The upper finger grip <NUM> locks the pivot arm <NUM> to the upper rack <NUM>, while the lower finger grip <NUM> locks the pivot arm <NUM> to the lower rack <NUM>. The upper rack <NUM> and the lower rack <NUM> have the same pitch (for example providing <NUM> degrees rotational increments each). The two racks <NUM> and <NUM> are offset by half the pitch (i.e. <NUM> degree offset for this example). This allows the pivot arm <NUM> to be rotated in increments of half the pitch of each rack (i.e. <NUM> degree increment for this example); thus providing higher resolution and an easier locking method.

<FIG> shows one example of a bracket <NUM> that can be used to mount a needle guide to an ultrasound probe. <FIG> shows the bracket mounted on a probe <NUM>. The bracket <NUM> is designed to be a snap fit over the lower end of the probe <NUM> and is shaped so that it always locates in a fixed position on the probe. This is important to ensure that a needle guide mounted on the bracket is always in a known position relative to the probe.

The bracket can be mounted on the ultrasound probe before a sterilised cover is pulled over the probe, with the needle guide being fixed to the bracket from outside the cover (whilst carefully squeezing, and without damaging, the cover around the needle guide mount). Alternatively, the bracket can be mounted externally to the cover without damaging the cover and can serve to hold the cover tightly around the end of the probe. Another alternative is a bracket in two (or more) parts that can be mounted on the probe internally or externally of the sterilised cover and held in position using an appropriate locking mechanism.

Different models of ultrasound probe vary in shape from one another so typically a different shape bracket would be provided for each model of probe.

The bracket illustrated here includes two mounting positions for the needle guide, a first position <NUM> on a long side of the probe <NUM> and a second position <NUM> on a short side of the probe, for out-of-plane and in-plane use respectively. The bracket need not have two mounting positions for the needle guide. In some examples it may only have one mounting position for the needle guide. In other examples the bracket may have more than two mounting positions for the needle guide, for example three positions, four positions or more, spaced at intervals around the bracket.

Claim 1:
A needle guide system for use with an ultrasound probe (<NUM>), the system comprising:
(i) a surface marking guide (<NUM>); and
(ii) a needle guide (<NUM>);
(i) the surface marking guide (<NUM>) including:
(a) an attachment portion for attaching the marking guide to an ultrasound probe (<NUM>), and
(b) either
(A) means for marking the surface when the ultrasound probe (<NUM>) is held against the surface; or
(B) means for identifying to a user where to mark a surface when the ultrasound probe (<NUM>) is held against the surface; and
(ii) the needle guide (<NUM>) including:
(a) a base to support the needle guide on the surface;
(b) one or more features on the base for alignment with marks made on the surface; and
(c) a needle support mounted on the base and having a needle channel through which a needle can extend, the needle channel having a known position and orientation relative to the base
and characterized in that the needle guide system further comprises sensors for measuring the orientation of the guides in space,
wherein (i)(c) the surface marking guide (<NUM>) includes a sensor for measuring the orientation of the guide in space and (ii)(d) the needle guide comprises a corresponding sensor for measuring the orientation of the needle guide,
wherein the orientation of the surface marking guide can be noted and the needle guide can subsequently be positioned to have the same orientation as the surface marking guide;