Patent Description:
Disclosed herein are ultrasound systems and methods for sustained spatial attention in one or more spatial regions.

Disclosed herein is an ultrasound probe including, in some embodiments, a probe body, a probe head extending from a distal end of the probe body, and a camera integrated into a side of the ultrasound probe. The probe head includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducers arranged in an array. The camera is configured for recording one or more still or moving images of a procedural field with a depth of field including a plane of a distal end of the probe head and a field of view including a spatial region about the probe head.

In some embodiments, the ultrasound probe further includes a light-pattern projector integrated into the side of the ultrasound probe including the camera. The light-pattern projector is configured to project a light pattern in the spatial region about the probe head focused in the plane of the distal end of the probe head. The light pattern is configured for guided insertion of a needle into an anatomical target under the probe head in the procedural field.

In some embodiments, the light pattern includes periodic hash marks along one or more rays radiating from a central axis of the ultrasound probe in the plane of the probe head. Each hash mark of the hash marks corresponds to a depth under the probe head accessible by the needle along an associated ray at a needle-insertion angle with respect to the plane of the probe head.

In some embodiments, the light pattern includes periodic concentric circular arcs bound between two or more rays radiating from a central axis of the ultrasound probe in the plane of the probe head. Each circular arc of the circular arcs corresponds to a depth under the probe head accessible by the needle along an associated ray at a needle-insertion angle with respect to the plane of the probe head.

In some embodiments, the ultrasound probe further includes a needle-guide holder extending from a side of the probe head in common with the side of the ultrasound probe including the camera.

In some embodiments, the ultrasound probe further includes a single-use needle guide coupled to the needle-guide holder. The needle-guide holder, the needle guide, or a combination of the needle-guide holder and the needle guide includes at least one degree of freedom enabling the needle guide to swivel between sides of the ultrasound probe.

Also disclosed herein is an ultrasound system including, in some embodiments, a console and an ultrasound probe. The console includes a display configured to render on a display screen thereof ultrasound images and one or more still or moving images of a procedural field. The ultrasound probe includes a probe body, a probe head extending from a distal end of the probe body, and a camera integrated into a side of the ultrasound probe. The probe head includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducers arranged in an array. The camera is configured for recording the one-or-more still or moving images of the procedural field with a depth of field including a plane of a distal end of the probe head and a field of view including a spatial region about the probe head.

In some embodiments, the one-or-more still or moving images show both the light pattern in the spatial region about the probe head and the needle in relation to the light pattern when both the light pattern and the needle are present in the spatial region about the probe head. The one-or-more still or moving images show both the light pattern and the needle in relation to the light pattern for the guided insertion of the needle into the anatomical target under the probe head optionally on the display.

In some embodiments, the display is further configured to render on the display screen one or more overlying needle trajectories lying over the ultrasound images in accordance with one or more depths accessible by the needle indicated by the light pattern. The one-or-more overlying needle trajectories are configured for the guided insertion of the needle into the anatomical target under the probe head on the display.

In some embodiments, the display is further configured to render on the display screen an overlying pattern lying over the one-or-more still or moving images. The overlying pattern is configured for guided insertion of a needle into an anatomical target under the probe head on the display.

In some embodiments, the overlying pattern includes periodic hash marks along one or more rays radiating from a central axis of the ultrasound probe in the plane of the probe head. Each hash mark of the hash marks corresponds to a depth under the probe head accessible by the needle along an associated ray at a needle-insertion angle with respect to the plane of the probe head.

In some embodiments, the overlying pattern includes periodic concentric circular arcs bound between two or more rays radiating from a central axis of the ultrasound probe in the plane of the probe head. Each circular arc of the circular arcs corresponds to a depth under the probe head accessible by the needle along an associated ray at a needle-insertion angle with respect to the plane of the probe head.

In some embodiments, the one-or-more still or moving images show the needle in relation to the overlying pattern when the needle is present in the spatial region about the probe head. The one-or-more still or moving images show the needle in relation to the overlying pattern for the guided insertion of the needle into the anatomical target under the probe head optionally on the display.

In some embodiments, the display is further configured to render on the display screen one or more overlying needle trajectories lying over the ultrasound images in accordance with one or more depths accessible by the needle indicated by the overlying pattern. The one-or-more overlying needle trajectories are configured for the guided insertion of the needle into an anatomical target under the probe head on the display.

Also disclosed herein is an ultrasound probe including, in some embodiments, a probe body, a probe head extending from a distal end of the probe body, and a display integrated into a side of the ultrasound probe. The probe head includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducers arranged in an array. The display is configured to render on a display screen thereof ultrasound images and one or more overlying needle trajectories lying over the ultrasound images. The one-or-more overlying needle trajectories are configured for guided insertion of a needle into an anatomical target under the probe head on the display.

In some embodiments, the ultrasound probe further includes a light-pattern projector integrated into the side of the ultrasound probe including the display. The light-pattern projector is configured to project a light pattern in a spatial region about the probe head focused in a plane of a distal end of the probe head. The light pattern is configured for the guided insertion of the needle into the anatomical target under the probe head in the procedural field.

In some embodiments, the one-or-more overlying needle trajectories lying over the ultrasound images are in accordance with one or more depths accessible by the needle indicated by the light pattern.

In some embodiments, the ultrasound probe further includes a needle-guide holder extending from the side of the ultrasound probe including the display.

Also disclosed herein is a method of an ultrasound system, which does not form part of the claimed invention, including, in some embodiments, an ultrasound probe-obtaining step, an ultrasound probe-moving step, a recording step, an ultrasound image-monitoring step, and a needle-inserting step. The ultrasound probe-obtaining step includes obtaining an ultrasound probe. The ultrasound probe includes a probe body, a probe head extending from a distal end of the probe body, and a camera integrated into a side of the ultrasound probe. The ultrasound probe-moving step includes moving the ultrasound probe over a patient while the ultrasound probe emits generated ultrasound signals into the patient from ultrasonic transducers in the probe head and receives reflected ultrasound signals from the patient by the ultrasonic transducers. The recording step includes recording one or more still or moving images of a procedural field with a depth of field including a plane of a distal end of the probe head and a field of view including a spatial region about the probe head. The ultrasound image-monitoring step includes monitoring ultrasound images rendered on a display screen of a display associated with a console of the ultrasound system to identify an anatomical target of the patient under the probe head. The needle-inserting step includes inserting a needle into the anatomical target. Optionally, the inserting of the needle is guided by the display with reference to the one-or-more still or moving images rendered on the display screen thereof.

In some embodiments, the method further includes a needle guide-attaching step. The needle guide-attaching step includes attaching a needle guide to a needle-guide holder extending from the probe body. The needle guide includes a needle through hole configured to direct the needle into the patient under the probe head at a needle-insertion angle with respect to the plane of the probe head.

In some embodiments, the method further includes a needle guide-swiveling step. The needle guide-swiveling step includes swiveling the needle guide between sides of the ultrasound probe to find a suitable needle trajectory before the needle-inserting step. The needle-guide holder, the needle guide, or a combination of the needle-guide holder and the needle guide includes at least one degree of freedom enabling the swiveling of the needle guide.

In some embodiments, the needle is guided in the procedural field during the needle-inserting step in accordance with a light pattern in the spatial region about the probe head. The light pattern is projected from a light-pattern projector integrated into the side of the ultrasound probe including the camera and focused in the plane of the distal end of the probe head for guiding the needle in the procedural field.

In some embodiments, the needle is further guided on the display during the needle-inserting step. The one-or-more still or moving images show both the light pattern in the spatial region about the probe head and the needle in relation to the light pattern for guiding the needle on the display.

In some embodiments, the needle is further guided on the display during the needle-inserting step. The ultrasound images show one or more overlying needle trajectories in accordance with one or more depths accessible by the needle indicated by the light pattern for guiding the needle on the display.

In some embodiments, the needle is guided on the display during the needle-inserting step in accordance with an overlying pattern rendered over the one-or-more still or moving images on the display screen for guiding the needle on the display.

In some embodiments, the needle is further guided on the display during the needle-inserting step. The ultrasound images show one or more overlying needle trajectories in accordance with one or more depths accessible by the needle indicated by the overlying pattern for guiding the needle on the display.

In addition, any of the foregoing features or steps can, in turn, further include one or more features or steps unless indicated otherwise.

With respect to "proximal," a "proximal portion" or "proximal section" of, for example, a catheter includes a portion or section of the catheter intended to be near a clinician when the catheter is used on a patient. Likewise, a "proximal length" of, for example, the catheter includes a length of the catheter intended to be near the clinician when the catheter is used on the patient. A "proximal end" of, for example, the catheter includes an end of the catheter intended to be near the clinician when the catheter is used on the patient. The proximal portion, the proximal section, or the proximal length of the catheter can include the proximal end of the catheter; however, the proximal portion, the proximal section, or the proximal length of the catheter need not include the proximal end of the catheter. That is, unless context suggests otherwise, the proximal portion, the proximal section, or the proximal length of the catheter is not a terminal portion or terminal length of the catheter.

With respect to "distal," a "distal portion" or a "distal section" of, for example, a catheter includes a portion or section of the catheter intended to be near or in a patient when the catheter is used on the patient. Likewise, a "distal length" of, for example, the catheter includes a length of the catheter intended to be near or in the patient when the catheter is used on the patient. A "distal end" of, for example, the catheter includes an end of the catheter intended to be near or in the patient when the catheter is used on the patient. The distal portion, the distal section, or the distal length of the catheter can include the distal end of the catheter; however, the distal portion, the distal section, or the distal length of the catheter need not include the distal end of the catheter. That is, unless context suggests otherwise, the distal portion, the distal section, or the distal length of the catheter is not a terminal portion or terminal length of the catheter.

As set forth above, a variety of ultrasound systems exist including wired or wireless ultrasound probes for ultrasound imaging. Whether wired or wireless, an ultrasound system such as the foregoing requires a clinician to switch his or her spatial attention between different spatial regions, particularly between <NUM>) a relatively close ultrasound probe being used for ultrasound imaging and <NUM>) a relatively distant display rendering corresponding ultrasound images. Having to switch spatial attention between the ultrasound probe and the display can be difficult when ultrasound imaging and attempting to simultaneously establish an insertion site with a needle, place a VAD such as a catheter in a blood vessel of a patient at the insertion site, or the like. Such difficulties can be pronounced for less experienced clinicians, older clinicians having reduced lens flexibility in their eyes, etc. Ultrasound systems are needed that do not require clinicians to continuously switch their spatial attention between different spatial regions.

Disclosed herein are ultrasound systems and methods for sustained spatial attention. For example, an ultrasound system can include a console and an ultrasound probe. A display of the console can be configured to display ultrasound images and one or more still or moving images of a procedural field. The ultrasound probe can include a camera integrated into the ultrasound probe for recording the one-or-more still or moving images of the procedural field with a depth of field including a distal end of a probe head and a field of view including a spatial region about the probe head. With the one-or-more still or moving images displayed along with the ultrasound images, a clinician need not switch his or her spatial attention between spatial regions such as the procedural field and the display quite as frequently as with existing ultrasound systems, thereby sustaining spatial attention in one or more spatial regions. These and other features will become more apparent to those of skill in the art in view of the accompanying drawings and following description, which describe particular embodiments in greater detail.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate an ultrasound system <NUM> including a console <NUM> and either a first ultrasound probe <NUM> or a second ultrasound probe <NUM> in accordance with some embodiments.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of the ultrasound probe <NUM> in accordance with some embodiments.

As shown, the ultrasound probe <NUM> includes a probe body <NUM>, a probe head <NUM> extending from a distal end of the probe body <NUM>, and a plurality of ultrasonic transducers <NUM> arranged in an array in the probe head <NUM>.

The ultrasound probe <NUM> can also include a camera <NUM> integrated into a side of the ultrasound probe <NUM>, a light-pattern projector <NUM> (e.g., a laser light-pattern projector) integrated into the side of the ultrasound probe <NUM>, or both the camera <NUM> and the light-pattern projector <NUM> integrated into the side of the ultrasound probe <NUM>. Notably, the side of the ultrasound probe <NUM> including the camera <NUM> or the light-pattern projector <NUM> is shown in <FIG> as a major side of the ultrasound probe <NUM>, specifically a top side (or front face) of the ultrasound probe <NUM>, which is convenient for an out-of-plane view of a needle <NUM> (see <FIG>) when establishing an insertion site with the needle <NUM> as set forth in the method below. In addition, the foregoing side of the ultrasound probe <NUM> conveniently includes various buttons <NUM> of the ultrasound probe <NUM> useful for operating the ultrasound probe <NUM> or <NUM> or the ultrasound system <NUM> while establishing an insertion site with the needle <NUM>. That said, the side of the ultrasound probe <NUM> including the camera <NUM> or the light-pattern projector <NUM> can alternatively be a minor side of the ultrasound probe <NUM>, which is convenient for an in-plane view of the needle <NUM> when establishing an insertion site with the needle <NUM> as set forth in the method below.

The camera <NUM> is configured for recording one or more still or moving images <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>) of a procedural field including a subject portion of a patient therein with a depth of field including a plane of a distal end of the probe head <NUM> and a field of view including a spatial region about the probe head <NUM>. As set forth in more detail below, the one-or-more still or moving images <NUM> can be rendered on the display screen of the display <NUM> along with the ultrasound images <NUM> associated therewith, which allows a clinician to sustain spatial attention on the display <NUM> when establishing an insertion site with the needle <NUM>, thereby obviating the clinician from frequently switching his or her spatial attention between the display <NUM> and the procedural field as done with existing ultrasound systems.

The light-pattern projector <NUM> is configured to project a light pattern <NUM> in the spatial region about the probe head <NUM> focused in the plane of the distal end of the probe head <NUM>, thereby including the foregoing subject portion of the patient in the procedural field. The light pattern <NUM> is configured for guided insertion of the needle <NUM> into an anatomical target under the probe head <NUM> in the procedural field. Similar to the one-or-more still or moving images <NUM> when rendered on the display screen of the display <NUM>, the light pattern <NUM> when projected in the spatial region about the probe head <NUM> allows a clinician to sustain spatial attention in the procedural field when establishing an insertion site with the needle <NUM> as set forth in the method below, thereby obviating the clinician from frequently switching his or her spatial attention between the procedural field and the display <NUM> as done with existing ultrasound systems.

<FIG> illustrates a schematic of a first light pattern 122a in accordance with some embodiments. <FIG> illustrates a schematic of a second light pattern 122b in accordance with some embodiments. Notably, when referring to a generic light pattern herein, the light pattern <NUM> is referenced. When referring to a specific light pattern herein, the light pattern 122a, 122b, or the like is referenced.

As shown, the light pattern 122a of 122b includes periodic hash marks <NUM> along one or more rays <NUM> radiating from a central axis of the ultrasound probe <NUM> in the plane of the probe head <NUM>. Indeed, the light pattern 122a includes the hash marks <NUM> along one ray <NUM> radiating from the central axis of the ultrasound probe <NUM>, whereas the light pattern 122b includes the hash marks <NUM> along three rays <NUM> radiating from the central axis of the ultrasound probe <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, each hash mark of the hash marks <NUM> corresponds to a depth under the probe head <NUM> accessible by the needle <NUM> along an associated ray <NUM> at a needle-insertion angle with respect to the plane of the probe head <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a schematic of a third light pattern 122c in accordance with some embodiments.

As shown, the light pattern 122c includes periodic concentric circular arcs <NUM> bound between two or more rays <NUM> radiating from the central axis of the ultrasound probe <NUM> in the plane of the probe head <NUM>. Indeed, the light pattern 122c includes the circular arcs <NUM> bound between three rays <NUM> radiating from the central axis of the ultrasound probe <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, each circular arc of the circular arcs <NUM> corresponds to a depth under the probe head <NUM> accessible by the needle <NUM> along an associated ray <NUM> at a needle-insertion angle with respect to the plane of the probe head <NUM>. Notably, the associated ray <NUM> can be an intervening ray between the two-or-more rays <NUM> of the light pattern 122c radiating from the central axis of the ultrasound probe <NUM>. The intervening ray need not be a visible ray of the light pattern 122c; the intervening ray can be envisioned between the two-or-more rays <NUM> of the light pattern 122c and followed with the needle <NUM> when establishing an insertion site therewith as set forth in the method below.

The ultrasound probe <NUM> can also include a needle-guide holder <NUM> extending from the side of the probe head <NUM> in common with the side of the ultrasound probe <NUM> including the camera <NUM>, whether the foregoing side is the major or minor side of the ultrasound probe <NUM> including the camera <NUM> or the light-pattern projector <NUM>.

The ultrasound probe <NUM> can also include a single-use needle guide <NUM> configured to couple to the needle-guide holder <NUM>. The needle guide <NUM>, the needle-guide holder <NUM>, or a combination of the needle guide <NUM> and the needle-guide holder <NUM> can include at least one degree of freedom enabling the needle guide <NUM> to swivel between sides of the ultrasound probe <NUM>. Indeed, the needle guide <NUM> can swivel between minor sides of the ultrasound probe <NUM> if the needle-guide holder <NUM> extends from a major side of the ultrasound probe <NUM>. The needle guide <NUM> can alternatively swivel between major sides of the ultrasound probe <NUM> if the needle-guide holder <NUM> extends from a minor side of the ultrasound probe <NUM>. To enable the needle guide <NUM> to swivel between the foregoing sides of the ultrasound probe <NUM>, the needle guide <NUM> and the needle-guide holder <NUM> can include a joint (e.g., ball joint) formed therebetween that provides the degree of freedom needed. If the needle guide <NUM> is used with the needle <NUM> to establish an insertion site, the needle guide <NUM> can be advantageously swiveled along each circular arc of the circular arcs <NUM> of the light pattern 122c. The needle <NUM> can be subsequently inserted along any existing or envisioned ray of the light pattern 122c to establish an insertion site.

<FIG> illustrate different views of the ultrasound probe <NUM> in accordance with some embodiments.

As shown, the ultrasound probe <NUM> includes a probe body <NUM>, a probe head <NUM> extending from a distal end of the probe body <NUM>, and the plurality of ultrasonic transducers <NUM> arranged in an array in the probe head <NUM>. In addition, the ultrasound probe <NUM> can include the camera <NUM> integrated into a side of the ultrasound probe <NUM>, the light-pattern projector <NUM> integrated into the side of the ultrasound probe <NUM>, or both the camera <NUM> and the light-pattern projector <NUM> integrated into the side of the ultrasound probe <NUM>. As such, the ultrasound probe <NUM> is like the ultrasound probe <NUM> in certain ways. Therefore, the description set forth above for the ultrasound probe <NUM> likewise applies to the ultrasound probe <NUM>.

The ultrasound probe <NUM> also includes a display <NUM> integrated into the side of the ultrasound probe <NUM>, specifically the top side (or front face) of the ultrasound probe <NUM>, which differentiates the ultrasound probe <NUM> from the ultrasound probe <NUM>. The display <NUM> is configured to render ultrasound images <NUM> on a display screen thereof, which allows a clinician to sustain spatial attention in the procedural field when establishing an insertion site with the needle <NUM> as set forth in the method below, thereby obviating the clinician from frequently switching his or her spatial attention between the procedural field, which includes the display <NUM>, and another display (e.g., the display <NUM> of the console <NUM>) as done with existing ultrasound systems. In addition, the display <NUM> is configured to render one or more overlying needle trajectories <NUM> over the ultrasound images <NUM>. (See, for example, <FIG> for the one-or-more needle trajectories <NUM>. ) The one-or-more needle trajectories <NUM> are configured for guided insertion of the needle <NUM> into an anatomical target under the probe head <NUM> on the display <NUM>. Indeed, the one-or-more needle trajectories <NUM> are in accordance with one or more depths accessible by the needle <NUM> as indicated by the light pattern <NUM>.

Notably, the ultrasound probe <NUM> or <NUM> can include magnetic sensors to enhance guided insertion of the needle <NUM> into an anatomical target as set forth herein with magnetic-based needle guidance. Such magnetic-based needle guidance is disclosed in <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>.

<FIG> illustrates a block diagram of the ultrasound system <NUM> in accordance with some embodiments.

As shown, the console <NUM> includes a variety of components including a processor <NUM> and memory <NUM> such as random-access memory ("RAM") or non-volatile memory (e.g., electrically erasable programmable read-only memory ["EEPROM"]) for controlling various functions of the ultrasound system <NUM> during operation thereof. Indeed, the console <NUM> is configured to instantiate by way of executable instructions <NUM> stored in the memory <NUM> and executed by the processor <NUM> various processes for controlling the various functions of the ultrasound system <NUM>.

As to the various processes for controlling the various functions of the ultrasound system <NUM>, the various processes can include beamforming by way of a beamformer configured to drive the ultrasonic transducers <NUM>, wherein driving the ultrasonic transducers <NUM> includes emitting generated ultrasound signals as well as receiving, amplifying, and digitizing reflected ultrasound signals; signal processing by way of a signal processor configured to detect an amplitude of each of the foregoing reflected ultrasound signals or the digitized signals corresponding thereto; and image processing by way of an image processor configured to manage storage of detected amplitudes and send the ultrasound images <NUM> corresponding to collections of the detected amplitudes to the display screen of the display <NUM> or <NUM> upon completion of the ultrasound images <NUM>.

Further to the various processes for controlling the various functions of the ultrasound system <NUM>, the various processes can include processing electrical signals corresponding to color and brightness data from an image sensor of the camera <NUM> of the ultrasound probe <NUM> or <NUM> into the one-or-more still or moving images <NUM>; determining depths for various anatomical structures in the ultrasound images <NUM> by way of delays in time between emitting the generated ultrasound signals from the ultrasonic transducers <NUM> and receiving the reflected ultrasound signals by the ultrasonic transducers <NUM>; adjusting a scale of the light pattern <NUM> projected from the light-pattern projector <NUM> in accordance with both the depths for the various anatomical structures in the ultrasound images <NUM> and a needle-insertion angle, wherein the needle-insertion angle is selected from a single ultrasound system-defined needle-insertion angle, a clinician-selected needle-insertion angle among various ultrasound system-defined needle-insertion angles, and a dynamic needle-insertion angle determined by way of magnetic-based needle guidance; adjusting a scale of the overlying pattern <NUM> lying over the one-or-more still or moving images <NUM> in accordance with both the depths for the various anatomical structures in the ultrasound images <NUM> and the needle-insertion angle; and adjusting a scale of the one-or-more needle trajectories <NUM> lying over the ultrasound images <NUM> in accordance with both the depths for various anatomical structures in the ultrasound images <NUM> and the needle-insertion angle.

The console <NUM> also includes a digital controller/analog interface <NUM> in communication with both the processor <NUM> and other system components to govern interfacing between the ultrasound probe <NUM> or <NUM> and the foregoing system components. Ports <NUM> are also included in the console <NUM> for connection with additional system components including optional system components such as a printer, storage media, a keyboard, etc. The ports <NUM> can be universal serial bus ("USB") ports, though other types of ports can be used for these connections or any other connections shown or described herein.

A power connection <NUM> is included with the console <NUM> to enable an operable connection to an external power supply <NUM>. An internal power supply <NUM> (e.g., a battery) can also be employed either with or exclusive of the external power supply <NUM>. Power management circuitry <NUM> is included with the digital controller/analog interface <NUM> of the console <NUM> to regulate power use and distribution.

A display <NUM> integrated into the console <NUM> is configured to render on a display screen thereof a graphical user interface ("GUI"), the ultrasound images <NUM> attained by the ultrasound probe <NUM> or <NUM>, the one-or-more still or moving images <NUM> of the procedural field attained by the camera <NUM> of the ultrasound probe <NUM> or <NUM>, an overlying pattern <NUM> lying over the one-or-more still or moving images <NUM>, the one-or-more needle trajectories <NUM> lying over the ultrasound images <NUM>, etc. That said, the display <NUM> can alternatively be separate from the console <NUM> and communicatively coupled thereto. Regardless, control buttons (see <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>) accessed through a console button interface <NUM> of the console <NUM> can be used to immediately call up to the display screen a desired mode of the ultrasound system <NUM> for assisting with an ultrasound-based medical procedure such as that for establishing an insertion site with the needle <NUM>, placing a VAD such as a catheter in a blood vessel of a patient at the insertion site, or the like. For example, a mode of the ultrasound system <NUM> for establishing an insertion site with the needle <NUM> can include rendering the one-or-more still or moving images <NUM> of the procedural field, the overlying pattern <NUM> lying over the one-or-more still or moving images <NUM>, the one-or-more needle trajectories <NUM> lying over the ultrasound images <NUM>, or a combination thereof.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate guided insertion of the needle <NUM> into an anatomical target of an ultrasound image with the light pattern <NUM>, specifically the light pattern 122a and 122c, respectively, as shown in the one-or-more still or moving images <NUM> adjacent the ultrasound image on the display <NUM>.

When rendered on the display screen, the one-or-more still or moving images <NUM> show at least the needle <NUM> when the needle <NUM> is present in the spatial region about the probe head <NUM> or <NUM>, which, even alone, allows a clinician to sustain spatial attention on the display <NUM> when establishing an insertion site with the needle <NUM>. If the ultrasound probe <NUM> or <NUM> includes the light-pattern projector <NUM>, however, the one-or-more still or moving images <NUM> can show both the light pattern <NUM> in the spatial region about the probe head <NUM> or <NUM> and the needle <NUM> in relation to the light pattern <NUM> for guided insertion of the needle <NUM> into an anatomical target under the probe head <NUM> or <NUM> on the display <NUM>. Having both the light pattern <NUM> and the needle <NUM> shown in the one-or-more still or moving images <NUM> further allows a clinician to sustain spatial attention on the display <NUM> when establishing the insertion site with the needle <NUM>, thereby obviating the clinician from frequently switching his or her spatial attention between the display <NUM> and the procedural field as done with existing ultrasound systems.

<FIG> and <FIG> also illustrate guided insertion of the needle <NUM> into an anatomical target of an ultrasound image respectively with the overlying pattern <NUM>, specifically the overlying pattern 160a and 160c, respectively, over the one-or-more still or moving images <NUM> adjacent the ultrasound image on the display <NUM>.

Following on the foregoing, if the ultrasound probe <NUM> or <NUM> does not include the light-pattern projector <NUM>, or if a clinician prefers not to use the light-pattern projector <NUM> of the ultrasound probe <NUM> or <NUM>, the one-or-more still or moving images <NUM> can show the overlying pattern <NUM> lying thereover. When the needle <NUM> is present in the spatial region about the probe head <NUM> or <NUM>, the one-or-more still or moving images <NUM> can thusly show both the overlying pattern <NUM> and the needle <NUM> in relation to the overlying pattern <NUM> for guided insertion of the needle <NUM> into an anatomical target under the probe head <NUM> or <NUM> on the display <NUM>. Having both the overlying pattern <NUM> and the needle <NUM> shown in the one-or-more still or moving images <NUM> further allows a clinician to sustain spatial attention on the display <NUM> when establishing the insertion site with the needle <NUM>, thereby obviating the clinician from frequently switching his or her spatial attention between the display <NUM> and the procedural field as done with existing ultrasound systems.

Like the light pattern 122a or 122b, the overlying pattern 160a or 160b includes the periodic hash marks <NUM> along one or more rays <NUM> radiating from the central axis of the ultrasound probe <NUM> or <NUM> in the plane of the probe head <NUM> or <NUM>; however, unlike the light pattern 122a or 122b, the hash marks <NUM> and the one-or-more rays <NUM> are virtual, existing only on the display screen. By analogy to the light pattern 122a, the overlying pattern 160a likewise includes the hash marks <NUM> along one ray <NUM> radiating from the central axis of the ultrasound probe <NUM> or <NUM>, and, by analogy to the light pattern 122b, the overlying pattern 160b likewise includes the hash marks <NUM> along three rays <NUM> radiating from the central axis of the ultrasound probe <NUM> or <NUM>. Each hash mark of the hash marks <NUM> corresponds to a depth under the probe head <NUM> or <NUM> accessible by the needle <NUM> along an associated ray <NUM> at a needle-insertion angle with respect to the plane of the probe head <NUM> or <NUM>.

Like the light pattern 122c, the overlying pattern 160c includes periodic concentric circular arcs <NUM> bound between two or more rays <NUM> radiating from a central axis of the ultrasound probe <NUM> or <NUM> in the plane of the probe head <NUM> or <NUM>; however, unlike the light pattern 122c, the circular arcs <NUM> and the two-or-more rays <NUM> are virtual, existing only on the display screen. By analogy to the light pattern 122c, the overlying pattern 160c likewise includes the circular arcs <NUM> bound between three rays <NUM> radiating from the central axis of the ultrasound probe <NUM> or <NUM>. Each circular arc of the circular arcs <NUM> corresponds to a depth under the probe head <NUM> or <NUM> accessible by the needle <NUM> along an associated ray <NUM> at a needle-insertion angle with respect to the plane of the probe head <NUM> or <NUM>. Notably, the associated ray <NUM> can be an intervening ray between the two-or-more rays <NUM> of the overlying pattern 160c radiating from the central axis of the ultrasound probe <NUM> or <NUM>. The intervening ray need not be a visible ray of the overlying pattern 160c; the intervening ray can be envisioned between the two-or-more rays <NUM> of the overlying pattern 160c and followed with the needle <NUM> when establishing an insertion site therewith as set forth in the method below.

As set forth above, the display <NUM> is configured to render on the display screen thereof the one-or-more needle trajectories <NUM> lying over the ultrasound images <NUM>. The one-or-more needle trajectories <NUM> are configured for guided insertion of the needle <NUM> into an anatomical target under the probe head <NUM> or <NUM> on the display <NUM>. Indeed, as shown in <FIG>, the one-or-more needle trajectories <NUM> are in accordance with one or more depths accessible by the needle <NUM> indicated by the light pattern 122c or the overlying pattern 160c.

The needle trajectories <NUM> labeled '<NUM>' in <FIG> are straightforwardly understood as being in a plane perpendicular to that of an ultrasound beam for a so called out-of-plane view with respect to the needle <NUM>. Moving the needle <NUM> from circular arc <NUM> to circular arc <NUM> of the light pattern 122c or overlying pattern 160c of <FIG> toward the central axis of the ultrasound probe <NUM> or <NUM> while keeping the needle-insertion angle constant moves the needle <NUM> from trajectory to trajectory of the one-or-more needle trajectories <NUM> in a same direction (e.g., up) on the display screen. Indeed, inserting the needle <NUM> into a patient at the circular arc <NUM> nearest the central axis of the ultrasound probe <NUM> or <NUM> results in overshooting an anatomical target, for example, a blood vessel under the probe head <NUM> or <NUM>. Notably, the needle <NUM> could still access the blood vessel but distal of the probe head <NUM> or <NUM>. Similarly, moving the needle <NUM> from circular arc <NUM> to circular arc <NUM> of the light pattern 122c or overlying pattern 160c of <FIG> away from the central axis of the ultrasound probe <NUM> or <NUM> while keeping the needle-insertion angle constant moves the needle <NUM> from trajectory to trajectory of the one-or-more needle trajectories <NUM> in a same direction (e.g., down) on the display screen. Indeed, inserting the needle <NUM> into the patient at the circular arc <NUM> farthest from the central axis of the ultrasound probe <NUM> or <NUM> results in undershooting the blood vessel under the probe head <NUM> or <NUM>. Notably, the needle <NUM> would still access the blood vessel but proximal of the probe head <NUM> or <NUM> and, ultimately, through a backwall of the blood vessel if the needle trajectory is completely followed.

The needle trajectories <NUM> labeled '<NUM>' and '<NUM>' in of <FIG> are in mirrored planes oblique to that of the ultrasound beam, and, as such, approach the blood vessel obliquely. However, like that set forth for the needle trajectories <NUM> labeled '<NUM>' in <FIG>, moving the needle <NUM> from circular arc <NUM> to circular arc <NUM> of the light pattern 122c or overlying pattern 160c of <FIG> toward the central axis of the ultrasound probe <NUM> or <NUM> while keeping the needle-insertion angle constant moves the needle <NUM> from trajectory to trajectory of the one-or-more needle trajectories <NUM> in a same direction (e.g., up) on the display screen. Moving the needle <NUM> from circular arc <NUM> to circular arc <NUM> of the light pattern 122c or overlying pattern 160c of <FIG> away from the central axis of the ultrasound probe <NUM> or <NUM> while keeping the needle-insertion angle constant moves the needle <NUM> from trajectory to trajectory of the one-or-more needle trajectories <NUM> in a same direction (e.g., down) on the display screen.

Adverting briefly back to the ultrasound probe <NUM> or <NUM>, the ultrasound probe <NUM> or <NUM> includes the buttons <NUM> for operating the ultrasound probe <NUM> or <NUM> or the ultrasound system <NUM> of which the ultrasound probe <NUM> or <NUM> is part. For example, the buttons <NUM> can be configured for selecting a desired mode of the ultrasound system <NUM> as set forth above. The ultrasound probe <NUM> or <NUM> includes a button-and-memory controller <NUM> configured for operable communication with a probe interface <NUM> of the console <NUM>, which probe interface <NUM> includes an input/output ("I/O") component <NUM> for interfacing with the ultrasonic transducers <NUM> and a button-and-memory I/O component <NUM> for interfacing with the button-and-memory controller <NUM>.

Methods include a method of using the ultrasound system <NUM> to establish an insertion site for access to an anatomical structure (e.g., blood vessel) of a patient. The method includes one or more steps selected from an ultrasound probe-obtaining step, an ultrasound probe-moving step, a recording step, an ultrasound image-monitoring step, a needle guide-attaching step, a needle guide-swiveling step, and a needle-inserting step.

The ultrasound probe-obtaining step includes obtaining the ultrasound probe <NUM>. As set forth above, the ultrasound probe <NUM> includes the probe body <NUM>, the probe head <NUM> extending from the distal end of the probe body <NUM>, and the camera <NUM> integrated into the side of the ultrasound probe <NUM>.

The needle guide-attaching step includes attaching the needle guide <NUM> to the needle-guide holder <NUM> extending from the probe body <NUM>. The needle guide <NUM> includes a needle through hole configured to direct the needle <NUM> into the patient under the probe head <NUM> at the needle-insertion angle defined by the needle guide <NUM>.

The ultrasound probe-moving step includes moving the ultrasound probe <NUM> over the patient while the ultrasound probe <NUM> emits generated ultrasound signals into the patient from the ultrasonic transducers <NUM> in the probe head <NUM> and receives reflected ultrasound signals from the patient by the ultrasonic transducers <NUM>.

The recording step includes recording the one-or-more still or moving images <NUM> of the procedural field including a subject portion of the patient therein. As set forth above, the one-or-more still or moving images <NUM> are recorded with a depth of field including the plane of the distal end of the probe head <NUM> and the field of view including the spatial region about the probe head <NUM>.

The ultrasound image-monitoring step includes monitoring ultrasound images <NUM> rendered on the display screen of the display <NUM> associated with the console <NUM> of the ultrasound system <NUM> to identify an anatomical target of the patient under the probe head <NUM>.

The needle guide-swiveling step includes swiveling the needle guide <NUM> between sides of the ultrasound probe <NUM> to find a suitable needle trajectory before the needle-inserting step. The needle-guide holder <NUM>, the needle guide <NUM>, or a combination of the needle-guide holder <NUM> and the needle guide <NUM> such as the joint formed therebetween includes at least one degree of freedom enabling the swiveling of the needle guide <NUM>.

The needle-inserting step includes inserting the needle <NUM> into the anatomical target. The inserting of the needle <NUM> into the anatomical target during the needle-inserting step is guided in the procedural field with reference to the light pattern <NUM> in the spatial region about the probe head <NUM>, on the display <NUM> with reference to the one-or-more still or moving images <NUM> or the one-or-more needle trajectories <NUM> rendered on the display screen thereof, or a combination thereof.

As to guidance in the procedural field with reference to the light pattern <NUM>, the light pattern <NUM> is projected into the spatial region about the probe head <NUM> from the light-pattern projector <NUM> and focused in the plane of the distal end of the probe head <NUM> for guiding the needle <NUM> in the procedural field. As set forth above, the light pattern 122a or 122b includes the periodic hash marks <NUM> along the one-or-more rays <NUM> radiating from the central axis of the ultrasound probe <NUM> in the plane of the probe head <NUM>. Each hash mark of the hash marks <NUM> corresponds to a depth under the probe head <NUM> accessible by the needle <NUM> along an associated ray <NUM> at a needle-insertion angle with respect to the plane of the probe head <NUM>. As further set forth above, the light pattern 122c includes the periodic concentric circular arcs <NUM> bound between the two-or-more rays <NUM> radiating from the central axis of the ultrasound probe <NUM> in the plane of the probe head <NUM>. Each circular arc of the circular arcs <NUM> corresponds to a depth under the probe head <NUM> accessible by the needle <NUM> along an associated ray <NUM> at a needle-insertion angle with respect to the plane of the probe head <NUM>.

As to guidance on the display <NUM> with reference to the one-or-more still or moving images <NUM>, the one-or-more still or moving images <NUM> can show both the light pattern <NUM> in the spatial region about the probe head <NUM> and the needle <NUM> in relation to the light pattern <NUM> for guiding the needle <NUM> on the display <NUM>. However, if the ultrasound probe <NUM> does not include the light-pattern projector <NUM>, or if a clinician prefers not to use the light-pattern projector <NUM> of the ultrasound probe <NUM>, the one-or-more still or moving images <NUM> can show the overlying pattern <NUM> lying thereover for guiding the needle <NUM> on the display <NUM>. As set forth above, the overlying pattern 160a or 160b includes the periodic hash marks <NUM> along the one-or-more rays <NUM> radiating from the central axis of the ultrasound probe <NUM> in the plane of the probe head <NUM>. Each hash mark of the hash marks <NUM> corresponds to a depth under the probe head <NUM> accessible by the needle <NUM> along an associated ray <NUM> at a needle-insertion angle with respect to the plane of the probe head <NUM>. As further set forth above, the overlying pattern 160c includes the periodic concentric circular arcs <NUM> bound between the two-or-more rays <NUM> radiating from the central axis of the ultrasound probe <NUM> in the plane of the probe head <NUM>. Each circular arc of the circular arcs <NUM> corresponds to a depth under the probe head <NUM> accessible by the needle <NUM> along an associated ray <NUM> at a needle-insertion angle with respect to the plane of the probe head <NUM>.

Further as to guidance on the display <NUM> with reference to the one-or-more needle trajectories <NUM>, the ultrasound images <NUM> can show the one-or-more needle trajectories <NUM> in accordance with one or more depths accessible by the needle <NUM> indicated by the light pattern <NUM> or overlying pattern <NUM> in the one-or-more still or moving images <NUM> for guiding the needle <NUM> on the display <NUM>.

Notably, the foregoing method involves the ultrasound probe <NUM>; however, the method can be modified for the ultrasound probe <NUM>. In such a method, the ultrasound images <NUM> are displayed on the display <NUM> of the ultrasound probe <NUM>, optionally, in combination with the ultrasound images <NUM> and the one-or-more still or moving images <NUM> on the display <NUM> of the console <NUM>. As set forth above, displaying the images on the display <NUM> of the ultrasound probe <NUM> allows a clinician to sustain spatial attention in the procedural field when establishing the insertion site with the needle <NUM> in the needle-inserting step, thereby obviating the clinician from frequently switching his or her spatial attention between the procedural field, which includes the display <NUM>, and another display (e.g., the display <NUM> of the console <NUM>) as done with existing ultrasound systems.

Claim 1:
An ultrasound system (<NUM>), comprising:
a console (<NUM>) including a display (<NUM>) configured to render on a display screen thereof ultrasound images (<NUM>) and one or more still or moving images (<NUM>) of a procedural field; and
an ultrasound probe (<NUM>, <NUM>) including:
a probe body (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a probe head (<NUM>, <NUM>) extending from a distal end of the probe body (<NUM>, <NUM>), the probe head (<NUM>, <NUM>) including a plurality of ultrasonic transducers (<NUM>) arranged in an array;
a camera (<NUM>) integrated into a side of the ultrasound probe (<NUM>, <NUM>), the camera (<NUM>) configured for recording the one-or-more still or moving images (<NUM>) of the procedural field with a depth of field including a plane of a distal end of the probe head (<NUM>, <NUM>) and a field of view including a spatial region about the probe head (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
a light-pattern projector (<NUM>) integrated into the side of the ultrasound probe (<NUM>, <NUM>) including the camera (<NUM>), the light-pattern projector (<NUM>) configured to project a light pattern in the spatial region about the probe head (<NUM>, <NUM>) focused in the plane of the distal end of the probe head (<NUM>, <NUM>) for guided insertion of a needle (<NUM>) into an anatomical target under the probe head (<NUM>, <NUM>) in the procedural field,
characterized in that the display (<NUM>) is further configured to render on the display screen one or more overlying needle trajectories (<NUM>) in accordance with one or more depths accessible by the needle (<NUM>) indicated by the light pattern, the one-or-more overlying needle trajectories lying over the ultrasound images (<NUM>) for the guided insertion of the needle (<NUM>) into the anatomical target under the probe head (<NUM>, <NUM>) on the display (<NUM>).