Disclosed herein is an apparatus for inserting a needle and a method for cannulation of a blood vessel. The apparatus can include a targeting assembly to identify a target location and an insertion path for the needle. The apparatus can further include a frame and insertion assembly to hold and place the needle. A user interface can be provided to provide feedback to an operator. The apparatus can include an adjustable band that engages a body portion of the patient. The method can include placing and securing the frame to the body portion. The method can further include locating the target location and inserting the needle through a target area.

A window dressing includes a primary layer having a window for viewing a catheter insertion site. The primary layer includes an adhesive layer on a lower, skin-contacting face of the primary layer. A transparent layer covers the window and adheres to the upper surface of the primary layer. An ultrasonic transmission layer is positioned below the primary layer, where the transmission layer comprises a layer of hydrogel. A support structure has a stiffness that is greater than the primary layer and has an adhesive layer on the lower surface of the support structure. The support structure adhesive layer adheres the support structure to the upper surface of the primary layer.

The present invention provides fixation devices, locking assemblies, and methods for using the same. The fixation devices of the invention are capable of accurate insertion of medical devices by providing detection means of a patient's internal anatomy and localizing a desired target. The devices are capable of locking into position to maintain accuracy.

The present invention provides fixation devices, locking assemblies, and methods for using the same. The fixation devices of the invention are capable of accurate insertion of medical devices by providing detection means of a patient's internal anatomy and localizing a desired target. The devices are capable of locking into position to maintain accuracy.

An insertion site for a cannula (23) on a skin (8) of a patient is prepared by applying a skin cover unit (1) of the type comprising a window (2) and a wall (3) in extension of the window (2) and connected to the window (2) by a bending region (4) for bending the wall (3) into an angled orientation relatively to the window (2); wherein the win-dow (2) comprises a stabilizing frame (5) and an ultrasonic-transparent flexible sheet (6) within the frame (5). The flexible sheet (6) is glued onto the skin (8) of the patient for ultrasonic investigation of the insertion site through the flexible sheet (6). By bending the bending region (4), the angular orientation of the wall (3) is adjusted into an approximately perpendicular orientation relatively to the window (2) for separating the insertion site from the flexible sheet (6) by the wall (3). The cover unit (1) in or at the bending region (4) comprises a stabilizer (9) that is configured for maintaining the angled orientation between the wall (3) and the window (2) by a stabilizing action of the stabilizer (9).

Disclosed herein are systems and methods for visualizing a target anatomy of a patient in preparation of a medical procedure. The method can include providing a visualization device (400) that probes the target anatomy and provides a display to the operator. The method can include positioning the visualization device at a location near the target anatomy. The method can further include directing a medical instrument towards a target trajectory displayed on the visualization device. The visualization device can have a body that defines two surface areas. The visualization device can include transducers along one surface area of the device to capture the target anatomy. A user interface (420) can be disposed on another surface area of the device. The display can include parallax for adjusting the visualization.

Ablation catheters and systems include coaxial catheter shafts with an inner lumen for delivering an ablative agent and an outer lumen for circulation of a cooling element about the catheter. Induction heating is used to heat a chamber and vaporize a fluid within by wrapping a coil about a ferromagnetic chamber and providing an alternating current to the coil. A magnetic field is created in the area surrounding the chamber which induces electric current flow in the chamber, heating the chamber and vaporizing the fluid inside. Positioning elements help maintain the device in the proper position with respect to the target tissue and also prevent the passage of ablative agent to normal tissues.

An ultrasound device for guiding a needle includes an elongated handle body and first and second ultrasound transducers. The ultrasound transducers are laterally spaced from one another and angled toward a channel defined therebetween configured for passage of a needle.

Devices, apparatus, and methods of using a modified scalpel tool that is removable from a polyurethane mated sheath for use in carpal tunnel surgeries and the like. The modified scalpel tool has an elongated stem with a flat blade at the distal end and an elongated handle at the proximal end. The sheath has a cavity for allowing the elongated blade to be inserted therein, two slots to receive two metal studs and a handle at its proximal end. The flat blade tool when combined (mated) with the polyurethane sheath produces a stable configuration that allows motion in only one rotational plane and with an arc of 90-95 degrees.

Ablation catheters and systems include coaxial catheter shafts with an inner lumen for delivering an ablative agent and an outer lumen for circulation of a cooling element about the catheter. Induction heating is used to heat a chamber and vaporize a fluid within by wrapping a coil about a ferromagnetic chamber and providing an alternating current to the coil. A magnetic field is created in the area surrounding the chamber which induces electric current flow in the chamber, heating the chamber and vaporizing the fluid inside. Positioning elements help maintain the device in the proper position with respect to the target tissue and also prevent the passage of ablative agent to normal tissues.