SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DEPLOYING ECHOGENIC COMPONENTS IN ULTRASONIC IMAGING FIELDS
Systems and devices according to the present invention providing a needle deployment and visualization device, which includes: a shaft; an ultrasound imaging transducer extendable along at least a portion of the shaft for providing an image within a field of view; and a needle coupled and deployable from the shaft within the field of view. The needle has an artifact configured to preferentially reflect at least a portion of the ultrasound energy emanating from the ultrasound transducer back to the transducer in order to enhance imaging of the needle.
1 . A visualization and treatment device, comprising:
a support;
an ultrasound imaging transducer on the shaft to provide imaging within a field of view; and
an elongate component deployable from the shaft within the field of view;
wherein the component has an artifact configured to preferentially reflect at least a portion of the ultrasound energy emanating from the ultrasound transducer back to the transducer.
2 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the artifact is located near or at a distal tip of the elongate component.
3 . The device of claim 2 , wherein the ultrasound energy is reflected from the artifact back to the transducer substantially along the same line.
4 . The device of claim 3 , wherein the artifact comprises a retroreflector formed on or in the component.
5 . The device of claim 4 , wherein the retroreflector comprises at least two mutually perpendicular surfaces forming substantially 90 degrees angles.
6 . The system of claim 3 , wherein the artifact comprises a series of steps on the shaft parallel surfaces with widths which decrease as they approach the distal tip.
7 . The system of claim 3 , wherein the artifact comprises a plurality of beveled surfaces offset a variety of angles, the beveled surfaces providing parallel surfaces.
8 . The system of claim 3 , wherein the artifact comprises a plurality of indentations to aid in reflection of the ultrasound energy.
9 . The system of claim 8 , wherein the indentions have surfaces at different angles relative to one another.
10 . The system of claim 8 , wherein the indentions have surfaces parallel angles relative to one another.
11 . The system of claim 8 , wherein the indentions have surfaces at perpendicular angles relative to one another.
12 . The system of claim 8 , wherein the at least one indentation extends longitudinally along a long axis of the needle distal tip.
13 . The system of claim 8 , wherein the at least one indentation substantially has a circular or oval geometry.
14 . The system of claim 8 , wherein the at least one indentation includes one or more indentations extending circumferentially at a location proximal the needle distal end.
15 . The system of claim 8 , wherein the indentations are aligned along a long axis of the needle distal tip.
16 . The system of claim 8 , wherein the indentations are offset from the long axis of the needle distal tip.
17 . The system of claim 8 , wherein the circumferential indentations are circumferentially set apart at a pre-determined distance from one another.
18 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the artifact comprises a transponder located at the distal end of the elongate component for receiving the ultrasound energy and transmitting information to provide the location of the needle distal tip.
19 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the elongate component comprises a needle.
20 . The system of claim 19 , wherein the needle is a solid tip needle configured to deliver electrical energy into tissue.
21 . The system of claim 19 , wherein the needle is a hollow needle configured to deliver a substance into tissue.
22 . The system of claim 19 , wherein the needle has a trocar tip.
23 . The system of claim 22 , wherein the trocar tip is asymmetric or offset.
24 . A method for deploying an elongate component under direct visualization, said method comprising:
positioning a shaft in a body cavity;
visualizing a target region in the body cavity within a field of view using an ultrasonic transducer on the shaft; and
advancing the elongate component from the shaft toward the target region within the field of view;
wherein ultrasonic energy is preferentially reflected back to the transducer by an artifact on the elongate member to enhance production of an image of the elongate member.
25 . A method as in claim 24 , wherein the elongate component is advanced so that a distal tip of the elongate member moves into a parallel orientation relative to the field of view.
26 . A method as in claim 25 , wherein the artifact includes at least one surface which moves into a transverse orientation relative to the field of view as the elongate component is advanced, wherein the at least one surface reflects energy from the transducer back to the transducer.
27 . A method as in claim 25 , wherein the elongate member is a needle advanced into tissue.
28 . A method as in claim 27 , further comprising delivering energy into the tissue.
29 . A method as in claim 26 , wherein the tissue is uterine tissue and the needle is advanced into or adjacent to a fibroid.
30 . A method as in claim 27 , further comprising injecting a substance into the tissue through the needle.