Ultrasound needle tip localization system

Abstract

A B-scan pulse echo ultrasound system produces a real time image of a body area under inquiry, and an aspiration needle is inserted directly into that area. The needle carries a small, omni-directional ultrasound transducer, electrically connected through the needle to transponder electronics. Incident pulses from the imaging transducer to the omni-directional transducer are sensed at the latter, and the position thereof is inserted into the image either by generation of a return signal from the needle point, or through delay logic and subsequent production of a composite.