ULTRASONIC VISUALIZATION OF PERCUTANEOUS NEEDLES, INTRAVASCULAR CATHETERS AND OTHER INVASIVE DEVICES
摘要
<p>An invasive medical device (20) includes a fluid path of microbubbles (26) which is imaged by ultrasound during use of the device. The fluid path extends through the device, preferably to the distal end of the device, so that the diffuse reflection of ultrasound from the microbubbles can be received to image the location of the device. The fluid path can be open, terminating at the tip of the device, or can be' a closed path of a circulating microbubble fluid used for imaging and/or cooling.</p>
