| 摘要 |
An acoustic device is provided which assists in accurate placement of a needle into a human or animal diarthrodial joint. The device includes a handpiece which mounts a needle assembly including an acoustic transducer assembly. The transducer assembly, which is incorporated into the lumen of the needle, transmits ultrasound pulses from the needle tip into the joint area and receives the ultrasound pulses that are returned. The handpiece is manipulated by the user to guide the needle during placement. The returned ultrasound pulses are processed to determine whether the needle is placed in the joint itself rather than in a location adjacent to the joint and a corresponding output is produced to aid the user in effecting proper needle placement.
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