Apparatus for attachment of needle or catheter to endoluminal ultrasound probe

摘要

A needle guidance attachment device for an endoluminal ultrasound probe that allows removal of the probe while the needle is in position in the tissue. The device includes an elongated needle carrier having a longitudinal slot with a transverse opening. The carrier includes a pair of retaining bands adapted to fit around a cylindrical-shaped ultrasound transducer and to orient the needle carrier along the longitudinal axis of the probe. An elongated cover is slidably coupled to the carrier in a longitudinal orientation such that at least a portion of the slot is covered in a first, closed position and uncovered in a second, opened position. The cover moves between its open and closed position axially about the longitudinal axis of the needle carrier.