| 摘要 |
<p>A vascular access system for accurately locating body structures such as blood vessels within a patient, includes a flexible probe (16) for applying Doppler ultrasonic techniques that have a relatively adjustable length relative to a needle assembly. The flexible probe has a coaxial cable design that includes a piezoelectric element (62) at a proximal end of the probe. The piezoelectric element is used for emitting ultrasonic signals and for receiving ultrasonic signals that are reflected off of various body structures within a patient. The intensity of the reflective ultrasonic signals is used to determine the location of a pre-selected body structure. The flexible probe is adaptable for use within a variety of needles for a variety of applications.</p> |
