Apparatus for the canalization of blood vessels.

摘要

An apparatus for use in cannulation of blood vessels includes an ultrasonic flow sensing assembly (34) provided with inner and outer elongated electrically conducting tubular members (35,40) which are separated by an electrical insulator (44). A piezoelectric transducer (23) capable of generating and receiving ultrasonic waves is located at the distal ends (37,43) of the tubular members (35,40) and is electrically connected to them. A power source is connected to the tubular members (35,40) and to the piezoelectric transducer (23) such that when a hollow needle (21) containing the ultrasonic flow sensing assembly (23) is advanced through tissue (25), emitted and detected ultrasonic waves can be employed to locate body vessels (26) which can then be penetrated by the sharpened end (32) of the hollow needle. <IMAGE>