Device for utilizing transmission ultrasonography to enable ultrasound-guided placement of central venous catheters

Abstract

Ultrasound is typically performed with the use of an external transcutaneous probe that emits ultrasonic energy and measures the timing of reflected waves, thus allowing measurement of fluid flow or formation of a two-dimensional image. Clinically, the modality is limited by attenuation of the signal with increasing depth of penetration of the ultrasound into tissues, as well as by similarities in echo-genicity between different tissues. The present invention includes a system in which an intravascular probe actively transmits ultrasound that can then be detected by in-line piezoelectric transducers without reflection. This signal can be overlaid onto traditional B-mode or Doppler representation. Furthermore, the present invention includes a signal processing system that will display a real-time graphical representation of the vascular anatomy in order to assist the surgeon or procedural radiologist in the placement of central venous catheters.

1 . A system for intravascular transmission ultrasonography, comprising:
 an intravascular probe having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the intravascular probe is configured to produce ultrasonic energy;   a catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, and also being configured to transmit ultrasonic energy;   a detection probe configured to detect ultrasonic energy from the intravascular probe and the catheter; and   a computing device configured to process and display information from the ultrasound probe.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the intravascular probe comprises a piezoelectric device. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the piezoelectric device is disposed at the distal end of the intravascular probe. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the catheter comprises a piezoelectric device. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4  wherein the piezoelectric device is disposed at the distal end of the catheter. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the detection probe takes the form of a blanket array. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the detection probe takes the form of a single probe disposed on a robotic arm. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the computing device comprises a non-transitory computer readable medium. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the intravascular probe comprises a seldinger-type wire. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the catheter comprises a central venous catheter. 
     
     
         11 . A kit for placement of a catheter comprising:
 a guide wire having a proximal end, a distal end, and an elongate length extending therebetween;   a piezoelectric transducer assembly positioned just proximal to a distal end of the guide wire;   a source of power; and   circuitry in electrical communication with the piezoelectric transducer assembly, such that when the piezoelectric transducer assembly detects output from an ultrasound probe, the piezoelectric transducer is trigger to produce an ultrasound wave.   
     
     
         12 . A kit for placement of a catheter comprising:
 a stylet having a proximal end, a distal end, and an length extending therebetween;   a piezoelectric transducer assembly positioned at a distal end of the stylet;   a source of power; and   circuitry in electrical communication with the piezoelectric transducer assembly, such that when the piezoelectric transducer assembly detects output from an ultrasound probe, the piezoelectric transducer is trigger to produce an ultrasound wave.   
     
     
         13 . A kit for placement of a catheter comprising:
 a guide wire having a proximal end, a distal end, and an elongate length extending therebetween;   a first piezoelectric transducer assembly positioned just proximal to a distal end of the guide wire;   a stylet having a proximal end, a distal end, and an length extending therebetween;   a second piezoelectric transducer assembly positioned at a distal end of the stylet;   a source of power; and   circuitry in electrical communication with the first and second piezoelectric transducer assemblies, such that when the piezoelectric transducer assembly detects output from an ultrasound probe, the piezoelectric transducer is trigger to produce an ultrasound wave.