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Publication Number
US-12616438-B2
Publication Date
2026-05-05
Expiration Date
Abstract
An echogenic needle may have at least one V-shaped spiral groove formed at its distal portion adjacent to its patient end. The walls of the groove are orthogonal to each other. The groove is titled at a given angle from a neutral position toward the proximal end of the needle so that when the needle is inserted into the patient at an insertion angle under ultrasound imaging, the ultrasound wave emitted from the ultrasound transducer is reflected in a substantially reverse direction back to the transducer by at least one wall of the spiral groove. A pair of crisscrossing grooves may be spirally wound about the distal portion of the needle with each groove being tilted to the given angle to enhance echogeneity. The echogeneity of the needle may also be enhanced by increasing the pitch density of each groove while maintaining the crisscrossing groves at their neutral position.
Core Innovation
The disclosed method makes an echogenic needle by forming a spiral groove on the needle’s outer circumferential surface. The needle and cutting tool are positioned at an angle tilted toward the proximal end and moved rotatably relative to each other, while the groove walls remain orthogonal. The disclosed groove configuration reflects ultrasound substantially back toward the transducer.
The disclosed configurations include clockwise and counterclockwise crisscrossing grooves, grooves in multiple sections of the needle, and a V-shaped groove. An alternative uses increased groove pitch density to improve reflection without tilt. Exemplary tilted grooves use a tilt angle from approximately 5° to 25° and a pitch of approximately 0.020 inch. The supplied partial content does not include the background section, so the problem being solved is not explicitly described.
Claims Coverage
The two independent claims cover two inventive features, both directed to making an echogenic needle by forming a tilted spiral groove with orthogonal walls.
Forming a proximal-tilted spiral groove
A tool and needle are positioned relative to each other at an angle tilted toward the proximal end, then moved rotatably relative to each other to cut a spiral groove with orthogonal walls onto the needle’s outer circumferential surface.
Forming a groove adapted to reflect ultrasonic waves in a substantially reverse direction
A spiral groove with orthogonal walls is cut onto a needle section adapted to reflect ultrasonic waves directed at it in a substantially reverse direction, by tilting the needle and tool relative to a neutral position toward the proximal end and moving them rotatably relative to each other.
The independent claims cover methods for forming a proximal-tilted spiral groove with orthogonal walls, with the second independent claim expressly specifying a needle section adapted to reflect ultrasonic waves in a substantially reverse direction. Dependent claims further describe groove patterns, multiple grooved sections, groove shape, tilt angle, and pitch.
Stated Advantages
The groove configuration reflects ultrasound substantially back toward the transducer.
Increased groove pitch density can improve reflection without tilt.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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