CPC A61B 34/20 (2016.02) [A61B 8/0841 (2013.01); A61B 8/481 (2013.01); A61B 2034/2063 (2016.02)] | 20 Claims |
1. A method of performing an ultrasound-guided procedure, the method comprising:
providing a medical device, the medical device comprising (i) a therapeutic distal tip configured to percutaneously alter internal tissue or bone at a treatment site of a patient; (ii) a source of biocompatible fluid; and (iii) a delivery system configured to selectively deliver a quantity of the biocompatible fluid, with echogenic microbubbles therein, to an area external and adjacent to the therapeutic distal tip;
subcutaneously advancing the therapeutic distal tip toward the treatment site;
delivering a quantity of biocompatible fluid with echogenic microbubbles to the area;
observing, via ultrasound, an anatomic structure proximate the treatment site and dispersion of the echogenic microbubbles at the area; and
based on a nature and location of the dispersion, steering the therapeutic distal tip relative to the anatomic structure, and continuing to advance the therapeutic distal tip toward the treatment site.
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