Evaluation of vascular puncture needles with specific modifications for enhanced ultrasound visibility: In vitro study

Figure 1 Schematic drawings of a commercially available puncture needle and four newly devised vascular puncture needles (18 gauge). Top to bottom: re-cut needle, dimple needle, rough-surface needle (rough over the section of needle located 3-6 mm from the tip), and needle with four side holes.

Figure 2 Commercially available vascular needle (control). A: Needle tip; B: Corresponding ultrasound image. The arrow indicates the needle tip.

Figure 3 Vascular needle with re-cutting of the dorsal aspect of the tip. A: Needle tip; B: Corresponding ultrasound image. The arrow indicates the needle tip.

Figure 4 Vascular needle with a rough-filed surface at 3-6 mm from the tip of the needle. A: Needle tip, shaft; B: Corresponding ultrasound image, with the rough surface indicated by the arrow.

Figure 5 Vascular needle with dimples placed at 5-8 mm from the tip (dimple needle). A: Needle tip, shaft; B: Corresponding ultrasound image, with the dimples indicated by the arrowhead and the needle tip indicated by the arrow.

Figure 6 Vascular needle with four side holes, each 0. 4 mm in diameter, drilled at 4 mm from the tip of the needle. A: Needle tip, shaft. The side holes are covered by the outer sheath. B: Corresponding ultrasound image. The arrow indicates the needle tip with side holes.