Abstract

A probe includes a handle, neck, and sensor head. The neck consists of a stiff portion and a flexible portion. The neck is offset from the handle so that a hand of a surgeon holding the handle does not block the surgeon's view of sensor head. In another embodiment, the stiff portion includes three sections that have separate and distinct linear axes. The extended axis of the section adjacent the handle intersects the juncture of the flexible portion and the stiff portion of the neck, while the sensor head is connected to the flexible portion of the neck. The precise alignment of the handle and neck enables the precise placement of the sensor head around a small blood vessel.