Friction-damped feedback-based visual thoracentesis needle and method of use thereof

Abstract

This invention discloses a visual thoracentesis needle based on friction damping feedback and its usage method, relating to the field of puncture equipment. This visual thoracentesis needle and its usage method, through a preset static friction threshold on the friction ring, precisely limits the propulsion force within a safe range between the pleural penetration force and the lung tissue damage limit. When the propulsion force exceeds the threshold, the friction ring slides relative to the thoracentesis ring, achieving slip protection rather than complete locking. This effectively prevents lung damage caused by excessive puncture while maintaining operational continuity. Employing purely mechanical friction damping feedback, doctors can clearly feel a gradual change in feel from smooth to increased resistance to smooth again, resulting in high stability. The friction ring uses common components such as rubber rings or Teflon gaskets, with mature interference fit technology, ensuring controllable batch-to-batch consistency of feel, guaranteeing the reliability and repeatability of clinical operations, and helping physicians master the precise puncture endpoint.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to puncture equipment technology, specifically to a visual thoracentesis needle based on friction damping feedback and its method of use. Background Technology

[0002] Thoracentesis is a core procedure in respiratory medicine and thoracic surgery, widely used for pleural effusion drainage, pneumothorax management, and intrapleural drug administration. Traditional puncture needles have long relied on the operator's manual touch and experience, making it impossible to perceive in real time whether the needle tip has penetrated the parietal pleura and entered the pleural cavity. There is also a lack of intuitive negative pressure feedback mechanisms, with the insertion depth entirely determined by feel. This makes it difficult for novice physicians to accurately determine the puncture endpoint, increasing the risk of accidental lung puncture leading to complications such as pneumothorax and bleeding, severely hindering the widespread adoption and promotion of this technique in primary healthcare institutions.

[0003] To address the aforementioned drawbacks, while existing improved solutions include puncture instruments with mechanical locking or pressure sensing modules, their structures are often complex and cumbersome, involving multiple interconnected components or electronic parts. This results in high manufacturing costs, stringent assembly processes, and is not suitable for large-scale production and clinical use for single-use applications. Therefore, this invention aims to provide a visual thoracentesis needle that is structurally simple, cost-effective, and maintains a realistic puncture feel. By optimizing the interaction between the needle body and the indicator unit, the needle insertion status can be instantly determined, reducing instrument costs. The goal is to significantly improve puncture success rate and teaching operability while ensuring operational safety. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a visual thoracentesis needle based on friction damping feedback and its usage method, in order to solve the problem that existing thoracentesis needles lack an intuitive negative pressure feedback mechanism, making it difficult for physicians to accurately determine the puncture endpoint.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a visual thoracentesis needle based on friction damping feedback, comprising:

[0006] The puncture assembly consists of an outer tube and a needle core inserted into the outer tube.

[0007] A negative pressure indicator component, used in conjunction with the puncture component, includes a housing, an observation window in the middle of the housing, and an elastic element installed inside the housing. A piston is connected inside the housing, a friction ring is installed on the side wall of the piston, the friction ring abuts against the inner wall of the housing, a guide rod is connected to the bottom of the piston and abuts against the needle core, a color mark ring is installed on the inner wall of the housing, and a tactile feedback component located in the middle of the color mark ring is connected to the housing.

[0008] A depth limiter is fitted onto the outer sleeve.

[0009] A cover sleeve is folded and fitted onto the end of the needle core;

[0010] An air filter block is connected to the end of the outer tube.

[0011] Preferably, the elastic element includes a push rod that is slidably inserted into the top of the housing, a first spring is sleeved on the push rod, and the push rod has a thread in the middle.

[0012] Preferably, the tactile feedback component includes a mounting shell connected to the outer shell, a friction sleeve mounted on the inner wall of the mounting shell, and a stop block slidably connected inside the mounting shell. A pull rod with an end penetrating through the mounting shell is mounted on the stop block, and a second spring is sleeved on the pull rod. An inclined surface is provided at the end of the stop block near the color mark ring.

[0013] Preferably, the color mark ring is designed in three sections, which are arranged sequentially from the outlet end of the outer shell to the other end as a first-level color zone, a second-level color zone, and a third-level color zone, and the stop block is inserted through the second-level color zone.

[0014] Preferably, the depth limiter includes a limiting ring sleeved on the outer sleeve, a stop plate fixedly installed on the limiting ring, and a threaded sleeve threadedly connected to the limiting ring. The stop plate is a thin piece that is narrow at the top and wide at the bottom, and the lower end of the threaded sleeve is inserted between the limiting ring and the stop plate.

[0015] Preferably, the cover includes a mounting ring and a sleeve fixedly mounted on the mounting ring, and the inner wall of the sleeve is connected to an absorbent layer.

[0016] Preferably, the friction ring and the inner wall of the outer shell are interference-fitted to generate a preset static friction threshold. The preset static friction threshold is configured to be a safe range between the pleural penetration force and the tissue damage limit force. When the thrust is less than the preset static friction threshold, the piston and the outer shell move synchronously; when the thrust is greater than the preset static friction threshold, the piston and the outer shell slide relative to each other.

[0017] The method for using a visual thoracentesis needle based on friction damping feedback includes the following steps:

[0018] The puncture component is inserted into the patient's chest cavity along the set path, and the color mark ring corresponding to the piston position is continuously observed through the observation window during the advancement process.

[0019] When the piston enters the first color zone, it is confirmed to be in normal needle advance state. Continue needle advance at the current advance speed.

[0020] When the piston enters the second-stage color zone, it is confirmed that it is close to the pleura. At this time, the operator receives a progressive resistance prompt from the tactile feedback component on the inner wall of the outer shell, and slows down the advance.

[0021] The operator continues to advance the needle. When the color mark enters the third-level color zone, it is confirmed that the needle has entered the thoracic cavity. The needle is then stopped and aspiration is performed to confirm.

[0022] After the needle is removed, the protective sheath is unfolded and placed over the needle core, allowing outside air to enter the chest cavity through the air filter block to ensure cleanliness.

[0023] Preferably, when the operator receives a progressive resistance prompt from the tactile feedback component on the inner wall of the housing through the housing, the operator continues to advance, and the resistance change is felt in the form of smooth-increase-smooth.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the visual thoracentesis needle based on friction damping feedback and its usage method provided by the present invention have the following beneficial effects:

[0025] By pre-setting a static friction threshold using a friction ring, the propulsion force is precisely limited to a safe range between pleural penetration and the limit of lung tissue damage. When the propulsion force exceeds the threshold, the friction ring slides relative to the puncture ring, achieving slippage protection rather than complete locking. This effectively prevents lung damage caused by excessive puncture while maintaining operational continuity. Simultaneously, the parallel implementation of a three-level color scale and tactile feedback allows for coordinated visual and tactile perception, significantly reducing the risk of misjudging puncture depth by the operator, especially helping novice doctors quickly grasp the needle insertion endpoint.

[0026] Employing purely mechanical friction damping feedback, doctors can clearly feel the gradual change in tactile sensation from smooth to increased resistance and back to smooth. This completely eliminates the need for electronic sensors, is unaffected by electromagnetic interference in the surgical environment, and offers high stability. The friction ring uses common components such as rubber rings or Teflon gaskets, with a mature interference fit process ensuring controllable batch-to-batch consistency of tactile sensation, guaranteeing the reliability and repeatability of clinical operations.

[0027] It abandons complex mechanisms such as magnetic coupling and forced idle stroke, and achieves the same safety indication effect only by the principle of friction damping; the air filters all adopt mature injection molding technology, which does not require pre-assembled modules and is highly compatible with existing syringe production lines;

[0028] The depth limiter can precisely adjust the puncture depth and can achieve a one-way locking limit function to prevent the limiter from slipping during needle insertion. The cover effectively avoids needlestick injuries and blood splatter after needle removal, and the absorbent layer can quickly absorb residual blood at the needle tip, significantly reducing the occupational exposure risk for medical staff. Attached Figure Description

[0029] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure provided for an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the outer shell provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the effective position of the covering sleeve provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the depth limiter provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the air filter block structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0036] 1. Outer tube; 2. Needle core; 3. Outer shell; 4. Observation window; 5. Push rod; 6. First spring; 7. Piston; 8. Friction ring; 9. Guide rod; 10. Color mark ring; 11. Mounting shell; 12. Friction sleeve; 13. Stop block; 14. Pull rod; 15. Second spring; 16. Mounting ring; 17. Sheath; 18. Absorbent layer; 19. Limiting ring; 20. Abutment; 21. Threaded sleeve; 22. Air filter block. Detailed Implementation

[0037] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] As attached Figure 1 To be continued Figure 5 As shown:

[0039] Example:

[0040] This invention provides a visual thoracentesis needle based on friction damping feedback, comprising:

[0041] The puncture assembly consists of an outer tube 1 and a needle core 2 inserted into the outer tube 1;

[0042] A negative pressure indicator component, used in conjunction with the puncture component, includes a housing 3, an observation window 4 opened in the middle of the housing 3, and an elastic element installed inside the housing 3. A piston 7 is connected inside the housing 3, and a friction ring 8 is installed on the side wall of the piston 7. The friction ring 8 abuts against the inner wall of the housing 3. A guide rod 9 that abuts against the needle core 2 is connected to the bottom of the piston 7. A color mark ring 10 is installed on the inner wall of the housing 3, and a tactile feedback component located in the middle of the color mark ring 10 is connected to the housing 3.

[0043] A depth limiter is fitted onto the outer sleeve 1;

[0044] A cover sleeve is folded and fitted onto the end of the needle core 2;

[0045] Air filter block 22 is connected to the end of the outer tube 1 and is fixed inside the sealing head by injection molding. It does not require pre-assembled modules, has good gas permeability, and at the same time has a barrier effect against liquids and microorganisms, ensuring that the cleanliness of the air entering the pleural cavity meets medical requirements.

[0046] As shown above, by pre-setting a static friction threshold in the friction ring 8, the propulsion force is precisely limited to a safe range between the pleural penetration force and the lung tissue damage limit force. When the threshold is exceeded, slippage protection is implemented instead of complete locking, which effectively prevents lung damage caused by excessive puncture depth while also ensuring operational continuity. At the same time, the color mark and tactile feedback channels operate in parallel, achieving coordinated visual and tactile perception, significantly reducing the risk of operator misjudging the puncture depth. The purely mechanical friction damping feedback provides doctors with a gradual and realistic feel of smoothness—increased resistance—smoothness again, without relying on electronic sensors and unaffected by electromagnetic interference. Furthermore, the friction ring 8 uses common components such as rubber rings or Teflon gaskets, and the interference fit technology is mature, ensuring consistent and controllable feel. Structurally, complex mechanisms such as magnetic coupling and forced empty stroke are abandoned, and safety indication is achieved solely through the principle of friction damping. The air filters all use mature injection molding technology, which is highly compatible with existing syringe production lines. The entire structure uses common materials such as medical-grade POM, TPE, and silicone, facilitating large-scale production. In terms of clinical applicability, the depth limiter can precisely adjust the puncture depth, the one-way locking prevents the limiter from slipping, the cover avoids needlestick injuries and blood splatter after needle removal, and the medical absorbent layer 18 can quickly absorb residual blood at the needle tip, effectively reducing the risk of occupational exposure.

[0047] The elastic component includes a push rod 5 that is slidably inserted into the top of the outer casing 3. A first spring 6 is sleeved on the push rod 5, and a thread is provided in the middle of the push rod 5. During the operation of the piston 7, in order to avoid the push rod 5 affecting the movement of the piston 7, the push rod 5 can be pulled upward and rotated to compress the first spring 6. The push rod 5 is then connected to the outer casing 3 through the thread, so that the push rod 5 is kept in the high position of the outer casing 3. When the piston 7 is finished, the push rod 5 is rotated to release it, and the compressed first spring 6 returns to its original position and pushes the push rod 5, which in turn pushes the piston 7 to its original position.

[0048] The tactile feedback component includes a mounting shell 11 connected to the outer shell 3, a friction sleeve 12 mounted on the inner wall of the mounting shell 11, and a stop 13 slidably connected inside the mounting shell 11. A pull rod 14 with its end penetrating through the mounting shell 11 is mounted on the stop 13, and a second spring 15 is sleeved on the pull rod 14. The end of the stop 13 near the color mark ring 10 is provided with an inclined surface. The user can adjust the position of the stop 13 by pulling the pull rod 14 to facilitate the reset of the piston 7.

[0049] The color mark ring 10 has a three-segment design, which is arranged sequentially from the outlet end of the outer shell 3 to the other end as a first-level color zone, a second-level color zone, and a third-level color zone. The stop block 13 is inserted through the second-level color zone. The color mark ring 10 can also be replaced with other three-segment designs for reminders, such as printing different texts in the three segments, such as preparing to puncture - puncturing - puncturing, to directly remind the user. Other combinations of texts, symbols, colors, etc. can also be used. Some different features and combinations of features that can be distinguished in three segments are all within the scope of protection of this technology.

[0050] As the piston 7 and friction ring 8 move, the friction ring 8 abuts against the inclined surface of the stop block 13. The continuously moving friction ring 8 pushes the stop block 13 into the mounting housing 11. The moving stop block 13 moves against the surface of the friction sleeve 12 and gradually compresses the second spring 15. As the second spring 15 is gradually compressed, the pushing force of the second spring 15 on the stop block 13 becomes greater and greater. The frictional force on the friction ring 8 increases linearly and progressively, thereby realizing the progressive resistance indication of the tactile feedback component in the second color zone.

[0051] The depth limiter includes a limiting ring 19 sleeved on the outer tube 1, a stop piece 20 fixedly installed on the limiting ring 19, and a threaded sleeve 21 threadedly connected to the limiting ring 19. The stop piece 20 is a thin piece that is narrower at the top and wider at the bottom. The lower end of the threaded sleeve 21 is inserted between the limiting ring 19 and the stop piece 20. A scale is engraved on the outer tube 1. The user slides the limiting ring 19 to a suitable position on the outer tube 1 according to the puncture requirements. After fixing the limiting ring 19, the threaded sleeve 21 is rotated. The threaded sleeve 21 slides axially on the limiting ring 19 to press the stop piece 20. The stop piece 20 deforms and fits against the outer tube 1. The friction between the stop piece 20 and the outer tube 1 can prevent the limiting ring 19 from sliding axially on the outer tube 1. Moreover, since the stop piece 20 is a thin piece that is narrower at the top and wider at the bottom, the end of the stop piece 20 fits more tightly with the outer surface of the outer tube 1, which can effectively prevent the stop piece 20 from sliding upwards on the outside of the outer tube 1.

[0052] The covering sleeve includes an mounting ring 16 and a sleeve 17 fixedly mounted on the mounting ring 16. The inner wall of the sleeve 17 is connected to an absorbent layer 18. The sleeve 17 is made of thick, soft, and elastic silicone or rubber. In use, the mounting ring 16 is placed on the needle core 2, and the sleeve 17 is folded so that the mounting ring 16 and the sleeve 17 are folded and stored at the end of the needle core 2 to avoid obstructing the insertion of the needle core 2 into the outer tube 1. Then, the end of the sleeve 17 can be stretched and enlarged to fit over the end of the outer tube 1. When the user pulls out the needle core 2, the mounting ring 16 can be pulled outwards at the same time. Since the end of the sleeve 17 is wrapped around the outer tube 1, the folded sleeve 17 gradually unfolds and fits over the outside of the needle core 2, and the absorbent layer 18 absorbs the residual blood on the surface of the needle core 2.

[0053] The friction ring 8 and the inner wall of the outer shell 3 are interference-fitted to generate a preset static friction threshold. The preset static friction threshold is configured to be a safe range between pleural penetration force and tissue damage limit force. When the propulsion force is less than the preset static friction threshold, the piston 7 and the outer shell 3 move synchronously; when the propulsion force is greater than the preset static friction threshold, the piston 7 and the outer shell 3 slide relative to each other.

[0054] The static friction threshold is a safe range value obtained from a large number of clinical mechanical tests. The lower limit of the static friction threshold is set (greater than 5-8N): it must be greater than the maximum penetration force required to penetrate the skin, subcutaneous tissue and pleura, to ensure that the damping sliding component does not slip during normal puncture, and to ensure the synchronicity and accuracy of needle insertion; the upper limit is set (less than 15N): it must be less than the limit thrust required to cause severe laceration of lung tissue or to cause uncontrolled puncture of lung parenchyma after the puncture needle penetrates the pleura; the recommended threshold range (8N-12N) is a safe range between the pleural penetration force (5N-8N) and the lung injury limit force (15N).

[0055] The method for using a visual thoracentesis needle based on friction damping feedback includes the following steps:

[0056] The puncture assembly is inserted into the patient's chest cavity along the set path. During the advancement, the position of the color mark ring 10 corresponding to the position of the piston 7 is continuously observed through the observation window 4.

[0057] When piston 7 enters the first-stage color zone, it is confirmed to be in normal needle advance state. Continue needle advance at the current advance speed.

[0058] When piston 7 enters the second-stage color zone, it is confirmed that it is close to the pleura. At this time, it receives a progressive resistance prompt from the tactile feedback component on the inner wall of the outer shell 3, and the operator slows down the advance.

[0059] The operator continues to advance the needle. When the color mark enters the third-level color zone, it is confirmed that the needle has entered the thoracic cavity. The needle is then stopped and aspiration is performed to confirm.

[0060] After the needle is removed, the protective sheath unfolds and is placed on the needle core 2. Outside air enters the chest cavity through the air filter block 22 to ensure cleanliness.

[0061] When the operator receives a progressive resistance prompt from the tactile feedback component on the inner wall of the outer casing 3, they continue to advance. The resistance change pattern is smooth – resistance increases – smooth. The principle is that when the piston 7 enters the first color zone, the piston 7 and friction ring 8 move smoothly. When the piston 7 enters the second color zone, during needle insertion, the moving friction ring 8 contacts the inclined surface of the stop block 13, and the friction ring 8 receives a progressively increasing resistance from the stop block 13. During needle retraction, the friction between the stop block 13 and the friction sleeve 12 prevents the stop block 13 from quickly returning to its original position. At this time, the stop block 13 no longer applies resistance to the friction ring 8, providing an instantaneous release sensation during needle retraction. After breaking through and entering the third color zone, the resistance disappears again, and smoothness is restored. The change in feel is: smooth – resistance increases – smooth.

[0062] The foregoing has only described certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention by way of illustration. Undoubtedly, those skilled in the art can modify the described embodiments in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the foregoing drawings and descriptions are illustrative in nature and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A visual thoracentesis needle based on friction damping feedback, characterized in that, include: The puncture assembly consists of an outer tube (1) and a needle core (2) inserted into the outer tube (1); A negative pressure indicator assembly, which is set on the puncture assembly and used in combination with it, includes a housing (3), an observation window (4) opened in the middle of the housing (3), and an elastic element installed inside the housing (3). A piston (7) is connected inside the housing (3). A friction ring (8) is installed on the side wall of the piston (7). The friction ring (8) abuts against the inner wall of the housing (3). A guide rod (9) that abuts against the needle core (2) is connected to the bottom of the piston (7). A color mark ring (10) is installed on the inner wall of the housing (3). A tactile feedback assembly located in the middle of the color mark ring (10) is connected to the housing (3). A depth limiter is fitted onto the outer sleeve (1); A cover sleeve is folded and fitted onto the end of the needle core (2); An air filter block (22) is connected to the end of the outer tube (1).

2. The visual thoracentesis needle based on friction damping feedback according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic element includes a push rod (5) that is slidably inserted into the top of the outer shell (3), a first spring (6) is sleeved on the push rod (5), and the middle part of the push rod (5) is provided with threads.

3. The visual thoracentesis needle based on friction damping feedback according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tactile feedback component includes a mounting shell (11) connected to the outer shell (3), a friction sleeve (12) mounted on the inner wall of the mounting shell (11), and a stop (13) slidably connected inside the mounting shell (11). A pull rod (14) with its end penetrating through the mounting shell (11) is mounted on the stop (13), and a second spring (15) is sleeved on the pull rod (14). An inclined surface is provided on the end of the stop (13) near the color mark ring (10).

4. The visual thoracentesis needle based on friction damping feedback according to claim 3, characterized in that, The color mark ring (10) is designed in three sections, which are arranged sequentially from the outlet end of the outer shell (3) to the other end as the first color zone, the second color zone and the third color zone. The stop block (13) is inserted through the second color zone.

5. The visual thoracentesis needle based on friction damping feedback according to claim 1, characterized in that, The depth limiter includes a limiting ring (19) sleeved on the outer sleeve (1), a stop piece (20) fixedly installed on the limiting ring (19), and a threaded sleeve (21) threadedly connected to the limiting ring (19). The stop piece (20) is a thin piece that is narrow at the top and wide at the bottom. The lower end of the threaded sleeve (21) is inserted between the limiting ring (19) and the stop piece (20).

6. The visual thoracentesis needle based on friction damping feedback according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover includes an installation ring (16) and a cover (17) fixedly installed on the installation ring (16), and the inner wall of the cover (17) is connected to an absorbent layer (18).

7. The visual thoracentesis needle based on friction damping feedback according to claim 1, characterized in that, The friction ring (8) and the inner wall of the outer shell (3) are fitted together to generate a preset static friction threshold. The preset static friction threshold is configured to be a safe range between the pleural penetration force and the tissue damage limit force. When the thrust is less than the preset static friction threshold, the piston (7) and the outer shell (3) move synchronously. When the thrust is greater than the preset static friction threshold, the piston (7) and the outer shell (3) slide relative to each other.

8. A method for using a visual thoracentesis needle based on friction damping feedback, characterized in that, The steps of using the visual thoracentesis needle based on friction damping feedback as described in any one of claims 1-7 include: The puncture assembly is inserted into the patient's chest cavity along the set path. During the advancement process, the position of the color mark ring (10) corresponding to the position of the piston (7) is continuously observed through the observation window (4); When the piston (7) enters the first-level color zone, it is confirmed to be in normal needle insertion state, and the current pushing speed is maintained to continue needle insertion; When the piston (7) enters the second-level color zone, it is confirmed that it is close to the pleura. At this time, the operator receives a progressive resistance prompt from the tactile feedback component on the inner wall of the outer shell (3) and slows down the advance. The operator continues to advance the needle. When the color mark enters the third-level color zone, it is confirmed that the needle has entered the thoracic cavity. The needle is then stopped and aspiration is performed to confirm. After the needle is removed, the cover is unfolded and placed on the needle core (2). Outside air enters the chest cavity through the air filter block (22) to ensure cleanliness.

9. The method of using the visual thoracentesis needle based on friction damping feedback according to claim 8, characterized in that, When the operator receives the progressive resistance prompt generated by the tactile feedback component on the inner wall of the housing (3) through the housing (3), the operator continues to advance, and the resistance change is felt in the form of smooth-increased resistance-smooth.

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