Angle measuring device for determining the insertion angle for an injection needle

Abstract

The invention relates to an angle measuring device (1) for measuring the insertion angle for an injection needle (2), characterized by a) a housing (3); b) an inclinometer arranged inside the housing (3) and c) a needle holder (4) for receiving the injection needle (2). This provides a precise and user-friendly angle measuring device (1) for medical applications where precise angle measurements are required, such as epidural anesthesia (EDA).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an angle measuring device with the features of claim 1.

[0002] There are various methods and angle measuring devices to measure the insertion angle of an injection needle or cannula.

[0003] Visual estimation is a commonly used method in which the user visually estimates the insertion angle by observing the cannula in relation to the patient's surface or body. Although this method is simple, it can be inaccurate and depends heavily on the user's experience and skill.

[0004] It is also possible to use a protractor to measure the insertion angle directly. The protractor is held against the cannula, and the angle is then read from the protractor's scale. This method can be accurate but requires additional equipment and can be somewhat time-consuming.

[0005] Furthermore, ultrasound imaging can be used for angle measurement. In some medical settings, ultrasound imaging is used to visualize and measure the insertion angle during invasive procedures such as injections or biopsies. By using ultrasound, the physician or medical professional can see the exact path of the needle within the tissue and adjust the insertion angle accordingly. However, this method requires specialized equipment and expertise.

[0006] In epidural anesthesia (EDA), there are various methods to determine the insertion point and angle of the cannula.

[0007] A commonly used method involves locating the injection point by palpating anatomical landmarks. The physician or anesthesiologist can feel specific bony structures, such as the spinous processes of the vertebrae or the sacroiliac joint, to determine the injection point. The angle of insertion can then be visually estimated or determined by the physician's experience.

[0008] Currently, ultrasound is used as an aid, but only to obtain an overview of the structures and to guide the placement of the epidural cannula. The clinical experience and training of the physician or anesthesiologist play a crucial role in determining the insertion angle for epidurals.

[0009] The invention is based on the objective of providing an improved angle measuring device for determining the insertion angle of an injection needle.

[0010] This problem underlying the invention is now solved by an angle measuring device with the features of claim 1.

[0011] The invention relates to an angle measuring device for measuring the insertion angle of an injection needle, in particular for a peridural cannula, which is characterized by the following features: a) a case; b) an inclinometer arranged inside the housing and c) a needle holder for holding an injection needle.

[0012] The needle holder preferably accommodates different types of injection needles. When the injection needle is positioned in the needle holder, the angle between the injection needle and the tilt sensor is fixed. A change in the tilt of the injection needle can therefore be detected by a change in the tilt of the tilt sensor.

[0013] The angle measuring device is connected to the injection needle via a special needle holder. Alternatively, the angle measuring device can be attached to the rear end of the cannula, specifically the cone, via a screw connection. While this ensures a stable connection, it raises concerns regarding sterility, as direct contact between the cone and the angle measuring device could create a potential source of contamination.

[0014] To solve this problem, an alternative connection method is proposed. Instead of a direct screw connection to the cannula cone, the angle measuring device features a needle holder in the form of a rail, onto which the cannula's wings securely snap. This rail allows for simple yet secure attachment of the cannula without compromising the sterility of the cone. Furthermore, the rail ensures easy handling and secure positioning of the injection needle within the angle measuring device, thereby minimizing the risk of unintentional movement during angle measurement.

[0015] This solution reduces the risk of contamination while simultaneously improving the user-friendliness and functionality of the angle measuring device.

[0016] Preferably a processor, in particular a microprocessor and a memory are arranged inside the housing, wherein the recorded data from the tilt sensor can be processed by means of the microprocessor.

[0017] The angle measuring device according to the aforementioned patent claims offers several advantages: The angle measuring device enables the precise measurement of the insertion angle for an injection needle or cannula, which is important in medical applications such as the PDA in particular, to ensure a safe and effective injection.

[0018] The display and integrated tools for calculating the injection needle position, and thus the insertion angle, allow users to easily read the angle of inclination and accurately determine the insertion angle based on the data recorded by the digital inclinometer. This improves injection accuracy and simplifies the procedure for the user.

[0019] The device is equipped with a radio module that enables wireless data transmission, such as measurement or control data. This facilitates communication between the angle measuring device and other equipment, which can be helpful, for example, in monitoring or controlling the injection process. The integration of multiple communication protocols can improve interoperability with other medical devices or information systems to ensure seamless data exchange.

[0020] The device features a calibration button and memory, allowing the user to calibrate the displayed value to a predefined angle, particularly 90° or 0°. This ensures measurement accuracy and facilitates adaptation to different applications or user preferences.

[0021] In summary, the features of the patent claims enable a precise, user-friendly and communicative angle measuring device that is advantageous for medical applications where precise angle measurements are required.

[0022] To further improve the angle measuring device, the following designs may be implemented: Integrating haptic, visual, and / or audible feedback could improve the user experience and provide immediate feedback on the correct insertion angle. The target insertion angle can be transmitted to the angle measuring device or entered via, for example, a control panel on the angle measuring device. The actual insertion angle is measured by the tilt sensor. Deviations from the target insertion angle can be communicated to the user visually, audibly, or haptically.

[0023] The angle measuring device can include an optical sensor, such as a camera, whereby the images captured by the optical sensor can be displayed on the angle measuring device's display or, after wireless transmission, on an external display, preferably in real time. The injection site can be pre-marked on the patient's skin, allowing the operator to additionally verify the position of the injection needle relative to the mark using the camera image. A software function of the angle measuring device can further simplify operation and increase accuracy by automatically detecting the optimal injection position and cannula orientation.

[0024] Furthermore, it is conceivable to automatically determine the insertion depth using an optical sensor or a distance sensor. The software of the angle measuring device can, for example, include a insertion depth calculation module. The insertion depth can be displayed on the screen and / or transmitted wirelessly to external devices.

[0025] The housing is preferably adapted to the shape of a hand, at least in one area. An ergonomic design of the angle measuring device can improve handling and ensure that it is comfortable and easy to use, especially in clinical settings where precision and speed are important.

[0026] There are now numerous possibilities for elaborating and further developing the invention. One preferred embodiment will now be explained in more detail with reference to the drawing and the accompanying description. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 A schematic perspective view of the angle measuring device with a mounted injection needle.

[0027] In Fig. Figure 1 shows an angle measuring device 1. The angle measuring device 1 is used to measure the insertion angle for an injection needle 2. The injection needle 2 can be detachably attached to the angle measuring device 1.

[0028] The angle measuring device 1 has a housing 3. A needle holder 4, which can also be referred to as an adapter, is arranged on the housing 3. The needle holder 4 serves to hold the injection needle 2.

[0029] Inside the housing are a tilt sensor (not shown), a processor, a memory, a power source (e.g., a battery), and cable connections.

[0030] The tilt sensor measures the inclination, and thus the tilt, of the attached injection needle. The measurement data from the tilt sensor is processed by the processor and displayed and / or stored on a display 5. The display 5 is located on the housing 3.

[0031] The angle measuring device 1 can have a radio means, for example a WLAN module or a Bluetooth module, wherein data, in particular measurement data or control data, can be transmitted via the radio means.

[0032] Two operating elements are arranged on the top of the housing 3. The angle measuring device has a calibration button 6 and an on / off switch 7, whereby by pressing the calibration button 6 the value displayed can be calibrated to a predefined angle, in particular 90° or 0°. Reference symbol list: 1 Angle measuring device 2 injection needles 3 cases 4 Needle holder / adapter 5 Display 6 Calibration button 7 On / Off switches

Images