Anchoring Nerve Block Catheter with Reversible Tissue Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nerve block anesthesia techniques face challenges such as unpredictable duration, increased risk of complications like seizure and cardiac arrest due to inadvertent vascular puncture, and prolonged hospital stays, especially in procedures like total knee replacement surgery, where traditional methods fail to provide consistent and safe pain management.
Innovation Solution
A dual-sheath anchoring nerve block catheter system with a reversible tissue anchor, enhanced with features like echogenic coils, bidirectional antennas, anti-kinking designs, tissue ingrowth inhibitors, and fiberoptic cameras for precise nerve visualization, which resists axial movement and prevents backflow, allowing for controlled and prolonged pain management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If traditional single shot nerve block is used, then the procedure is simple and quick, but the duration of nerve block is unpredictable and too short
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into multiple functional segments: a tissue lock mechanism with expandable anchors for securing the catheter in place, a dual-sheath design with inner and outer sheaths for controlled deployment, and a needle integration system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling prolonged stable positioning without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter employs a nested structure where the inner sheath is contained within the outer sheath, and the needle is inserted through the catheter assembly. The tissue locks are collapsed within the catheter body during insertion and only expand after proper positioning. This nesting principle allows multiple functions to be integrated in a compact form factor, extending duration without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Duration of action of moving object
If continuous nerve block with traditional catheter is used, then prolonged pain management is achieved, but catheter migration occurs and outcomes are unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The tissue locks are designed to be deployed after catheter insertion but before fluid delivery begins. The expandable anchors are prepared in a collapsed state during insertion, then activated in situ to secure the catheter to surrounding tissue. This preliminary anchoring action ensures the catheter is firmly positioned before continuous nerve block therapy commences, preventing migration and ensuring reliable prolonged pain management.
3Measurement precision
If nerve block catheter is inserted deeply to target nerve, then effective pain management is achieved, but inadvertent vascular puncture risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter system integrates real-time feedback mechanisms including echogenic elements that reflect ultrasound waves, allowing visualization of the catheter tip position and surrounding structures during insertion. Electrical stimulation capability provides feedback when the catheter contacts or approaches the target nerve, confirming proper positioning. This feedback enables precise nerve targeting while allowing the operator to avoid blood vessels, reducing vascular puncture risk even at deep insertion depths.
4Reliability
If prolonged femoral nerve block is used in total knee replacement surgery, then pain management is improved, but risk of fall and delayed rehabilitation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter system enables dynamic adjustment of analgesic delivery parameters including flow rate, concentration, and timing. The programmable pump can be adjusted to provide higher doses during periods of increased pain (such as during early rehabilitation exercises) and lower doses when pain is controlled. This dynamic dosing allows effective pain management that adapts to the patient's changing needs, supporting mobility and rehabilitation rather than restricting them.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides a stable and controlled nerve block with improved resistance to axial forces, reduced risk of complications, and enhanced precision in nerve targeting, leading to better patient outcomes and reduced hospital stays by ensuring effective pain management during and after surgery.
Implementation Method 1
provide echogenicity, wherein the coil is embedded in the inner sheath
Implementation Method 2
provide a bidirectional antenna configured to deliver electrical energy to a nerve and to transmit internal electricity from nerve electrical activities
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to medical devices and, particularly, catheter medical devices. In an aspect is a nerve block catheter system comprising a dual-sheath catheter comprising an inner sheath and an outer sheath, wherein distal ends of the sheaths are connected, the inner sheath defines a fluid delivery lumen, and the outer sheath comprises a tissue lock movable between a collapsed position and an extended position, wherein the tissue lock forms a reversible tissue anchor when in the extended position, and an actuator connected to the proximate end of the catheter and configured to activate the tissue lock by sliding the outer sheath length-wise relative to the inner sheath.