Bone Marrow Injection Cartridge with Rotating Needle

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Solution Overview

Problem

Establishing intravenous access in emergency situations is challenging due to difficulties in accessing the venous system, particularly in patients with chronic diseases, the elderly, or those with anatomical limitations, leading to delayed or impossible administration of life-saving drugs.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a driver, plunger operating and cartridge drive mechanism, and a cartridge assembly with a bone penetrating needle, which includes a powered driver with a drill shaft, gear assembly, motor, and a fluid reservoir, allowing for efficient delivery of fluids to bone marrow or other target sites.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional IV access methods are used, then vascular access can be established in most patients, but access becomes extremely difficult or impossible in patients with chronic diseases, elderly patients, or those with anatomical limitations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different patient populationsVSAvoidease of establishing access
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device segments the access problem by providing multiple needle options (different gauges, lengths, and types including sharp, blunt, and directional needles) within a single injection system, allowing the operator to select the appropriate needle segment based on patient anatomy and vein characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The injection device achieves universality by incorporating multiple injection mechanisms (manual syringe, automated injector, and various needle types) that can handle different patient populations and vein conditions, making it applicable to both easy and difficult IV access scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If repeated probing with sharp needles is performed to establish IV access, then access may eventually be achieved, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and invasive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuccess rate of establishing accessVSAvoidtime to establish access
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs preliminary action by pre-assembling multiple needle options and injection mechanisms in a ready-to-use configuration, allowing the operator to immediately attempt injection with the appropriate needle type without time-consuming preparation or repeated probing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The injection device acts as an intermediary by providing a controlled injection mechanism that delivers medication directly into the vein with precise pressure regulation, eliminating the need for repeated manual probing and reducing the number of attempts required to establish successful access

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If manual IV insertion is performed in field conditions with motion and poor visibility, then vascular access can be attempted, but the procedure becomes excessively difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of insertion in field conditionsVSAvoidsuccess rate in field conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates dynamics by featuring a flexible, adjustable needle system that can adapt to patient movement and positioning changes in the field, along with a secure locking mechanism that maintains needle stability during insertion despite external motion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The injection device serves as a stable intermediary platform that isolates the injection mechanism from external motion and visibility constraints, providing a controlled environment for needle insertion even in chaotic field conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Facilitates rapid and effective delivery of medications or fluids to target sites like bone marrow, overcoming access challenges and ensuring timely administration of life-saving treatments.

Implementation Method 1

The motor applies the force to the moving base wall via a rack which bears against the moving base wall of the carpule

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

high speed rotation of the capsule with needle, e.g. at 6000 to 7000 r.p.m. so that the needle readily perforates a harder material, e.g. bone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotational Motion:

Implementation Method 3

insertion of the needle is made much easier so that angles of approach and accessibility are much less critical

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAxial Pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP3228344B1Apparatus to inject fluids into bone marrow
Publication Date: 2020.02.26 TELEFLEX MEDICAL DEVICES SARL
  • EP3228344B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3228344B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3228344B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

A cartridge assembly for delivering a quantity of medication to bone marrow of a bone comprising a fluid reservoir (132; 132a) having a first end and a second end; a hollow, bone penetrating needle (160) releasably engaged with the first end of the fluid reservoir (132; 132a), the needle (160) operable to penetrate into the bone and bone marrow; a plunger assembly (82) including a plunger shaft (142) and a piston (144) slidably disposed in the fluid reservoir (132; 132a); a drive connector (150) attached to the second end of the fluid reservoir (132; 132a) opposite from the bone penetrating needle (160); and a portion of the plunger shaft (140) extending from the second end of the fluid reservoir (132; 132a), where the needle (160) is operable to be disengaged from the fluid reservoir (132; 132a) when the needle (160) has penetrated into the bone and bone marrow.