Catheter Switch for Selective Nerve Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for locating nerves and nerve plexuses during anesthesia administration cause damage due to the fragility of these structures, and there is a need for a more precise method to minimize damage while accurately positioning needles and catheters.
Innovation Solution
A catheter switch system with a single-pole-double-throw electrical switch that allows for selective coupling of a nerve stimulator to either a needle assembly or a catheter assembly, enabling precise electrical stimulation and minimization of tissue damage by switching between the two devices during anesthesia administration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If peripheral electrical nerve stimulation is used to locate nerves and nerve plexuses, then the precision of needle and catheter placement is improved, but the risk of damage to fragile nerve structures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by first inserting the needle assembly with exposed conductive portion to perform electrical nerve stimulation and locate the target nerve or plexus before inserting the catheter. This preliminary localization step allows precise positioning to be achieved while minimizing the time the fragile nerve structures are exposed to potential damage, as the catheter can then be inserted through the already-positioned needle to the same location without requiring additional stimulation or manipulation near the nerve.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate connection methods are used for needle assembly and catheter assembly to the nerve stimulator, then the versatility of the system is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single adapter assembly that can connect to both the needle assembly and the catheter assembly, allowing the same adapter to serve multiple functions. The adapter includes a receptacle that receives either the needle hub or catheter hub, and an electrical connector that interfaces with the nerve stimulator. This multi-functional design maintains system versatility while significantly simplifying operation, as the practitioner uses the same adapter for both devices rather than requiring separate connection procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If alligator clamp is removed and reattached between needle and catheter, then the adaptability of the system is improved, but the loss of time and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assembling the adapter to the nerve stimulator before the procedure begins. The adapter remains permanently attached to the stimulator throughout the procedure, eliminating the need to remove and reattach alligator clamps. The practitioner simply needs to detach the needle hub from the adapter and attach the catheter hub to the same adapter, a quick operation that maintains adaptability while minimizing time loss.
4Measurement precision
If insulating coating is applied to needle, then the precision of electrical stimulation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by applying insulating coating to the needle in a selective, localized manner. The needle has a conductive portion near the tip that remains exposed for electrical stimulation, while the shaft portion is coated with insulating material. This localized differentiation allows precise electrical stimulation at the target site while preventing unwanted current flow along the needle shaft, achieving precision without requiring complete insulation or complex insulation schemes.
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 allows for accurate and minimally invasive placement of needles and catheters near nerves, reducing tissue damage and improving the precision of anesthesia administration by enabling selective electrical stimulation of nerves and nerve plexuses.
Implementation Method 1
Peripheral electrical nerve stimulation is one method that has been proposed for locating medical needles and catheters proximate to nerves and nerve plexuses
Implementation Method 2
Insulating coating 52B on needle 52A causes the electrical current conducted by needle 52A to pass through to the portion of needle 52A exposed at distal end 52D
Implementation Method 3
Catheter sheath 54G is nonconductive and insulates coiled wire 54F along the length of catheter 54A except at distal end 54D where a portion of coiled wire 54F is exposed
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter switch comprising a first electrical connector for connection to a first medical device, a second electrical connector for connection to a second medical device, and a third electrical connector for connection to a signal source. The catheter switch further includes an electrical switch coupled to the first, second, and third electrical connectors. The electrical switch is configured to include at least two selectable positions, a first position in which the first electrical connector is electrically coupled to the third electrical connector and a second position in which the second electrical connector is electrically coupled to the third electrical connector. A catheter switch assembly system is also provided. The catheter switch assembly system is for selectively coupling a nerve stimulator to a needle assembly or to a catheter assembly to deliver electrical pulses thereto.