Echogenic Safety Introducer Needle Assembly for Ultrasound Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical needles lack effective echogenic features for consistent ultrasound image clarity across various insertion angles and frequencies, and they pose a risk of accidental needlestick injuries due to lack of safety mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A safety introducer needle assembly with echogenic features and a safety barrel that automatically covers the needle tip upon withdrawal, featuring a needle with enhanced echogenicity and a snap-fit mechanism for secure protection, allowing visualization at any angle and preventing accidental needlestick injuries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If echogenic enhancements are applied to the needle surface, then ultrasound image clarity is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies echogenic enhancements only to specific locations on the needle - primarily the needle tip and selected portions of the shaft - rather than the entire surface. This localized approach maintains ultrasound visibility where most critical while simplifying manufacturing compared to full-surface treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical parameters of the needle surface by introducing roughness features, ridges, and grooves that alter acoustic impedance. These parameter changes enhance echogenicity through controlled surface topology rather than complex materials or coatings.
2Reliability
If a safety mechanism is added to cover the needle tip, then safety against needlestick injuries is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The safety shield is nested within the introducer hub structure, with the shield integrated into the hub's distal portion. This nesting approach provides safety functionality while minimizing additional complexity by utilizing existing structural space rather than adding separate external components.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety shield is designed to be automatically engaged when the needle is inserted into the hub, and the needle tip is automatically covered when the needle is withdrawn. This self-activating mechanism eliminates the need for manual operation or complex control systems.
3Measurement precision
If the needle shaft is roughened to improve echogenicity, then ultrasound visualization is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The roughening or echogenic features are applied to the needle shaft during the manufacturing process as a preliminary step before final assembly. This allows the surface treatment to be integrated into production workflows without requiring post-manufacturing precision adjustments or complex quality control.
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 assembly provides enhanced ultrasound image clarity and automatic needle tip protection, reducing the risk of injuries and manufacturing costs while ensuring safe and efficient use.
Implementation Method 1
Echogenicity or echogeneity is the ability to bounce an echo, e.g. return the signal in ultrasound examinations. In other words, echogenicity is higher when the surface bouncing the sound echo reflects increased sound waves.
Implementation Method 2
Echogenicity provide an acoustic impedance different from the surrounding biological tissue or fluid.
Data Source
AI summary
A safety introducer needle assembly having an introducer needle defining an axial direction, the needle having an outer surface and an inner surface defining a lumen which extends along the length of the needle in the axial direction; the outer surface defined by a wall of the needle forming a needle shaft that extend along the axial direction having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end connected to a needle hub and the distal end comprising a sharp bevelled tip wherein the needle has a roughened or echogenic region having echogenic features; and a needle tip protector housed in a safety barrel and slidably arranged on the needle shaft from moving beyond the needle tip and wherein the safety barrel is engageably attached to the needle hub.