Epidural Space Locating Device Plunger Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing epidural space locating devices are cumbersome and imprecise, often requiring manual pressure detection and risking needle misplacement or air introduction, which can lead to injury and vital function disruptions during epidural anesthesia procedures.

Innovation Solution

A device with a handle, hollow distal chamber, and plunger system that secures in place until the spinal needle reaches the epidural space, then moves to indicate pressure loss with a visual, tactile, or audio warning signal, such as an LED light, ensuring precise location without manual pressure application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual pressure detection is used to locate the epidural space, then the device can detect pressure changes, but the device becomes cumbersome and imprecise due to requiring manual finger pressure application

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveepidural space location precisionVSAvoidmanual pressure application

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The plunger automatically detects pressure changes in the epidural space without requiring manual finger pressure application. The system serves itself by using the pressure differential to move the plunger and trigger the warning signal automatically, eliminating the need for operator intervention in the pressure detection process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical pressure detection method is replaced with an automated plunger mechanism that responds to pressure changes. The mechanical system is substituted with a more precise automated indication system that includes a warning signal generator to notify the operator when the epidural space is reached.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the needle is inserted deeply to reach the epidural space, then the epidural anesthesia can be administered, but the risk of piercing the arachnoid and affecting vital functions increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanesthesia administration reliabilityVSAvoidrisk of nerve root injury

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The warning signal generator provides immediate feedback to the operator when the epidural space is reached, as indicated by the plunger movement. This feedback mechanism allows the operator to stop needle insertion at the correct depth, preventing further insertion that could lead to piercing the arachnoid and injuring nerve roots or affecting vital functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The plunger is pre-positioned to move automatically when pressure changes occur at the epidural space. This preliminary positioning allows the system to detect the correct insertion depth before dangerous over-insertion can occur, enabling the operator to take preliminary preventive action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If air is introduced into the epidural space during the procedure, then pressure can be detected, but the risk of injury and disruption of vital functions increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure detection accuracyVSAvoidair introduction risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system detects pressure changes caused by the natural pressure differential in the epidural space without requiring the introduction of air or other substances. The plunger responds to the existing pressure environment, eliminating the need for air injection and the associated risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 device provides a reliable, compact, and precise method for detecting the epidural space, reducing the risk of injury and improving procedural safety by automatically signaling when the needle has reached the correct location.

Implementation Method 1

A detection system of pressure loss or drop is provided in the device of the present invention which comprises a plunger running within the distal chamber from an initial position to a final position when there is a pressure loss caused when the spinal needle has reached the epidural space

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure loss detection: Pressure Drop

Data Source

PatentUS9186172B2Epidural space locating device

Publication Date: 2015.11.17 VELEZ RIVERA HECTOR DE JES S

AI summary

An epidural space locating device is described, comprising a handle with a proximal end and a distal end; a hollow distal chamber attached to the handle distal end and being provided with a distal connector where a spinal needle is received to be introduced in the patient's body, such that there is a fluid connection between the spinal needle and the distal chamber; the device also comprises a plunger running within the distal chamber from a starting position to a final position when there is a pressure loss within the distal chamber due to the spinal needle has reached the epidural space; the plunger is secured before using the device, which emits a warning signal at the time the epidural space has been reached.