Flexible Medical Device Injection System with Marked Needle and Plunger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies lack a precise and controlled method for injecting flexible medical devices near tissue targets, such as nerves, organs, or tumors, with the ability to adjust device length to match variable target depths.
Innovation Solution
An injection system comprising a needle and plunger with mathematically predetermined markings, allowing for the controlled placement of flexible medical devices with fixed distal and proximal regions and a variable central region, enabling precise deployment at variable depths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a flexible medical device is injected using conventional methods, then the device can be placed in the body, but the placement lacks precision and control over device length and depth
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible medical device is divided into three distinct regions: a distal fixed region, a central variable region, and a proximal fixed region. This segmentation allows independent control of each region's placement characteristics, enabling precise positioning of fixed-length regions while accommodating variable depths through the central region.
Solution Approach 2:
Conventional mechanical injection methods are replaced with a mathematically predetermined system using calculated markings on the needle and plunger. The markings are determined through mathematical relationships that account for needle insertion depth, plunger advancement distance, and desired device placement configuration, replacing trial-and-error mechanical adjustment with precise mathematical control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the device length is fixed, then manufacturing is simplified, but the device cannot adapt to variable target depths
Solution Approach 1:
The device configuration is made dynamic through the central variable region, which can assume different lengths depending on the target depth requirements. While the overall device length remains fixed for manufacturing purposes, the functional length at the target site varies dynamically based on the injection parameters selected from the mathematical markings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables parameter changes by allowing the central region length to vary while maintaining fixed lengths for the distal and proximal regions. The mathematical markings provide predetermined combinations of needle depth and plunger advancement that result in specific device configurations, effectively changing the deployed parameters without altering the manufactured device.
3Manufacturing precision
If the needle and plunger are advanced without coordinated control, then the operation is simpler, but the device placement is inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The mathematical markings on the needle and plunger provide visual feedback that guides the operator through the coordinated advancement process. The markings indicate the precise relationship between needle insertion depth and plunger advancement distance, allowing the operator to achieve consistent device placement by following the predetermined mathematical relationships without requiring complex real-time measurements.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and associated methods for injection of a substantially linear and flexible medical device within a body. The system uses markings on a needle and on a plunger to guide the clinician in withdrawing a needle and advancing a plunger to create 3D anchors out of a substantially linear device.