Flexible Needle Support for CT-Guided Hands-Free Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CT-guided procedures face challenges with radiation exposure to operators and procedural complications due to inadequate needle stabilization, which limits the effectiveness and increases risks such as bleeding, infection, and radiation exposure.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a base with adjustable elongated extensions and a flexible neck portion with a grasper to securely hold medical instruments like needles, allowing for adjustable positioning and reduced operator hand exposure, featuring an adhesive coating for stability and a flexible metal neck for enhanced maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current needle stabilization devices are used, then needle stability is improved, but operator radiation exposure is reduced only partially and devices are awkward or have difficult release mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional segments: a base portion for skin attachment, a flexible neck portion for positioning adjustment, and a grasper for needle stabilization. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, providing stable needle support while enabling easy adjustment and release through the flexible neck mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible neck portion introduces dynamic adjustability to the device, allowing the operator to easily reposition the grasper and release the needle by simply manipulating the flexible neck, eliminating the need for complex release mechanisms while maintaining needle stability during the procedure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If side hand manipulation is used, then operator hand exposure is reduced, but needle stability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The device attaches to the patient's skin and autonomously maintains needle stability through the grasper mechanism, eliminating the need for continuous manual stabilization by the operator's hand, thereby reducing radiation exposure while preserving needle stability throughout the procedure.
3Reliability
If current stabilization devices are used, then some needle stability is achieved, but needle excursion is limited or metallic artifact is created obscuring biopsy target
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible neck portion is constructed from radiolucent flexible material that allows full range of motion for needle positioning without creating metallic artifacts on CT imaging, while still providing sufficient structural support to stabilize the needle during the biopsy procedure.
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 stabilizes medical instruments during CT procedures, reducing operator radiation exposure and procedural complications by allowing for hands-free operation and improved needle placement, thereby enhancing procedure effectiveness and safety.
Implementation Method 1
featuring an adhesive coating for stability
Implementation Method 2
flexible metal neck for enhanced maneuverability
Data Source
AI summary
Various implementations include a device for holding and supporting a medical instrument in a position. For example, the medical instrument may include a percutaneous procedure apparatus, such as a needle (e.g., biopsy needle, anesthesia needle) or needle holder. In some implementations, the device holds and supports the percutaneous procedure apparatus and liberates the procedure operator's hands from direct beam exposure, which lowers the risk of complications and radiation exposure to patients and procedure operators. The device also increases the effectiveness of the procedure by holding and supporting the apparatus in the intended position.