Introducer Needle Stylet Axial Channel for Anesthetic Flow

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Solution Overview

Problem

The use of introducer needles in medical procedures is hindered by image artifacts caused by stylets during imaging, necessitating stylet removal for anesthetic introduction, which delays procedures and poses safety risks due to air embolism concerns.

Innovation Solution

A needle assembly with a stylet that allows anesthetic flow along its length, eliminating the need for stylet removal during imaging, and featuring a low atomic number material to reduce image artifacts, along with a flow control assembly that automatically seals and prevents air leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a stylet is placed within the introducer needle to facilitate tissue piercing and prevent coring, then the needle insertion is improved, but image artifacts are created that obscure the target region

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneedle insertionVSAvoidimage artifacts

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the stylet from the introducer needle assembly, eliminating the source of image artifacts. The stylet is extracted as a separate component rather than being integrated, allowing its removal to improve imaging quality while the introducer needle can still be used for tissue piercing without the stylet's harmful radiographic effects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the introducer needle by modifying its tip design to provide sufficient sharpness and cutting capability without requiring a stylet. This parameter change in the needle's geometric properties allows it to perform the piercing function alone, eliminating the need for the stylet that causes image artifacts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the stylet is removed to introduce local anesthetic, then anesthetic administration is enabled, but the procedure is delayed and patient positioning must be changed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanesthetic introductionVSAvoidprocedure delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the anesthetic introduction function with the introducer needle itself by incorporating a lateral port that allows anesthetic to be injected through the needle wall. This combines two separate operations (stylet removal and anesthetic injection) into a single integrated system, eliminating the need to remove the stylet and thereby preventing procedure delays

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The introducer needle is pre-designed with an integrated anesthetic port and flow path capability, so the anesthetic can be introduced immediately after needle insertion without requiring stylet removal or repositioning. The pathway for anesthetic delivery is prepared in advance as part of the needle structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the stylet is removed to insert biopsy device, then device exchange is enabled, but air can leak into the introducer needle causing air embolism risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice exchangeVSAvoidair embolism risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a stylet retention mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the stylet and the external environment. This mechanism allows the stylet to be securely retained during device exchange, preventing air from entering the introducer needle while still enabling the necessary device exchanges for biopsy procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent maintains a closed, air-free environment within the introducer needle by using the stylet retention mechanism to seal the lumen during device exchange. This creates an inert atmosphere that prevents air embolism while allowing the biopsy device to be exchanged through the needle

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

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

This solution simplifies medical procedures by maintaining stylet placement during imaging, reducing delays and safety risks, while improving anesthetic distribution and reducing image artifacts for precise targeting.

Implementation Method 1

At least one of the inner surfaces of the introducer tube and outer surface of the stylet provides an axial (longitudinal) channel allowing the flow of liquid along the channel when the stylet is inserted in the introducer tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow through axial channel:

Implementation Method 2

The stylet port includes a valve blocking the passage of air through the stylet port when the stylet or other similar probe has been removed from the flow control assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectValve blocking: Valve

Data Source

PatentUS20240226505A9Introducer Needle and Stylet for Interventional Procedures

Publication Date: 2024.07.11 WISCONSIN ALUMNI RES FOUND

AI summary

An introducer tube/stylet needle assembly provides for an interfacial channel between the stylet and introducer tube to allowing the flow of anesthetic through the introducer tube from a syringe or the like without removal of the stylet from an introducer tube. A valve structure may automatically block gas flow through the introducer tube when the stylet is removed.