Light-Emitting Spinal Needle for Joint Capsule Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
In arthroscopic procedures, it is challenging for surgeons to accurately determine the correct positioning of a spinal needle before piercing the joint capsule, leading to potential tissue damage and increased operating time due to difficulties in visualizing the inward tenting effect on the capsule.
Innovation Solution
A light-emitting spinal needle assembly is used, where a light source is integrated into the needle, allowing the light to penetrate the capsule and be viewed from inside the joint, providing visual confirmation of the needle's correct positioning before penetration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a spinal needle is used to create a portal into the joint, then access to the joint interior is achieved, but the ability to accurately determine needle positioning before capsule penetration is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A light source is introduced as an intermediary element within the spinal needle to enable visualization of needle position. The light source acts as a mediator between the needle and the surgeon's visual system, allowing indirect observation of needle location through the capsule without requiring direct line of sight to the needle itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes light emission (a form of optical property change) to indicate needle position. The light source causes the needle to emit visible light, creating a visual signal that changes the optical characteristics of the needle-capsule-tissue system, enabling the surgeon to detect needle position through light transmission and scattering patterns.
2Productivity
If the spinal needle is advanced through the capsule without visual guidance, then portal creation is completed, but tissue damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light source provides real-time visual feedback to the surgeon during needle advancement. As the needle approaches and penetrates the capsule, the light transmission and scattering patterns provide continuous information about needle position relative to the capsule, enabling the surgeon to adjust advancement to minimize tissue damage while maintaining procedural efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The light source is activated and positioned within the needle before capsule penetration occurs. This preliminary setup allows the surgeon to visualize needle position in advance of penetration, plan the optimal penetration path, and execute the procedure with reduced risk of unintended tissue damage.
3Measurement precision
If the inward tenting effect on the capsule is used to confirm needle positioning, then needle position can be assessed, but visualization difficulty increases operating time
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical/tactile assessment method (observing capsule tenting) with an optical system (light emission and transmission). Instead of relying on visual detection of subtle capsule deformation, the light-based system provides direct optical signaling of needle position, significantly reducing the time required for position confirmation while maintaining or improving accuracy.
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 method enhances the precision of portal creation by providing a clear visual indication of the needle's position, reducing the risk of tissue damage and operating time, and ensuring accurate placement of the spinal needle.
Implementation Method 1
a light source is disposed in the lumen of the spinal needle so that the light source emits light from the distal tip of the spinal needle
Implementation Method 2
the light from the light source penetrates through the capsule and can be viewed from the underside of the capsule
Data Source
AI summary
A method for accessing the interior of a joint, wherein the joint comprises tissue which defines a boundary of the joint, the tissue comprising an interior surface facing toward the interior of the joint and an exterior surface facing away from the interior of the joint, the method comprising: providing a light-emitting needle assembly comprising a hollow needle having a light source at the distal end thereof; and observing the interior surface of the tissue from the interior of the joint as the needle approaches the exterior surface of the tissue.