Medical Positioning Device With Helical Threads And Impedance Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pneumothorax drainage devices lack precise depth control and cavity recognition, leading to high complication rates during insertion, particularly in non-surgical settings where operator dependency is high and the risk of organ puncture or inadequate positioning is significant.
Innovation Solution
A positioning device comprising an outer sheath with helical threads for depth control and a removable inner cannula with a cavity detection system using electrical impedance to recognize tissue, air, and fluid, allowing for precise placement of medical devices like chest tubes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional surgical technique or modified Seldinger technique is used for chest tube insertion, then the procedure can be performed with basic equipment, but the operator dependency is high and complication rates are as high as 30%
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical insertion techniques with an automated screw-threaded insertion system. The screw threads on the outer sheath provide controlled, self-regulating advancement into the chest cavity, eliminating the need for operator judgment about penetration depth and reducing reliance on operator skill and experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion device performs self-positioning through the screw thread mechanism that automatically controls insertion depth. The threads engage with tissue to provide controlled advancement and automatic depth limitation, allowing the device to regulate its own insertion process without continuous operator intervention.
2Ease of operation
If needle or guidewire insertion is used to simplify the process, then the insertion technique is easier to perform, but the risk of organ puncture increases due to inability to precisely control depth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces uncontrolled needle/guidewire puncture mechanics with controlled screw-threaded advancement. The screw threads provide progressive, controlled engagement with tissue that prevents sudden deep penetration and organ puncture while maintaining ease of operation through simple rotational motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion device transitions from static needle insertion to dynamic screw-threaded advancement. The rotating screw mechanism allows continuous adjustment of insertion depth and provides real-time feedback through resistance changes, enabling precise depth control to avoid organ puncture.
3Ease of operation
If forward pressure is applied to insert the device, then the insertion process is simple, but depth control is imprecise leading to under or over penetration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces simple forward pressure application with a screw-threaded mechanical system. The screw threads convert rotational motion into precise linear advancement, providing controlled depth regulation while maintaining operational simplicity through intuitive twisting motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The screw threads are pre-configured with specific pitch and depth characteristics that determine the insertion depth before the procedure begins. This preliminary design of the thread geometry ensures precise depth control is built into the device structure, eliminating the need for real-time depth judgment by the operator.
4Device complexity
If no cavity detection system is used, then the device structure remains simple, but there is no method to determine appropriate positioning or recognize tissue types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates impedance sensing electrodes that provide real-time feedback about tissue type and cavity entry. The system measures electrical impedance changes during insertion and provides audio/visual feedback to the operator, enabling precise identification of chest cavity penetration and tissue boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer sheath serves multiple functions: it provides the structural insertion component, contains the screw-threaded depth control mechanism, houses the impedance sensing electrodes for cavity detection, and guides the inner medical device. This multi-functionality adds detection capability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
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 enables accurate and safe insertion of medical devices by providing depth control and real-time cavity recognition, reducing complication rates and improving the reliability of pneumothorax drainage procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a cavity detection system to detect one or more of tissue, air, and fluid
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a positioning device for insertion into a patient. The device includes an outer sheath having an external thread on an outer surface. The device also includes a removable inner cannula for insertion into the outer sheath. The cannula has a penetrating end at its insertion end. It may also include a locking device for locking the inner cannula to the outer sheath. The device may be a pneumothorax drainage device.