Modular Cannula With Integrated Ultrasound And Stimulation Clip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cannulas require multiple personnel to operate due to the need to hold an ultrasound head for positioning and control liquid supply/aspiration, as well as provide electrical stimulation, making procedures cumbersome and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A modular cannula design with a control clip and contact clip that allows for single-person operation, integrating ultrasound guidance and electrical stimulation, enabling simultaneous control of liquid supply/aspiration and stimulation pulses in a single movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional cannula is used with separate controls for ultrasound guidance and electrical stimulation, then each function can be performed independently, but multiple medical personnel are required to operate the device simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ultrasound transducer and electrical stimulation control elements into a single integrated assembly that attaches to the cannula. This merging of previously separate functions into one unified device allows a single operator to perform all tasks simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated assembly serves multiple functions: ultrasound imaging, electrical stimulation delivery, and control interface. By making the device universal and multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for multiple specialized operators while maintaining independent controllability of each function.
2Productivity
If multiple medical personnel are assigned to operate the cannula system, then all functions can be performed simultaneously, but the cost and complexity of the procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the ultrasound transducer, stimulation electrodes, and control interface into a single integrated assembly, the patent enables one operator to manage all functions concurrently. This maintains high productivity while reducing the human resources required, thereby offsetting the increased device complexity with operational efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If the cannula is designed as a single integrated unit with all functions built-in, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cannula system into modular components: the base cannula and a separate attachable assembly containing the ultrasound transducer and stimulation controls. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using optimized processes, then assembled into a functional integrated unit, thereby maintaining ease of operation while improving ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachable assembly can be dynamically connected or disconnected from the cannula based on procedural needs. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt between simple and full-featured modes, enabling simplified manufacturing of individual components while providing integrated functionality when required.
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 design enhances safety, reduces procedural time, and optimizes anesthetic delivery by allowing precise cannula placement and efficient handling, reducing the need for multiple operators.
Implementation Method 1
the electrical contact in the second assembly stage establishes an electrical connection between a stimulation cable and an electrically conductive conductor of the cannula tube
Implementation Method 2
An ultrasound transducer is placed on the patient's body surface, emitting ultrasound signals and receiving those reflected by the metallic cannula tube
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~7
AI summary
The present invention relates to a cannula (1) comprising a cannula body with a cannula tube (11) and a projection (10) attached to the proximal end of the cannula tube (11), a control clip (30) having a fastening body (31) with at least one operating element (35, 36), wherein the control clip (30) can be attached laterally to the projection to form a first assembly stage (I). Furthermore, the present invention relates to a cannula body, a contact clip (20), and a control clip (30) of a cannula (1) according to the invention.