Multi-Lumen Needle With Integrated Optical Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Percutaneous needle devices lack precise visualization during insertion, leading to risks of damaging blood vessels and internal organs due to blind insertion methods, and existing solutions are often too large for minimally invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
A multi-lumen needle device with an integrated optical element for continuous visualization of the operative tip, allowing for precise control and minimally invasive procedures without the need for additional visualization instruments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If percutaneous needle insertion is performed without visualization, then the procedure can be performed with a small diameter needle, but the positional relationship of the needle tip to internal organs cannot be determined and there is high risk of damaging blood vessels and organs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the needle device with an integrated optical system (lumen, lens, and light source) into a single unified instrument. The optical elements are incorporated within the needle structure itself, allowing simultaneous visualization and therapeutic function without requiring separate viewing instruments, thus resolving the contradiction between safety through visualization and maintaining minimal invasiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle device is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a therapeutic instrument (for injection or aspiration) and a visualization instrument (with integrated optical system). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate visualization devices, allowing the single needle to provide both treatment and real-time visual feedback on tip position, thereby improving safety without increasing procedural complexity.
2Loss of information
If additional visualization instruments are inserted to overcome functional limitations of small diameter instruments, then visualization capability is improved, but the device size increases and complicates the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the visualization system (lumen, lens, light source) directly into the needle structure. This integration eliminates the need for separate visualization instruments that would otherwise need to be inserted simultaneously, reducing procedural complexity while maintaining excellent visualization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle device is designed as a universal instrument that performs both therapeutic functions (injection, aspiration) and visualization functions through its integrated optical system. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate instruments, simplifying the overall procedure.
3Loss of information
If additional visualization instruments are inserted to overcome functional limitations, then visualization is improved, but the procedure is prolonged and patient inconvenience increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical visualization system is pre-integrated into the needle device before the procedure begins. This preliminary integration means that visualization capability is already available when the needle is inserted, eliminating the need for subsequent steps of inserting additional visualization instruments during the procedure, thus reducing overall procedure time.
Solution Approach 2:
By combining visualization and therapeutic functions into a single pre-assembled device, the procedure can be performed in a single step without requiring additional instrument insertions, thereby reducing procedure duration and patient inconvenience.
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
Enables safe and precise diagnostic and therapeutic procedures by providing real-time visualization of the needle tip during insertion, reducing the risk of tissue damage and allowing access to difficult-to-reach areas without open surgery.
Implementation Method 1
At least one optical element is axially positioned in the second lumen for transmitting and receiving optical radiation through the second opening in the nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
A needle device for penetrating body tissues while substantially reducing the risk of damage to blood vessels and body organs by using visual control of the operative tip during insertion and the procedure, is disclosed herein. The needle device of the present invention has a large and diverse applicability to a number of medical procedures by enabling internal visual inspection of body tissues and cavities during treatment without open surgery or supplemental penetrating or visualization devices.