Needle and Cannula Assembly for Subcutaneous Vessel Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cannulating subcutaneous vessels face challenges in visualizing the needle tip during ultrasound guidance, applying effective pressure to close puncture sites, and continuously monitoring for hematoma development.
Innovation Solution
A needle with distinct reflectance characteristics for improved ultrasound visualization and a cannula assembly that includes an elongated sleeve with channels for air flow or wire advancement to promote seal formation, along with a plug for direct pressure on the puncture site and electrodes for bioimpedance monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual pressure is applied to close the puncture site, then the puncture site can be closed, but patient discomfort increases and the effectiveness of pressure transmission is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a closure device as an intermediary between the operator and the puncture site. This device includes a compression element that can be positioned directly at the puncture site and a transmission element that transmits compression force from the operator's fingers to the closure element, thereby improving pressure transmission effectiveness while reducing patient discomfort compared to direct manual pressure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical manual pressure application system with a device that incorporates mechanical advantage through levers and force transmission elements. This allows more effective pressure application with less operator force and reduced patient discomfort
2Measurement precision
If ultrasound guidance is used to guide needle placement, then needle placement accuracy can be monitored, but visualization of the needle tip is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies acoustic reflectivity changes (analogous to color changes in optical systems) to the needle surface. The needle includes a reflective coating or structure that changes its acoustic reflection properties, making the needle tip appear as a distinct bright signal on the ultrasound display, thereby improving visualization while maintaining placement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the acoustic parameters of the needle by changing its surface properties to increase acoustic reflectivity. This parameter change makes the needle more visible on ultrasound without affecting its structural integrity or placement accuracy
3Reliability
If continuous monitoring for hematoma development is implemented, then patient safety is improved, but the complexity of the procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a monitoring system that uses the existing ultrasound equipment to automatically detect hematoma formation. The system monitors tissue impedance or ultrasound signal changes around the puncture site and alerts the operator when hematoma is detected, thereby improving patient safety without requiring complex additional monitoring equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the ultrasound equipment serve multiple functions: guiding needle placement, visualizing the puncture site, and monitoring for hematoma formation. This multi-functionality improves patient safety through continuous monitoring while avoiding the need for separate complex monitoring systems
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
Enhances the accuracy of needle placement, reduces patient discomfort during pressure application, and provides continuous monitoring for hematoma development, thereby improving the safety and efficacy of subcutaneous vessel cannulation procedures.
Implementation Method 1
A needle with distinct reflectance characteristics for improved ultrasound visualization
Implementation Method 2
a bioimpedance meter configured to measure impedance between the first electrode and the second electrode
Data Source
AI summary
A cannula assembly for treating a puncture site in a subcutaneous vessel includes a cannula and an elongated sleeve with a bore for receiving the cannula. The elongated sleeve includes a plurality of channels circumferentially spaced about the bore through which at least one of a flow of air can be drawn and a plurality of wires can be advanced to promote the formation of a seal between the elongated sleeve and the subcutaneous vessel around the puncture site. The cannula assembly can further include a plug which can be inserted into the bore of the elongated sleeve following removal of the cannula. A needle for insertion into the subcutaneous vessel includes a rigid shaft with an enlarged segment connected to a hub. The needle and cannula assembly can be utilized in a method for cannulating the subcutaneous vessel.