Needle Electrode Impedance Detection for Injection Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current needle-based injection techniques lack precision in targeting specific tissues, often resulting in accidental injections due to unreliable methods for determining needle placement, such as aspiration and depth measurement, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors, especially in varying tissue depths and individual variations.
Innovation Solution
A device with a needle electrode having a coaxial structure comprising a hollow needle, a dielectric layer, and an outer conductive layer, coupled to a syringe, which measures tissue impedance to accurately identify target tissues and automatically inject fluids only when the needle is correctly positioned within the target tissue, preventing accidental injections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If aspiration and depth measurement methods are used to determine needle placement, then the injection process can be performed, but the methods are time-consuming and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical aspiration and depth measurement methods with an electrical impedance-based detection system. The needle electrode measures impedance values to automatically determine needle placement and identify target tissue, eliminating the need for manual aspiration and depth measurement while improving both speed and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle electrode performs self-detection of its own placement by measuring impedance values through the tissue. The system automatically determines whether the needle is correctly positioned in the target tissue without requiring external verification methods like aspiration or depth measurement, enabling rapid and accurate injection.
2Reliability
If aspiration and depth measurement are used, then needle placement can be assessed, but these methods are unreliable especially in varying tissue depths and individual variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces unreliable mechanical aspiration and depth measurement methods with a reliable electrical impedance-based detection system. The impedance measurement provides consistent and accurate determination of needle placement regardless of varying tissue depths and individual anatomical variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses impedance values as a reliable parameter to determine needle placement. By measuring electrical impedance through the tissue, the system obtains a quantitative parameter that reliably indicates needle position and target tissue identification, overcoming the limitations of qualitative mechanical methods.
3Ease of operation
If manual determination methods are used, then the injection can be performed, but accidental injections occur due to lack of precision in targeting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the needle electrode continuously measures impedance values and the control component processes this information to determine needle placement. The system provides feedback by generating instructions to reposition the release component only when the target tissue is correctly identified, preventing accidental injections while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-verification of correct needle placement through automatic impedance measurement and analysis. The control component automatically determines whether injection conditions are met and controls the release component accordingly, eliminating the need for manual verification and preventing accidental injections.
4Measurement precision
If impedance measurement is used to identify target tissue, then precise targeting is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional needle electrode that serves both as an injection needle and an impedance measurement sensor. The same needle structure is used for both fluid delivery and tissue identification, eliminating the need for separate detection devices and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the injection function and detection function into a single integrated system. The needle electrode simultaneously performs fluid injection and impedance measurement, while the control component integrates the processing of measurement data and control of the release component, achieving precise targeting without proportionally increasing 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 solution enables precise and safe administration of injections by accurately identifying target tissues based on impedance measurements, ensuring that fluids are injected only into the intended tissue, reducing the risk of errors and injuries.
Implementation Method 1
Electrodes can be used to distinguish between different tissues by measuring impedance. For example, electrodes inserted into biological tissue can distinguish between muscle and subcutaneous tissues because of their differences in impedance.
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a syringe, which has a tip, plunger, and barrel containing a fluid. The device also includes a needle electrode coupled to the tip of the syringe, a release component, and a control component configured to receive electrical measurements made by the needle electrode, determine impedance values from the electrical measurements, and identify a target tissue based on the impedance values. In response to the identification, the control component generates instructions to reposition a release component. A method includes receiving electrical measurements from a needle electrode, determining impedance values based on the electrical measurements. A target tissue is identified based on the impedance values, and a release component is repositioned in response. An article of manufacture includes a needle electrode and a microprocessor configured to receive electrical measurements, determine impedance values, identify a target tissue based on the impedance values, and generate instructions to reposition a release component.