Needle Guide With Selectable Angles For Ultrasound Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current needle guide systems lack the ability to efficiently direct needles at various angles for accessing subcutaneous targets under ultrasound imaging, limiting precision and flexibility in procedures such as vascular access.
Innovation Solution
A needle guide assembly with multiple guide channels of unique angles, attachable to ultrasound probes, allowing for selectable needle insertion angles and accommodating different needle gauges, along with a mechanism for secure attachment and adjustable positioning to align with imaging targets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single guide channel is used in the needle guide assembly, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability for different needle insertion angles and gauges is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The needle guide assembly is segmented into multiple guide channels, each configured for specific needle insertion angles and gauge sizes. This segmentation allows the device to handle different needle types simultaneously, improving adaptability while keeping each individual channel relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle guide assembly is designed as a multi-functional device that can accommodate various needle insertion angles (e.g., 45 degrees, 90 degrees) and different needle gauges through its multiple guide channels. This universal design allows a single device to perform multiple functions that would otherwise require separate specialized tools.
2Measurement precision
If multiple guide channels with unique angles are provided, then the precision of needle insertion is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each guide channel in the assembly is optimized with specific local qualities - particular angles, dimensions, and configurations tailored to specific needle types and insertion requirements. This local optimization allows precise control over needle insertion angles while maintaining overall structural efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle guide assembly incorporates movable or adjustable components that allow dynamic reconfiguration of guide channels. This dynamic capability enables the device to adapt between different needle insertion angles and configurations, providing precision versatility without requiring completely separate devices for each angle.
3Ease of operation
If the needle guide assembly includes adjustable positioning mechanisms, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning mechanism is designed to be self-adjusting or self-aligning, where the structure itself facilitates proper positioning without requiring complex external adjustment tools or procedures. The guide channels and attachment features are configured to naturally guide the needle and positioning elements into correct alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning mechanism uses intermediary elements such as alignment guides, registration features, or intermediate structural components that mediate between the operator's actions and the final needle position. These intermediaries simplify the operation by providing tactile or visual cues that guide proper positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A needle guide assembly for inserting a needle into the body of a patient in order to access a subcutaneous target, such as a vessel, is disclosed. In one embodiment, the needle guide assembly comprises a needle guide body that is configured to at least indirectly and removably attach to an image producing device, such as an ultrasound probe. The needle guide body defines at least first and second elongate guide channels. Each guide channel defines a unique insertion angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the ultrasound probe. Further, each guide channel is configured to accept needles of differing gauges. In other embodiments other needle guide assemblies are disclosed that include multiple guide channels for inserting a needle at a variety of insertion angles into the patient's body. Related methods are also disclosed. In yet other embodiments, needle guide assemblies including needle stop features are disclosed.