Neonatal Pneumothorax Decompression Device with Adjustable Needle Stabilizer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pneumothorax decompression devices for neonates are inefficient and require two operators, with uncertain needle depth and lack of safety features, making them unsuitable for emergency situations in neonatal care.
Innovation Solution
A single-operator, pre-assembled pneumothorax decompression device with a ratcheting mechanism for adjustable needle length, a spinning airflow indicator for precise cavity detection, and a stabilizer for accurate needle placement, ensuring safe and efficient air removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional multi-component decompression device is used, then it can remove air from the pleural cavity, but it requires two operators and is difficult to deploy in emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (needle, syringe, stabilizer, indicator) into a single pre-assembled integrated device. The needle is permanently attached to the syringe barrel, the stabilizer is integrated into the plunger assembly, and the airflow indicator is built into the stopper. This merging eliminates the need for manual assembly by multiple operators and enables single-handed deployment in emergencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is pre-assembled and pre-configured before use, with the needle already attached to the syringe, the stabilizer pre-positioned, and the airflow indicator pre-installed. This preliminary preparation eliminates the time-consuming assembly step required by traditional devices, allowing immediate deployment when emergency decompression is needed.
2Reliability
If a standard needle is used without depth control, then the device is simpler, but the needle depth is uncertain and tissue damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer is pre-assembled with the syringe and includes pre-marked depth indicators on the barrel. The stabilizer fins are pre-positioned to engage with the needle hub at the correct insertion depth, providing automatic mechanical stopping without requiring complex active control mechanisms during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates visual feedback through depth markings on the syringe barrel and mechanical feedback through the stabilizer fins that engage with the needle hub. The airflow indicator provides real-time feedback when the needle enters the pleural cavity, allowing the operator to confirm proper placement and avoid over-insertion that could cause tissue damage.
3Measurement precision
If needle placement is performed without stabilization, then the device is simpler, but placement accuracy decreases and operator control is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer is integrated as an inherent part of the syringe assembly rather than being a separate attachment. The stabilizer fins are molded into the plunger or barrel structure, and the depth markings are printed directly on the syringe barrel. This integration maintains simplicity while providing reliable stabilization and accurate placement.
4Loss of information
If air removal is performed manually without indication, then the device is simpler, but the operator cannot confirm when the pleural cavity is reached
Solution Approach 1:
The airflow indicator utilizes color change or movement visualization to indicate when air flow begins, signaling that the needle has entered the pleural cavity. This visual feedback mechanism provides clear, unambiguous information to the operator without requiring complex electronic or mechanical 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
The device allows for safe and rapid decompression of pneumothorax in neonates by enabling single-operator use, precise needle placement, and efficient air removal, reducing the risk of tissue damage and improving treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
a spinning airflow indicator for precise cavity detection
Data Source
AI summary
A neonatal pneumothorax decompression device is disclosed. The device comprises a needle stabilizer, a pressure indicator, and a fluid evacuation pump. The needle stabilizer is configured to facilitate insertion of the needle into a subject's pleural cavity and to hold a needle at an adjustable length. The pressure indicator is coupled to the proximal end of the needle stabilizer and is configured to visibly display pressure within the subject's pleural cavity. The fluid evacuation pump is configured to be actuated by a user to evacuate air or fluid from the subject's pleural cavity through the needle. The fluid evacuation pump is proximally coupled to the pressure indicator and the needle stabilizer.