Peripheral Nerve Block System with Pressure Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for peripheral nerve blocks, such as ultrasonography and nerve stimulation, fail to accurately differentiate between needle tip locations relative to nerve layers, leading to a higher incidence of intra-neural injection and neurologic complications, as they lack precision in identifying specific nerve branches and tissue types.
Innovation Solution
A multimodal approach combining injection pressure monitoring (IPM) and nerve stimulation (NS) to differentiate needle tip locations, with continuous fluid infusion and pressure sensing to prevent intra-neural injections, and enhanced ultrasound visualization through increased fluid flow to aid in precise needle placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If ultrasonography is used to visualize needle placement, then visualization capability is improved, but measurement precision of needle tip location relative to nerve layers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement system that combines ultrasonography with electrical stimulation and pressure monitoring. The ultrasonography provides visualization while the electrical stimulation and pressure sensors act as intermediaries to precisely detect needle tip location relative to nerve layers, resolving the limitation of ultrasonography alone
Solution Approach 2:
The system integrates multiple functions into a single platform: ultrasonography for visualization, electrical stimulation for nerve identification and needle location detection, and pressure monitoring for real-time feedback. This multi-functional approach simultaneously improves visualization and measurement precision
2Adaptability or versatility
If nerve stimulation is used to identify target nerves, then nerve identification capability is improved, but measurement precision of needle tip location relative to nerve layers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where electrical stimulation responses and pressure sensor readings provide real-time information about needle tip location. The feedback loop allows continuous adjustment and precise determination of needle position relative to nerve layers, enhancing measurement precision beyond simple nerve identification
3Measurement precision
If injection pressure monitoring is used to detect needle tip location, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges injection pressure monitoring with electrical stimulation and ultrasonography into an integrated system. By combining these modalities, the system achieves high measurement precision while managing device complexity through unified control and coordinated operation of multiple components
4Device complexity
If a single method is used for needle guidance, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of preventing intra-neural injection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple guidance methods (ultrasonography, electrical stimulation, pressure monitoring) into an integrated multimodal system. This combination enhances reliability of intra-neural injection prevention by providing multiple independent detection mechanisms that cross-validate each other
Solution Approach 2:
Real-time feedback from multiple sensors and stimulation responses provides continuous monitoring of needle tip location. The feedback mechanism allows immediate detection and correction of potentially harmful needle positions, significantly improving reliability of preventing intra-neural injection
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
This combination significantly reduces the risk of neurologic complications by providing real-time feedback on needle placement, allowing for accurate differentiation between intra-fascicular and extra-fascicular locations, thereby minimizing damage to nerves and improving the precision of drug delivery during peripheral nerve blocks.
Implementation Method 1
The system includes a pressure sensor operable to detect fluid pressure in the needle
Implementation Method 2
The system includes an electrical stimulator operable to provide an electrical impulse
Data Source
AI summary
A system for infusing medication into a mammalian subject is provided. The system includes an injection system for controlling a flow of fluid from a fluid reservoir to a needle. A sensor is provided that detects a characteristic indicative of the fluid pressure in the needle. The injection system controls the flow of fluid to the needle in response to the characteristic detected by the sensor and the sensor continuously detects the characteristic as the needle is inserted into the subject. The system further includes a conductive element for providing electric nerve stimulation, wherein the system provides electric nerve stimulation in response to the sensor detecting a pressure exceeding an upper limit.