Integrated Nerve Stimulator Drape for Sterile Electrical Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical drapes are not optimally designed for nerve block procedures, leading to challenges with sterile conditions, secure nerve stimulation, and efficient use of nerve stimulators, which can result in potential nerve injuries and contamination risks due to detached or non-sterile electrical leads.
Innovation Solution
A nerve block procedure drape with integrated nerve stimulators, electroconductive materials, and connectors that ensure secure and sterile electrical connections, along with a removable layer for adhesion and a time-out indication system to enhance safety and efficiency during procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a disposable sterile drape is used for nerve block procedures, then sterile conditions are maintained, but the drape does not provide secure or convenient application of nerve stimulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the nerve stimulator directly into the disposable drape structure, merging two previously separate components (sterile drape and nerve stimulator) into a single unified device. This integration ensures that the sterile barrier and nerve stimulation functionality are combined in one component, eliminating the need to handle separate sterile and non-sterile elements during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The drape is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing sterile coverage, enabling nerve stimulation, and facilitating the nerve block procedure. The integrated design allows the same component to serve as both a protective barrier and an active stimulation device, improving ease of operation while maintaining sterility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a reusable nerve stimulator is used, then nerve stimulation functionality is provided, but the device requires maintenance, battery change, calibration and test which is cumbersome and time-inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable nerve stimulator integrated into the drape, eliminating the need for reusable device maintenance. The disposable nature of the integrated stimulator means it is used once and then discarded with the drape, removing all associated maintenance tasks including battery changes, calibration, and safety tests that would otherwise be required for reusable devices.
3Ease of operation
If separate electrical leads are used for nerve stimulation, then electrical connection is established, but the leads can become detached or disconnected during the procedure resulting in open electrical circuit and failure to detect hazardous needle-nerve relationship
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical leads are integrated directly into the drape structure, merging the connection components with the sterile barrier. This integration ensures that the leads remain securely positioned throughout the procedure since they are part of the fixed drape assembly rather than separate detachable components that could become dislodged.
Solution Approach 2:
The drape acts as an intermediary structure that permanently accommodates the electrical leads. The leads are positioned within the drape's fenestration area, using the drape itself as a stabilizing intermediary that prevents lead displacement while maintaining the necessary electrical connectivity for nerve stimulation.
4Ease of operation
If non-sterile electrical leads are used for nerve stimulation, then electrical connection is established, but the presence of non-sterile electrical leads on the field can contaminate the sterile field during the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical leads are merged with the sterile drape structure, so that the entire assembly including the leads maintains sterile integrity. The leads are positioned within the sterile field boundaries of the drape, ensuring that no non-sterile components are exposed to the external environment while still providing necessary electrical connectivity.
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 integrated nerve stimulators and electroconductive materials provide secure, sterile, and efficient nerve stimulation, reducing the risk of nerve injuries and contamination, while the time-out indication system ensures proper procedural checks, enhancing patient safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A first conductor of the at least one conductor is in electrical communication with the electroconductive material
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a device comprises a surgical drape having a fenestration formed therein and a nerve stimulator attached to an outward side of the surgical drape. One or more electrical conductors may also be attached to the drape and to the nerve stimulator. An electroconductive material may be arranged on a patient-facing side of the surgical drape. A connector may be attached to the surgical drape, which connector terminates an electrical conductor and is configured to permit attachment of an external nerve block needle. The attached nerve stimulator may be configured to provide a time-out indication. In another embodiment, the device comprises a surgical drape having at least one electrical conductor attached to the drape. At least one second connector may be attached to the surgical drape and configured to be in electrical communication with, and terminate, a second end of one or more electrical conductors.