Optical Cannula Position Sensing for Real-Time Placement Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for placing a cannula in a desired body location, such as a vein or spinal canal, lack a continuous and instantaneous indication of the cannula's position, leading to potential injury risks due to improper placement.
Innovation Solution
A cannula locator device equipped with optical fibers that emit and receive light to reflect the environment of the distal tip, allowing for image generation or color detection, and optionally coupled with a camera or wavelength detector to provide real-time feedback on cannula position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional flashback method is used to confirm cannula placement, then blood appearance in flashback chamber indicates proper positioning, but the indication is not continuous and may be irreversible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical flashback method with an optical detection system. Optical fibers are inserted through the cannula to detect light reflection from surrounding tissues, providing continuous real-time feedback on cannula position without relying on irreversible blood flashback.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous feedback by detecting light reflection patterns through optical fibers. The system provides real-time information about cannula positioning by analyzing reflected light characteristics, allowing clinicians to continuously monitor rather than rely on one-time flashback confirmation.
2Reliability
If clinician applies finger pressure to occlude vessel for flashback confirmation, then blood flow through cannula is minimized, but the process takes time and is not instantaneous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical finger pressure occlusion method with an optical detection system. Light reflection detection occurs instantaneously without requiring vessel occlusion, eliminating the time delay associated with manual compression and blood flashback observation.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fibers are pre-positioned within the cannula before insertion. Once the cannula is in place, the optical detection system immediately begins providing feedback without requiring additional steps like applying finger pressure, thus achieving instantaneous confirmation.
3Loss of information
If optical fibers are inserted through cannula for continuous detection, then real-time position indication is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests optical fibers within the existing cannula structure. The optical fibers are inserted through the cannula's inner lumen, utilizing the existing hollow space without requiring separate external detection apparatus, thus minimizing additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cannula is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the delivery device for fluid/medication and as the housing for the optical detection system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in 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
Enables continuous and instantaneous visualization of cannula placement, reducing the risk of vessel or spinal cord injury by ensuring precise positioning.
Implementation Method 1
one or more of the optical fibers may be configured to emit light, and one or more of the optical fibers may be configured to receive light reflected from an environment of the distal tip of the cannula
Data Source
AI summary
A cannula locator device is described herein. The cannula locator device may include a cannula. The cannula may include a distal tip, an elongated tubular shaft, and an inner lumen formed by the elongated tubular shaft. The cannula locator device may also include a first optical fiber configured to emit light and a second optical fiber configured to receive reflected light. The first and second optical fibers may be disposed within the inner lumen of the cannula. The first optical fiber may include a first distal end and a first proximal end. The second optical fiber may include a first proximal end and first distal end.