Oscillating Intravascular Access Device Reducing Insertion Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for inserting penetrating members, such as needles and catheters, into tissues face challenges including high insertion force, tissue deformation, pain, and increased risk of complications due to loose or fragile veins, making it difficult to achieve successful vascular access with minimal trauma and anxiety for patients.
Innovation Solution
A handheld device providing axially-directed oscillatory motion to a detachable penetrating member, utilizing a driving actuator like a voice coil or piezoelectric element to reduce insertion force and tissue deformation, facilitating easier access into collapsed or rolling veins by generating reciprocating motion that reduces the force required for penetration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If manual insertion methods are used, then simplicity and ease of operation are maintained, but insertion force is high and tissue trauma is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration through an oscillating needle mechanism that vibrates at high frequency (e.g., 20-100 Hz) during tissue penetration. This vibration reduces the effective insertion force by creating micro-gaps in the tissue structure and reducing friction, allowing easier penetration through skin and vein walls while maintaining operational control through the handheld device design.
2Speed
If high insertion force is applied, then penetration speed is improved, but tissue deformation and patient pain increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic oscillatory motion of the needle during insertion, where the needle moves forward in small increments followed by brief reversal or pause phases. This periodic action allows tissue to relax between penetration attempts, reducing cumulative deformation and pain while maintaining adequate penetration speed through repeated small advances.
3Reliability
If multiple needle sticks are performed, then vascular access success rate is improved, but patient anxiety and infection risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillating needle device enables the practitioner to perform multiple penetration attempts with a single sterile needle insertion. The oscillation mechanism allows the same needle to effectively re-penetrate tissue multiple times without requiring needle changes, thereby maintaining sterility while improving success rates and reducing infection risk from multiple needle sticks.
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 enhances vessel penetration success rates with reduced tissue trauma and patient discomfort by minimizing the force needed for insertion and maintaining precise control over the needle tip, allowing for effective placement of medical devices like catheters and guidewires.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a driving actuator like a voice coil or piezoelectric element to reduce insertion force
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a driving actuator like a voice coil or piezoelectric element to reduce insertion force
Implementation Method 3
providing axially-directed oscillatory motion to a detachable penetrating member... generating reciprocating motion that reduces the force required for penetration
Data Source
AI summary
A device for penetrating tissue with reduced force and placing a guidewire is provided. The device includes a driving actuator generating reciprocating motion at less than 20 kHz. A penetrating member having a lumen dimensioned to accommodate a guidewire is provided, and may be coaxial or axially offset from the driving actuator. A coupler mechanically connects the driving actuator and the penetrating member, transferring the reciprocating motion to the penetrating member. At least one frictional member facilitates the movement of the guidewire through the lumen for placement at the target tissue. The frictional member(s) may be operated manually or by a guidewire actuator. A housing including a channel also dimensioned to accommodate the guidewire may also be provided, and may further include the frictional member(s) for facilitating movement of the guidewire. A side port may also be included at the penetrating member or coupler for introduction of the guidewire.