Oscillating Needle Device for Low-Force Tissue Penetration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical and veterinary procedures for tissue penetration, such as needle insertion, often require significant force, causing tissue deformation, pain, and increased risk of complications due to the need for multiple attempts and invasive methods, especially in cases of collapsed or fragile veins.
Innovation Solution
A handheld device providing axially-directed oscillatory motion to penetrating members like needles and lancets, utilizing a linear reciprocating actuator, such as a voice coil motor, to reduce the force required for tissue penetration and minimize tissue deformation by oscillating the needle at high speeds, thereby reducing pain and stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional needle insertion methods are used, then the procedure is simple and quick to perform, but significant force is required causing tissue deformation, pain, and increased risk of complications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration by oscillating the needle at high frequencies (e.g., 50-500 Hz) during insertion. This vibration reduces the force required to penetrate tissue by preventing tissue fibers from bonding to the needle surface, thereby reducing friction and insertion force while minimizing tissue deformation and patient pain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through reciprocating or oscillating motion of the needle during insertion. The needle moves back and forth in a periodic manner, which reduces tissue deformation by allowing tissue to relax between forward strokes and prevents cumulative deformation that occurs with continuous single-direction insertion.
2Reliability
If multiple needle insertion attempts are made to access collapsed or fragile veins, then access can be achieved, but tissue deformation increases, pain increases, and risk of complications increases
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillating needle reduces tissue deformation by preventing tissue fibers from adhering to the needle surface during insertion. This vibration mechanism allows successful access to collapsed or fragile veins in a single attempt, eliminating the need for repeated insertions that would cause cumulative tissue damage and increase complication risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of needle insertion by introducing high-frequency oscillation and controlling insertion speed. These parameter changes enable reliable access to difficult veins while minimizing tissue deformation, as the oscillating motion reduces friction and prevents tissue collapse around the needle.
3Force
If higher insertion velocity is used to reduce tissue deformation, then less tissue deformation occurs, but the risk of missing the target vessel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reciprocating motion allows the operator to maintain higher average insertion velocity while providing periodic pauses during the return stroke. This periodic action reduces tissue deformation through the oscillating motion while allowing time for visual confirmation and adjustment, thereby maintaining precision in needle placement despite the higher velocity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic insertion where the needle velocity is modulated during the procedure. The oscillating needle provides periods of high velocity for penetration while allowing deceleration during the return stroke, creating a dynamic insertion profile that reduces tissue deformation while maintaining placement precision through operator control during low-velocity phases.
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 effectively reduces the force and tissue deformation associated with needle insertion, allowing for easier access in challenging tissues and minimizing pain and stress for both patients and clinicians, while maintaining precise control over needle placement.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a linear reciprocating actuator, such as a voice coil motor, to reduce the force required for tissue penetration
Implementation Method 2
oscillating the needle at high speeds, thereby reducing pain and stress
Data Source
AI summary
A device for penetrating tissue is provided that has a driving actuator with a body and motor shaft that is reciprocated. A coupler is attached to the motor shaft, and a key engages the driving actuator and coupler and limits rotational motion of the motor shaft and permits linear motion of the motor shaft. A penetrating member is carried by the coupler, and linear motion of the motor shaft is translated to the penetrating member to linearly reciprocate the penetrating member.