Peritoneal Reference Plane for Laparoscopic Nerve Block
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for targeting the Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) and Rectus Sheath (RS) nerve blocks in laparoscopic surgery are imprecise, often requiring ultrasound guidance, which is impractical and costly, especially for minimally invasive procedures, and can lead to inaccurate needle placement and complications.
Innovation Solution
A device that uses the peritoneum as a fixed reference point to consistently deliver a needle to the nerve layer, eliminating the need for ultrasound visualization, with specialized needles and trocar devices that incorporate features like tubular stop tabs and fenestrations to ensure precise placement of local anesthetics in the TAP and RS blocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ultrasound guidance is used to locate the nerve plane, then needle placement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the reference function from complex ultrasound equipment and implements it through a simple peritoneal reference marker system. The trocar establishes a visual reference point on the peritoneum that guides needle placement without requiring ultrasound machinery, thereby achieving precision while eliminating device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable surgical markers and trocars that create temporary visual references on the peritoneum during surgery. These simple, inexpensive items replace expensive ultrasound equipment for the specific function of guiding needle placement to the nerve plane.
2Device complexity
If blind needle insertion is used without imaging, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary visual reference system consisting of peritoneal markers and trocars that mediate between the surgeon and the target nerve plane. This intermediary provides directional guidance and depth estimation without requiring complex imaging, enabling precise blind insertion through simple visual cues.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a local anesthetic delivery device for delivering anesthetic to a nerve block site comprising a surgical mechanism for establishing a reference plane for identifying the nerve block site, wherein the surgical mechanism establishes the reference plane at the peritoneum and uses a known fixed distance to the nerve plane above to accurately locate the nerve block site and deliver anesthesia.