Peritoneum Reference Nerve Block Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for targeting the Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) and Rectus Sheath (RS) nerve blocks in abdominal surgery are imprecise, often requiring ultrasound guidance, which is impractical and costly, especially in minimally invasive procedures, and can lead to inaccurate needle placement and complications.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using the peritoneum as a fixed reference point to consistently locate and deliver anesthetic to the TAP and RS nerve planes without ultrasound, employing specialized needles with features like tubular stop tabs and fenestrations to ensure accurate placement and dispersion of anesthetic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ultrasound guidance is used to locate nerve block site, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a trocar as an intermediary device that establishes a reference plane at the peritoneum, serving as a mediator between the external reference point and the nerve block site. This mechanical intermediary eliminates the need for complex ultrasound equipment while maintaining precise needle placement through the established reference system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a mechanical copy or replica of the anatomical reference system by using the peritoneum as a fixed reference point and the trocar to replicate the depth and orientation needed to reach the nerve plane. This copying approach replaces the need for real-time ultrasound imaging while preserving spatial accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If ultrasound guidance is used to locate nerve block site, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trocar is inserted and the reference plane is established at the peritoneum before needle insertion. This preliminary action of creating the reference system eliminates the need for time-consuming ultrasound setup and real-time guidance during the actual nerve block procedure, significantly reducing total procedure time.
3Device complexity
If blind needle insertion is used without reference, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The peritoneum serves as a natural intermediary reference point that is easily accessible and provides a consistent anatomical landmark. This simple biological intermediary eliminates the need for complex external equipment while providing the precision needed for accurate nerve block placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patient's own peritoneum is used as the reference system, making the system self-contained and eliminating dependence on external ultrasound equipment. The anatomical structure itself provides the reference needed for precise needle placement.
4Manufacturing precision
If reference plane is established at peritoneum, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation requires training
Solution Approach 1:
The trocar acts as a teaching intermediary that physically guides the needle to the correct depth and orientation. While initial training is needed to understand the reference plane concept, the mechanical trocar provides consistent feedback and guidance, making the procedure more controllable and predictable once the technique is learned.
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.