Ultrasound Probe Integrated Anesthesia Injection System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current peripheral nerve block injection procedures require two medical service providers and rely on subjective feedback, increasing the risk of intraneural injection due to the need for an assistant to assist with aspiration and injection, which can be dangerous and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An ergonomically designed anesthesia injection system with a pressure-sensitive syringe pump and a control switch mounted on an ultrasound probe, allowing a single provider to initiate aspiration and injection events through a displaceable lever, and featuring a bidirectional pressure sensor to prevent intraneural injections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional two-person system is used for nerve block injection, then the injection can be performed with manual aspiration and injection control, but the procedure requires two medical service providers occupying time and attention, reducing efficiency and increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ultrasound probe, injection pump, and control switch into a single integrated system. The control switch is mounted directly on the ultrasound probe, allowing one operator to control both imaging and injection functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for a second assistant and improving procedural efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasound probe is enhanced with multi-functionality by integrating the injection pump and control switch directly onto it. This allows the single device to perform both diagnostic imaging and therapeutic injection functions, as well as provide real-time pressure monitoring, without requiring separate equipment for each function
2Reliability
If manual aspiration and injection control is used relying on assistant feedback, then the system is simple to operate, but the method is subjective and does not always predict and prevent intraneural injection, reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a pressure sensor that provides real-time feedback on injection pressure. This objective pressure feedback allows the operator to detect resistance that may indicate intraneural injection, replacing subjective manual assessment with quantifiable data and improving injection safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of aspiration and injection control with an electronically controlled pump system. The pump can be programmed to perform aspiration and injection automatically based on pressure sensor feedback, eliminating reliance on manual dexterity and subjective feeling while improving consistency and safety
3Reliability
If a bidirectional pressure-sensitive pump with sensor is used, then intraneural injections can be detected and prevented through objective pressure feedback, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor and injection pump are integrated into the same housing as the ultrasound probe, creating a unified system. This merging of functions reduces the need for separate equipment and minimizes the increase in device complexity while maintaining high detection precision through the sensor's real-time pressure monitoring capability
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure sensor acts as an intermediary between the injection pump and the operator. It translates mechanical pressure into electrical signals that can be processed by the control system, providing objective feedback without requiring direct mechanical contact or subjective interpretation by the operator
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 efficient and safe administration of medication by a single medical service provider, reducing the risk of intraneural injections through objective pressure feedback and programmable logic for precise control of injection and aspiration events.
Implementation Method 1
The pump also includes at least one sensor that can detect a change in pressure in the fluid connection between the reservoir of medicament, the needle that delivers the medicament to an anatomy of a patient, and any conduits, tubing, or the like that connect them.
Data Source
AI summary
An injection system for the independent administration of imaging-guided injections utilizing the hand-on-needle technique including a pressure-sensitive pump and a switch assembly is provided. The switch assembly is adjustably mounted to a probe with a releasable mount, and includes a displaceable lever that can be displaced from a neutral position to a first position to initiate an aspiration event at the needle and from a neutral position to a second position to initiate an injection event at the needle. The displaceable lever and the pressure-sensitive pump are in electronic communication with a control module, which includes programmable logic executed by a processor to send and receive electronic communication(s) from the pump and switch, including when to continue and/or terminate aspiration and injection events at the needle.