Radiolucent Grasping Device for Fluoroscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical grasping devices are not radiolucent, obscure visualization under fluoroscopy, lack precise control, and fail to provide a calibrated force, leading to potential damage during procedures like vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty.
Innovation Solution
A radiolucent grasping device with linear motion elements, optimized for various needle sizes, providing a calibrated and adjustable force that can be locked, allowing precise manipulation of needles under fluoroscopy without interfering with X-ray visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current grasping devices are used, then they can hold the needle, but they are not radiolucent and obscure visualization under fluoroscopy
Solution Approach 1:
The grasping device changes its material composition parameter to be radiolucent, allowing X-rays to pass through while maintaining structural integrity for reliable needle grasping. This resolves the contradiction by modifying the physical property of the device material rather than sacrificing grasping stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses composite material construction combining radiolucent components for visibility and radiopaque elements only where absolutely necessary for function, creating a material composition that balances visualization requirements with grasping reliability.
2Reliability
If current grasping devices are used, then they can hold the needle, but they do not provide precise control and calibrated force
Solution Approach 1:
The grasping device incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow the operator to modify grasping force in real-time, transitioning from static to adjustable control. This enables precise control while maintaining reliable needle holding through calibrated force application.
Solution Approach 2:
The device includes feedback mechanisms that provide the operator with tactile or visual information about the grasping force being applied, allowing for precise control and calibration of the force to prevent excessive needle travel while maintaining secure holding.
3Reliability
If current grasping devices are used, then they can hold the needle, but they do not provide a locked grasp that maintains force without continuous operator input
Solution Approach 1:
The grasping device incorporates self-locking mechanisms that automatically maintain grasping force without requiring continuous operator input. Once the needle is grasped, the mechanism self-maintains the force, reducing the need for ongoing manual adjustment while preserving reliable needle holding.
Solution Approach 2:
The device includes pre-loaded springs or elastic elements that store energy beforehand to provide immediate, consistent grasping force. This cushioning mechanism ensures stable needle holding is maintained without requiring continuous operator effort, while the mechanical design remains relatively simple.
4Force
If current grasping devices are used, then they can hold the needle, but they do not provide mechanical advantage for forceful guidance
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates curved or angled lever arms that provide mechanical advantage through geometric configuration. The curved geometry amplifies the operator's input force into greater grasping force at the needle interface, achieving forceful guidance without complex mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The force transmission mechanism utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement of components to create mechanical advantage. By positioning force application points and pivot points in specific three-dimensional configurations, the device multiplies operator force effectively while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A device to be used by an operator which may grasp objects in a sterile or non-sterile field, and may facilitate the precise placement and passage of a needle or pin into tissues while using X-ray guidance. The device provides a secure hold while keeping the hands remote from the radiation field, and by permitting non-obstructed viewing of the held instrument and tissues. A radiolucent hammer may be used to help drive a needle into firm tissues without obscuring visualization.