Rotating Needle Driver Spirals Into Tissue
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical needle insertion methods, especially in confined spaces like MRI and CT scanners, face challenges such as manual insertion errors, limited accessibility, and the need for skilled operators, as well as inefficiencies in targeting due to deflections and bending of needles.
Innovation Solution
A medical instrument driver that combines rotational and translational movement to insert medical instruments like needles, biopsy needles, trocars, and introducers, utilizing a translation and rotational mechanism that spirals the instrument into tissue, reducing static friction and insertion forces, and providing real-time feedback for precise targeting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual needle insertion is used, then the physician can maintain direct control of the needle, but insertion depth errors and trajectory deviations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated needle insertion where the robotic driver autonomously performs the insertion process based on pre-planned trajectories, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining precision through computer-controlled motion along the calculated path
2Manufacturing precision
If automated needle drivers are used, then insertion depth accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated driver is divided into distinct functional modules: a positioning system for locating the entry point and target, a trajectory calculation unit for determining the insertion path, and a execution mechanism for performing the insertion. This modular segmentation reduces overall system complexity while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex manual mechanical manipulation with computer-controlled automated positioning and trajectory execution, substituting human skill-based mechanical operations with programmable mechanical systems that achieve precise insertion through software control rather than complex mechanical linkages
3Adaptability or versatility
If needle insertion is performed in confined spaces like MRI and CT scanners, then targeted interventions are enabled, but accessibility and operator maneuverability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic driver automates the needle insertion process, replacing manual operator manipulation with programmable mechanical systems. This substitution eliminates the need for operator physical access and maneuverability in confined scanner spaces, as the automated system can be positioned and operated from outside the confined area while maintaining precise control through computer coordination
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
This approach enhances precision and reduces insertion forces and deformations, allowing for more accurate targeting and safer procedures, even in confined spaces, without requiring extensive operator skill and maintaining the benefits of automated systems.
Implementation Method 1
reducing static friction and insertion forces
Data Source
AI summary
Featured is a medical instrument driver, a robotic apparatus embodying such a medical instrument driver and methods related thereto for inserting a medical instrument into tissue of a mammal (e.g., human). Such medical instruments include medical needles, biopsy needles, trocars, cutters and introducers. Such a medical instrument driver according to the present invention is configured and arranged so that medical instrument is rotated as it is being moved longitudinally for insertion into the tissue such that the medical instrument is spiraling as it pierces and traverses the tissue to the target area.