Rounded Stylet Tip for Curved Drug Depot Injector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drug depot delivery systems, particularly those using epidural Tuohy needles, often result in drug depots becoming jammed due to the flat tip of the stylet being unable to reach the curved end of the needle, preventing full deployment of multiple drug depots.
Innovation Solution
A drug depot delivery system with a needle having a curved portion and a plunger featuring a rounded tip with a bullet-nose feature, allowing the plunger to extend further into the curved needle and prevent drug depots from getting stuck, ensuring complete deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flat tip stylet is used to push drug depots through a curved Tuohy needle, then the stylet can be easily manufactured and is simple in structure, but the flat tip cannot reach the curved end of the needle causing drug depots to become jammed
Solution Approach 1:
The stylet tip is designed with a rounded, curved geometry rather than a flat surface. This curved tip configuration allows the stylet to follow the curvature of the Tuohy needle and reach the distal end, enabling complete delivery of multiple drug depots without jamming while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
2Productivity
If a flat tip stylet is used, then the device is simple in structure and easy to manufacture, but multiple drug depots cannot be delivered completely due to jamming at the curved needle end
Solution Approach 1:
The rounded tip geometry enables the stylet to navigate the curved needle path completely, allowing sequential delivery of multiple drug depots. This curved tip design increases productivity by enabling complete delivery of all depots without the jamming issues that occur with flat tips
3Reliability
If the stylet tip is made rounded to reach the curved needle end, then complete delivery of drug depots is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rounded tip is achieved through standard machining processes such as milling or turning operations that are commonly used in manufacturing. This curved geometry ensures complete delivery of drug depots while remaining compatible with existing manufacturing capabilities, thus not significantly increasing production complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A pellet delivery system is provided that comprises a needle having an inner surface defining a passageway. The needle has a first portion that extends along a longitudinal axis and a curved second portion comprising an opening that is in communication with the passageway. The second portion extends transverse to the longitudinal axis. A pellet is positioned in the passageway. A plunger is slidably positioned in the passageway. The plunger comprises a shaft having a rounded tip configured to push the pellet through the first and second portions and out of the opening without the pellet becoming stuck within the passageway or the opening. Implants, systems, constructs, instruments and methods are disclosed.