Spinal Needle Bending Fixture for Consistent Curvature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for bending spinal needles are unsafe, imprecise, and lack consistency, often requiring manual bending which can lead to variability and increased risk of complications during pain-blocking procedures.
Innovation Solution
A manually-operated needle bending apparatus that allows for precise bending of spinal needles to any desired angle, without direct contact with the needle tip, ensuring consistency and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual needle bending is performed by the surgeon, then the needle can be customized to different curvatures, but the surgeon's safety is compromised due to skin punctures and contamination risks
Solution Approach 1:
A needle bending device is introduced as an intermediary tool between the surgeon and the needle. The device includes a bending surface with a curved geometry that guides the needle into the desired curvature without requiring the surgeon to directly manipulate or bend the needle by hand, thereby eliminating skin puncture and contamination risks while maintaining customization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle bending device allows the needle to bend itself by being placed on the curved bending surface. The needle's own flexibility and the geometric constraints of the device work together to achieve the desired curvature automatically, without requiring manual force application by the surgeon.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If pre-bent needles with fixed curvatures are used, then surgeon safety is improved, but the adaptability to different patient needs is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The needle bending device features an adjustable bending surface that can be repositioned or reconfigured to create different curvature angles. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the same device to produce various needle curvatures (e.g., 15 degrees, 30 degrees, 45 degrees) to match different patient anatomies and procedural requirements, eliminating the need for multiple pre-bent needle types.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables change in the curvature parameter of the needle by adjusting the position or angle of the bending surface. This parameter adjustment allows customization of the needle bend angle and radius to suit different clinical scenarios while maintaining a single safe bending mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual needle bending is performed, then needle customization is possible, but the precision and consistency of the bend are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bending surface is pre-formed with a precise, predetermined curvature geometry. When the needle is placed on this pre-configured surface, the desired bend angle and shape are automatically established by the fixed geometric constraints, ensuring consistent and repeatable results across multiple procedures and operators.
Solution Approach 2:
The bending surface utilizes a curved, spherical, or arc-shaped geometry that provides a consistent radius of curvature. This curved surface guides the needle into a uniform bend pattern, ensuring that each needle receives the same precise curvature when placed on the surface, thereby improving manufacturing precision and reducing variability.
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
The apparatus enables safe, accurate, and consistent bending of spinal needles, reducing variability and improving the precision of needle placement during procedures, thus enhancing treatment efficacy and reducing complications.
Implementation Method 1
the sloped face provides support to the length of the needle being bent, which can inhibit breakage
Implementation Method 2
Continued advancement of the presser forces the needle to bend at or about where it exits the port
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices for bending a needle are provided. A device embodiment can include a needle bending apparatus for imparting a bend in a needle when a needle is received therein. The needle bending apparatus may include a housing having an aperture for receiving a shaft of a needle; and at least one abutment member comprising a needle interfacing surface for supporting a portion of the needle and providing a surface upon which the needle may be bent.