Sternal Bone Marrow Access Device with Depth Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intravenous (IV) access methods are inefficient, particularly in emergency situations, due to difficulties in accessing peripheral veins, leading to delayed or impossible administration of life-saving drugs, and existing intraosseous (IO) infusion devices are cumbersome, prone to dislodgement, and risk bone damage.
Innovation Solution
A device with a tissue penetrator and depth control mechanism for accessing the sternum's bone marrow, utilizing a power mechanism and sensors to control penetration depth, ensuring safe and reliable IO access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual insertion of IO needles is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in achieving IO access and high dislodgement rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical insertion with an automated driver system that uses controlled mechanical force. The driver assembly includes a motor or spring mechanism that automatically drives the tissue penetrator through the bone, eliminating the need for manual hammering or force application while improving insertion reliability and reducing operator skill requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates self-aligning and self-regulating features where the depth control mechanism automatically stops penetration at the predetermined depth without requiring manual intervention. The trigger mechanism and depth control work together to self-regulate the penetration process, reducing the need for operator expertise in controlling insertion depth.
2Reliability
If current IO devices are used, then IO access can be achieved, but reliability deteriorates due to bone damage risk and dislodgement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a depth control mechanism with predetermined depth settings that are established before the penetration process begins. This preliminary action ensures that the tissue penetrator stops at the correct depth automatically, preventing over-penetration and bone damage before it can occur. The depth control mechanism includes physical stops or sensors that pre-determine the penetration limit.
Solution Approach 2:
The device includes a protective sheath or covering that acts as a cushion before penetration occurs. This protective element prevents accidental damage to the bone during handling and insertion, and the controlled driver mechanism provides cushioning during the penetration process to avoid sudden impacts that could cause bone shattering or dislodgement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If single-use bulky IO devices are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but device complexity increases due to limited number of devices available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the IO access device into separable components: a reusable driver assembly and a disposable tissue penetrator assembly. This segmentation allows the expensive and complex driver mechanism to be reused multiple times, while the simpler penetrators are discarded after single use. This reduces the overall number of devices needed and lowers the complexity burden on the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The driver assembly is designed as a universal, multi-functional device that can perform multiple IO access procedures over time. It includes integrated features such as depth control, triggering mechanisms, and connection interfaces that can be used repeatedly. This universal design increases the number of available devices effectively, as one driver can service multiple penetrators and patients over its service life.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for accessing the bone marrow of a human's sternum is provided. The apparatus includes a tissue penetrator configured to penetrate the sternum, a trigger mechanism configured to engage when the tissue penetrator contacts the sternum and a depth control mechanism operable to limit the penetration of the tissue penetrator into the sternum to a pre-selected depth.