Subdermal Catheter for Nerve Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pain management interventions for chronic pain syndromes, such as complex regional pain syndrome, chronic pelvic pain, and chronic abdominal pain, are risky due to the proximity of vascular structures and neural structures, require expensive fluoroscopy, and result in repeated radiation exposure, leading to increased costs and complications.
Innovation Solution
An implantable nerve blocking intervention using a subdermal catheter device that delivers anesthetic to autonomic or visceral nerve structures, reducing the need for frequent injections and minimizing risks by providing a long-lasting palliative effect through a minimally invasive procedure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional needle injection interventions are used to block autonomic nerves, then pain relief can be achieved, but the risk of damaging vascular structures, viscera, spinal cord, and other neural structures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a catheter as an intermediary device that delivers anesthetic to the target nerve structures through a safer, more controlled pathway. Instead of direct needle injection near critical structures, the catheter is positioned in the epidural or subarachnoid space, allowing controlled delivery of anesthetic that blocks autonomic nerves without directly contacting vulnerable structures like the spinal cord or blood vessels.
Solution Approach 2:
The intervention is segmented into distinct phases: catheter insertion through a safer access point, positioning in the epidural or subarachnoid space, and controlled anesthetic delivery. This segmentation allows each step to be optimized for safety, with the catheter acting as a bridge between the injection site and the target nerve structures.
2Measurement precision
If fluoroscopy is used to guide needle placement for nerve blocking, then placement accuracy is improved, but radiation exposure to doctor and patient increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fluoroscopy-based mechanical guidance system with alternative imaging or navigation methods that do not involve ionizing radiation. The catheter insertion and positioning can be guided by ultrasound, MRI, or anatomical landmarks, eliminating the need for continuous fluoroscopic monitoring while maintaining adequate placement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable catheter system that eliminates the need for repeated expensive and radiation-intensive fluoroscopy-guided procedures. Once the catheter is positioned, anesthetic can be delivered through it without requiring repeated imaging guidance, reducing cumulative radiation exposure over time.
3Duration of action of moving object
If repeated needle injections are performed for chronic pain management, then pain relief is maintained, but the cumulative risk of complications increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes continuous or near-continuous pain relief through the implanted catheter system. Instead of discrete, repeated needle injections, the catheter provides sustained anesthetic delivery to block autonomic nerves responsible for chronic pain. This continuous action maintains therapeutic effect while eliminating the cumulative risks associated with repeated puncture procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter is implanted in advance through a single, carefully planned procedure, preparing the delivery system before chronic pain management is needed. This preliminary action establishes a safe, long-term access route that eliminates the need for repeated needle insertions throughout the treatment period.
4Reliability
If experienced pain specialists perform nerve blocking interventions, then procedure effectiveness is improved, but the cost and accessibility barriers increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a self-contained catheter system that can be implanted and maintained with standard medical equipment and training. The system includes all necessary components for anesthetic delivery, reducing dependence on highly specialized operators and expensive fluoroscopy equipment. This enables broader dissemination of the procedure to facilities with less specialized resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter system serves multiple functions: it provides long-term access for anesthetic delivery, can be used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, and eliminates the need for repeated procedural interventions. This multi-functionality reduces overall treatment costs and increases accessibility by consolidating multiple needs into a single implantable device.
Data Source
AI summary
The implantable nerve blocking intervention involves performing a first subdermal incision on the ventral lateral portion of the patient's thorax. A first end of a tunneling device is inserted through the first subdermal incision. The tunneling device is traversed below the patient's dermal layer towards the mid axillary line. The tunneling device is traversed above the lower section of the rib cage towards the patient's paralumbar line. A longitudinal paramidline incision is performed about 3 inches lateral to the vertebral body and the tunneling device. A needle or trocar tip is inserted through the paramidline incision towards a primitive cluster of nerves and a catheter is placed through the needle or trocar which is removed prior to anchoring the catheter. A catheter tube is inserted through the length of the tunneling device. The catheter tube is coupled to the distal catheter. The tunneling device is retracted over the catheter tube. The catheter tube is coupled to a percutaneous access port.