Syringe with Biasing Element for Visual Pressure Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting needle tip location during medical procedures, such as epidural injections and central venous catheterization, rely heavily on operator sensation of pressure changes, which can be unreliable, especially for less experienced practitioners, and may lead to complications like dural punctures and accidental arterial punctures.
Innovation Solution
A syringe design featuring a barrel, piston, biasing element, and puncturing apparatus that translates pressure changes into a visually detectable signal, allowing operators to easily identify the correct placement of the needle tip within body cavities, with a simple and reversible mechanism to reduce the risk of erroneous readings and complications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the traditional loss of resistance technique is used to detect needle tip location, then the procedure can be performed with simple equipment, but the reliability of detection is low and depends heavily on operator skill
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical sensing system (operator feeling resistance change) with an automated pressure sensing system that includes a pressure sensor, piston, and visual display mechanism. This substitution transforms the detection method from subjective tactile sensation to objective visual signal, significantly improving reliability while maintaining relative simplicity through the use of basic mechanical-to-visual transduction components.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If air is used in the loss of resistance technique, then the pressure change detection is easier, but the risk of dural puncture and severe complications increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a liquid medium (saline solution) as an intermediary between the pressure sensing system and the body cavity. This liquid transmits pressure changes from the epidural space to the piston while being safer than air, as it is compressible and reduces the risk of dural puncture. The liquid medium enables reliable pressure detection without the harmful effects associated with gas-based systems.
3Ease of operation
If the needle advancement is stopped immediately after reaching the epidural space, then accidental dural puncture is prevented, but the procedure requires highly skilled operators to detect the subtle pressure change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a visual feedback system where the piston's movement in response to pressure changes is displayed to the operator. This feedback mechanism provides clear, real-time indication of needle tip location and pressure changes, eliminating the need for subtle tactile detection. The visual signal allows less skilled operators to accurately determine when the needle has reached the epidural space, improving ease of operation while maintaining high reliability.
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 syringe provides a clear, human-identifiable visual signal for precise needle placement, reducing the risk of complications and making the procedure safer and less dependent on operator skill, while also being a cost-effective solution compared to existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing element is disposed between the plunger and the piston. The piston is at a first position relative to the plunger when the biasing element is at a first length. The piston moves from the first position to a second position in response to the biasing element's change of the length resulting from a pressure change inside the reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
A device for positioning a needle tip to a desired location by signaling pressure change is provided. The device includes a barrel, a piston, a biasing element, and a plunger. The barrel defines a reservoir, and it includes a distal end connectable to a puncturing apparatus. The plunger is slidably engaged with the piston, and both are movable within the reservoir. The biasing element connects the plunger and the piston, and its change in length corresponds to the relative position of the plunger and piston. In operation, the piston is at a first position relative to the plunger when the biasing element is at a first length. The piston later moves to a second relative position in response to the biasing element's change of the length resulting from a pressure change inside the reservoir when the puncturing apparatus reaches a location of a mass. The position's change of the piston is visually detectable.