Tactile Sensing Device for Lumbar Puncture Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lumbar puncture procedures are challenging due to the lack of accurate landmarking, especially in obese patients or those with high BMI, elderly, or pregnant individuals, leading to low accuracy and high rates of traumatic punctures and post-dural puncture headaches, as well as inefficiencies in collecting cerebrospinal fluid and measuring intracranial pressure.
Innovation Solution
The development of tactile sensing devices equipped with a needle guide and sensor arrays that detect applied pressure, allowing for precise localization and imaging of bone and non-bone structures, enabling guided needle insertion and fluid collection with enhanced accuracy and reduced risk of complications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual palpation landmarking is used to identify lumbar spine gap, then the procedure can be performed with simple equipment, but the accuracy of localization is low (30% accuracy) especially in obese patients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical palpation with an imaging system that uses visual feedback to identify anatomical landmarks and guide needle insertion. The imaging device provides real-time visualization of the lumbar spine structures, replacing the tactile-based mechanical landmarking method with an optical/imaging-based system that overcomes the limitations of soft tissue obstruction in obese patients.
2Reliability
If multiple attempts are made to achieve proper puncture, then the success rate improves, but the number of traumatic punctures and post-dural puncture headaches increases (>25% traumatic punctures, >32% PDPHs)
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system provides real-time visual feedback during the needle insertion process, allowing the operator to see the needle's position relative to the target anatomical structures. This feedback mechanism enables adjustment of the insertion angle and depth to achieve proper puncture on the first or second attempt, eliminating the need for multiple blind attempts that cause trauma and complications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary imaging and landmark identification before needle insertion, allowing the operator to plan the optimal insertion path in advance. This preliminary visualization of anatomical structures and gap location enables precise needle placement without repeated attempts, preventing traumatic punctures and PDPHs.
3Measurement precision
If physicians use two-piece manometer with three-way stopcock to measure intracranial pressure, then the measurement can be performed, but the procedure becomes complex and CSF spillage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the manometer and collection tube functions into a single unified device. The one-piece manometer assembly combines the pressure measurement chamber and fluid collection capabilities in one integrated structure, eliminating the need for separate two-piece manometer and three-way stopcock components. This merging reduces the number of connections and potential spillage points while maintaining measurement functionality.
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 tactile sensing devices improve the accuracy of lumbar puncture procedures by providing real-time imaging and pressure mapping, reducing the number of attempts required and minimizing complications such as traumatic punctures and post-dural puncture headaches.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor array comprising at least one sensor configured to detect applied pressure
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
Tactile sensing devices, systems, and methods to image a target tissue location are disclosed. When force is applied to the tactile sensing device, voltage data is detected and visualized on a screen, indicating the target tissue location.