Tactile Sensing Device for Spinal Puncture Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for performing spinal punctures, such as landmarking and manual palpation, are inaccurate and inefficient, especially in obese patients or those with high body mass index, leading to frequent attempts and increased risks of traumatic punctures and post-dural puncture headaches, due to the difficulty in accurately locating the lumbar spine through subcutaneous adipose tissue.
Innovation Solution
A tactile sensing device with a needle guide and sensor array that provides real-time pressure mapping and needle guidance, allowing for precise insertion of a needle into a target tissue location by converting pressure signals into a visual map and calculating the projected subcutaneous needle location, aiding in accurate needle placement and reducing the need for manual landmarking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual landmarking and palpation methods are used to locate the lumbar spine, then the procedure is simple to perform, but the accuracy of needle placement deteriorates, especially in obese patients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical palpation and landmarking with an electronic sensor array that detects pressure distributions. The sensor array uses electrical signals to map tissue characteristics and identify the lumbar spine location, substituting the mechanical sense of touch with electronic detection systems that provide objective, quantifiable data for accurate needle placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a pressure-sensitive sensor array as an intermediary between the practitioner and the patient's anatomy. This intermediary device translates subtle pressure variations in soft tissues into visual pressure maps, serving as a mediator that reveals hidden anatomical landmarks without requiring direct manual palpation by the practitioner.
2Reliability
If multiple attempts are made to locate the lumbar spine in obese patients, then the opportunity to find the target increases, but the time required and risk of complications increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary mapping of the lumbar spine location before needle insertion by having the patient perform specific movements (flexion, extension, rotation) that create characteristic pressure patterns. This preliminary action identifies the target anatomy in advance, allowing the practitioner to proceed directly to accurate needle placement without multiple trial attempts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements real-time feedback through dynamic pressure mapping that updates as the patient moves. The system provides immediate visual feedback showing pressure distributions and identified anatomical landmarks, allowing the practitioner to confirm correct positioning before needle insertion and adjust if necessary, thereby ensuring high success rate on the first attempt.
3Measurement precision
If manual palpation is used to detect tissue characteristics, then no additional equipment is needed, but the ability to detect subtle pressure variations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensing area into multiple discrete sensor elements arranged in an array, allowing independent measurement of pressure at each location. This segmentation enables detection of subtle pressure variations across different regions of the body surface, creating a detailed pressure map that reveals anatomical landmarks through patterns of pressure distribution rather than relying on holistic manual palpation.
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 device significantly improves the accuracy and efficiency of spinal punctures by providing real-time visual guidance, reducing the number of attempts and minimizing risks associated with inaccurate placement, thereby enhancing patient safety and procedural success.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor array, the sensor array comprising: a first sensor comprising a first surface, a second sensor comprising a second surface, and a sensor array slit aligned with the slot of the frame and extending from a boundary of the sensor array to the distal opening of the needle guide, wherein the distal opening is positioned in between the first sensor and the second sensor, wherein the first sensor is configured to output a first voltage signal in response to a first change in a first pressure applied to the first surface, and the second sensor is configured to output a second voltage signal in response to a second change in a second pressure applied to the second surface
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2B
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.