Ultrasonic Probe Laser Guide for Puncture Needle Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses face challenges in accurately guiding the insertion of a puncture needle into a subject, particularly due to the limitations of fixed needle guides and reliance on user skill to maintain proper needle orientation and position.
Innovation Solution
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus incorporates an ultrasonic probe with an attached optical camera and laser pointer, which captures images of the probe's position on the body surface and projects a laser image to guide the target insertion position and orientation of the puncture needle, enhancing accuracy and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed needle guide is used to assist puncture needle insertion, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates because the fixed angle cannot accommodate different puncture requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The needle guide is made rotatable relative to the ultrasonic probe, allowing the guide angle to be dynamically adjusted. The guide can rotate around the probe axis to change the puncture angle, transforming a static fixed-angle guide into a dynamic multi-angle guide that adapts to different puncture requirements while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The needle guide is designed to perform multiple functions: it can be rotated to different angles to guide punctures at various angles, and it can be detached when not needed. This multi-functionality allows the same component to serve both as a fixed-angle guide and as a rotatable guide, accommodating diverse puncture scenarios
2Ease of operation
If a mark is provided on the probe housing to indicate center position, then the ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates because it is difficult to accurately grasp the positional relationship between the mark and the target site in ultrasonic images
Solution Approach 1:
A laser pointer is introduced as an intermediary tool that projects a visible laser line onto the skin surface, serving as a visual mediator between the probe position and the target site. The laser line clearly indicates the puncture path and target position, eliminating the ambiguity of interpreting marks on the probe housing and significantly improving measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical mark system on the probe housing is supplemented and enhanced by an optical system (laser pointer). Instead of relying solely on physical marks that are difficult to align with ultrasonic images, the laser provides an optical visual guide that can be directly correlated with the target site, replacing the insufficient mechanical indication system
3Adaptability or versatility
If the needle guide is detached to perform freehand puncture, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because accurate needle insertion becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The needle guide transitions from a static attached component to a dynamic component that can be rotated and detached. This dynamic design allows users to attach the guide when angular assistance is needed and detach it when freehand flexibility is required, providing adaptability without permanently sacrificing ease of operation
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
This configuration facilitates more precise and accurate insertion of the puncture needle by providing visual guidance of the needle's position and orientation relative to the ultrasonic image, reducing the risk of damaging surrounding tissues and improving overall procedural efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an optical camera that is attached to a proximal end side of the ultrasonic probe and captures an image of an arrangement position of the probe distal end part on a body surface of the subject
Implementation Method 2
a laser pointer that is attached to a proximal end side of the ultrasonic probe and emits laser light onto a body surface of the subject to form a predetermined projection image
Implementation Method 3
acquires an ultrasonic image of an inside of the subject by transmission and reception of an ultrasonic wave
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for assisting insertion of a puncture needle into a subject, includes: an ultrasonic probe that is arranged to allow a probe distal end part to be pressed against a body surface of the subject, and acquires an ultrasonic image of an inside of the subject by transmission and reception of an ultrasonic wave; an optical camera that is attached to a proximal end side of the probe and captures an image of an arrangement position of the probe distal end part of the probe on a body surface; and a laser pointer that is attached to a proximal end side of the probe and emits laser light onto a body surface to form a predetermined projection image, to guide a target insertion position and a target orientation of the needle when the needle is inserted into the subject, in an optical image acquired by the camera.