Ultrasound Needle Positioning With Sensor-Guided Insertion Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inserting catheters and other medical devices into patients can be challenging, especially when patients are uncooperative or have difficulty locating veins due to factors like drug use or obesity, leading to wasted time and frustration for medical providers and patients.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasound-guided needle positioning apparatus with a base, swing arm, and electronic sensors to measure and set needle length, insertion depth, and angle, providing real-time feedback through LEDs and audio cues to ensure accurate needle placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual needle insertion is performed without guidance systems, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision and reliability of needle placement are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical needle insertion with an automated guidance system that uses electronic sensors (linear position sensing tracks, angle sensors) and computer processing to control needle placement. The system substitutes human judgment and manual dexterity with electronic measurement and automated control mechanisms, achieving precise needle positioning through sensor feedback and computer-calculated insertion parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The guidance system performs self-measurement of needle length using the linear position sensing track and needle holder, eliminating the need for manual measurement by the operator. The system automatically determines insertion depth and angle through its sensors and processors, allowing the device to serve itself in gathering critical parameters for accurate needle placement without requiring external measurement tools or operator estimation.
2Reliability
If ultrasound-guided needle positioning with multiple sensors is implemented, then the reliability of needle insertion is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The guidance system is designed to perform multiple functions within a single integrated device: it measures needle length, determines insertion depth, calculates insertion angle, provides real-time feedback through LEDs and audio cues, and controls the needle holder movement. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate tools and procedures into one unified system, improving reliability while managing complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates multiple feedback mechanisms including linear position sensing tracks that continuously monitor needle holder position, angle sensors that track swing arm orientation, and computer processing that compares actual positions against target parameters. LED indicators and audio cues provide real-time feedback to the operator, allowing for immediate correction and ensuring reliable needle placement by maintaining control throughout the insertion process.
3Loss of time
If automated needle length measurement and insertion depth control are implemented, then the loss of time due to repeated attempts is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement of needle length using the linear position sensing track before the actual insertion procedure begins. The computer stores this measurement and uses it to pre-calculate the required insertion depth and angle parameters. This preliminary action ensures that when insertion is needed, the system is already prepared with all necessary parameters, eliminating the need for repeated measurements and attempts during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual time-consuming operations with automated sensor-based measurement and computer-controlled calculation. The linear position sensing track automatically determines needle length without manual measurement, and the computer rapidly calculates optimal insertion parameters based on sensor data. This substitution of mechanical/manual processes with electronic automation dramatically reduces the time required for procedural setup and execution.
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, an apparatus and methods for inserting a needle into a patient is disclosed. An apparatus can include a base having a cavity for receiving an ultrasound probe, a swing arm, a first linear position sensing track, a second linear position sensing track, an angle sensor disposed about a pivot point, a needle holder configured to move along the first linear position sensing track, and an insertion depth slider configured to move along the second linear position sensing track.