Vibrating Medical Probe for Ultrasound Visibility and Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical procedures face challenges in accurately placing probes due to the difficulty in visualizing thin probes under ultrasound imaging, requiring significant force that can bend the probe and cause patient discomfort, especially at steep angles and deep target locations.
Innovation Solution
A vibrating needle device with an efficient elongate member-transducer connection that reduces insertion force and deflection by providing secure, stable connections through mechanisms like screw, bayonet, or snap-fit, allowing longitudinal vibration for precise probe placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a thin probe is used for medical procedures, then the probe can be inserted into tissue, but the probe is difficult to visualize under ultrasound imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration to the probe at ultrasonic frequencies (20-100 kHz) to enhance its visibility under ultrasound imaging. The vibration causes the probe to reflect ultrasound waves more effectively, creating a visible signal on the ultrasound display while maintaining the probe's thin dimensions for minimal patient discomfort.
2Force
If a relatively large amount of force is applied to insert the probe into tissue, then the probe can be inserted, but the probe may bend during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is vibrated at ultrasonic frequencies during insertion to reduce the force required for tissue penetration. The vibration facilitates easier cutting through tissue along the probe's path, allowing insertion with minimal force and preventing probe bending while maintaining structural integrity.
3Length of stationary object
If the probe is inserted at steep angles to reach deep target locations, then the target can be accessed, but accurate placement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The vibrating probe enhances ultrasound reflection and visibility, allowing the practitioner to accurately track the probe's position and orientation even at steep angles and deep target locations. The continuous visual feedback from the vibrating probe enables precise placement control throughout the insertion procedure.
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 device minimizes the force required for probe insertion, reduces deflection, and enhances visibility under ultrasound, ensuring accurate placement and reducing the risk of probe bending, thus enhancing patient comfort and procedure efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
a transducer (112) configured to vibrate the elongate member
Implementation Method 2
vibrating the elongate member reduces the amount of force require to insert the probe into body tissue
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to device for use in a medical procedures, which overcomes the limitations of previous devices by requiring a reduced insertion force. The device includes an elongate member, such as a needle or cannula, having an integral hub which connects directly with an ultrasound transducer.