Lumbar puncture assist tool
Inventors
Assignees
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine
Publication Number
US-10245068-B2
Publication Date
2019-04-02
Expiration Date
2036-05-06
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Abstract
The present invention provides a tool and method for performing a lumbar puncture. The tool may include a first arm and a second arm and may form a T-shape. The first arm may be longer than the second arm. Also included is a projection extending from one of the arms. The projection has a downward angle and a passageway that is sized to accommodate a needle. The tool is configured to maintain the perpendicular placement of a needle between vertebrae and a preferred angle of insertion of about 15° during a procedure.
Core Innovation
The present invention provides a tool and method for performing a lumbar puncture, comprising a device with a first arm and a second arm that form a T-shape. The first arm is longer than the second arm, and the device includes a projection or conduit that extends from one of the arms. This projection features a downward angle and a passageway sized to accommodate a needle, enabling the tool to guide and maintain the perpendicular placement of the needle between vertebrae and ensure a preferred angle of insertion of about 15°.
The background identifies that traditional lumbar puncture procedures rely significantly on the practitioner’s skill, which can lead to errors, particularly in needle angle, resulting in unsuccessful or traumatic taps. The core problem addressed is ensuring the correct placement and insertion angle of the lumbar puncture needle, decreasing variability between procedures, and stabilizing the needle during critical phases of the puncture.
Through its T-shaped design, anatomical markings, and the projection with a guided passageway, the tool assists healthcare professionals and students in accurately locating spinal interspaces (specifically between the L3-L4 and L4-L5 vertebrae) and maintaining appropriate orientation of the needle during the procedure. Optional radio-opaque markers allow for supplementary imaging to assist with challenging anatomical situations, such as in patients with difficult-to-identify surface landmarks or spinal malformations.
Claims Coverage
There are two independent claims providing inventive features focused on the lumbar puncture device structure and a method for accessing spinal interspaces.
Lumbar puncture device with T-shape arms and angled projection
The device includes a first, longer arm and a second, shorter arm arranged in a T-shape. The device incorporates a projection (having first and second faces separated by an elongated body) that is permanently attached to the first arm. The projection contains a passageway sized to accommodate a needle, is set at a downward angle with respect to the first arm, and the downward angle of the projection is in a vertical plane perpendicular to the lower edge of the first arm. The exit of the passageway is closer to the upper edge than the entrance. The projection locally guides and maintains needle insertion at a predetermined angle between vertebrae.
Method for spinal interspace access using anatomical landmarks and device edges
The method provides for the use of a planar T-shaped lumbar puncture device, featuring a longer arm with upper and lower edges and a shorter arm. The device is positioned on the patient's back so that the upper edge is used with anatomical landmarks (iliac crests) to guide needle access to the L4-L5 interspace, and the lower edge is analogously used to guide access to the L3-L4 interspace.
The inventive features protect the specific structure and orientation of the lumbar puncture device with a guided, angled projection for needle insertion, as well as the method for using anatomical landmarks and device edges to enable precise access to targeted spinal interspaces.
Stated Advantages
Maintains perpendicular placement and optimal angle of the needle between vertebrae, reducing the risk of improperly placed or traumatic lumbar punctures.
Stabilizes the needle during insertion and fluid collection, enhancing consistency and reliability of the procedure.
Decreases procedural variability and promotes control over needle stability, insertion, and depth.
Assists healthcare professionals and students in successfully and safely performing lumbar puncture, reducing dependence on extensive experience or specialized imaging guidance.
Reduces the need for ultrasound- or fluoroscopy-guided lumbar puncture, lowering costs and minimizing patient exposure to radiation.
Promotes sterility and keeps the needle steady, especially useful when patients are agitated, restless, or in difficult body habitus scenarios.
Lowers procedural complications, discomfort, and pain associated with lumbar puncture.
Enables easier lumbar puncture in patients where surface landmarks are difficult to palpate, including obese, muscular, pediatric, and patients with spinal malformations.
May be used as a training tool for medical students and healthcare professionals.
Documented Applications
Assisting in performing diagnostic and therapeutic lumbar punctures by guiding needle placement and angle between L3-L4 and L4-L5 vertebrae.
Assisting fluid collection or medication injection (such as chemotherapy) into the spinal canal during lumbar puncture.
Use as an adjunct to fluoroscopy- or ultrasound-guided lumbar puncture procedures.
Aiding lumbar puncture procedures in patients with difficult or non-palpable spinal landmarks, such as obese, muscular, agitated, restless, pediatric, or those with spinal malformations (scoliosis).
Use as a training device for medical students and healthcare professionals to perform lumbar puncture more safely and successfully.
Interested in licensing this patent?