Lumbar puncture assist tool
Inventors
Assignees
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine
Publication Number
US-10980567-B2
Publication Date
2021-04-20
Expiration Date
2036-05-06
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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 invention provides a tool and method for performing a lumbar puncture, consisting of a first arm and a second arm configured in a T-shape, with the first arm being longer than the second. The tool incorporates a projection extending from one of the arms, which features a passageway sized for a needle and angled downward, typically at about 15°, to maintain a preferred angle of insertion during the procedure.
This device is designed to address issues in the traditional Surface Landmarks Technique, where success depends on the operator's training and experience. The tool assists in creating a puncture directly into the spinal cord region by ensuring proper perpendicular placement between vertebrae and maintaining the critical angle of needle insertion, ultimately reducing the risk of tissue damage.
The device may also include markings, adhesive sections, and radio-opaque markers to facilitate positioning and assist during x-ray use. Its stable design aims to promote needle stability, facilitate insertion control, and support approximate insertion depth—improving consistency, reducing variability, and providing greater safety and accuracy for lumbar puncture procedures.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains two independent claims describing the main inventive features of the lumbar puncture device and its method of use.
T-shaped device with angled projection for lumbar puncture
A device comprising: - A first arm and a second arm forming a T-shape, with the first arm longer than the second. - A projection attached to the first arm, the projection having a first face and second face, separated by an elongated body. - The projection includes a passageway for a needle, with an entrance and exit, and is attached to the first arm. - The projection extends downward at a downward angle from the first arm, with the exit closer to the upper edge than the entrance. - The downward angle is in a vertical plane perpendicular to the lower edge.
Method for accessing spinal interspaces using a planar T-shaped device
A method involving: - Providing a planar lumbar puncture device having a T-shape formed by a longer and a shorter arm. - Locating the device on a patient’s back using the iliac crests as anatomical landmarks for positioning. - Using the upper and lower edges of the longer arm to locate the device for accessing the spinal interspaces between the L4/L5 and L3/L4 vertebrae, respectively. - A projection with a passageway is attached to the longer arm, guiding the needle through the spinal interspace at a downward angle of about 75° in a vertical plane perpendicular to the lower edge.
The inventive features focus on a T-shaped lumbar puncture assist device with a specifically angled needle guide projection, and a method for its anatomical placement to guide spinal needle insertion at clinically significant lumbar interspaces.
Stated Advantages
Increases the probability of a successful, atraumatic lumbar puncture by guiding needle placement and insertion angle.
Stabilizes the needle during insertion and fluid collection, maintaining sterility and steady positioning.
Prevents variability between procedures by providing stability, control of insertion, and needle depth.
Assists healthcare professionals and medical students in performing lumbar puncture procedures safely and successfully.
Decreases complications as well as patient discomfort and pain during lumbar puncture.
Reduces the need for Ultrasound-guided LP and Fluoroscopy-guided LP, thus decreasing radiation and cost.
May be used as a training tool for medical students and healthcare professionals.
Particularly useful in patients where surface landmarks are hard to identify, such as obese, muscular, agitated, restless, or pediatric patients.
Provides radio-opaque markers for use during x-ray in cases of spinal malformation without excessive radiation exposure.
Documented Applications
Used to perform lumbar puncture procedures at spinal interspaces L3-L4 and L4-L5.
Acts as an adjunct to Fluoroscopy-guided and Ultrasound-guided lumbar puncture techniques.
Assists with lumbar puncture in patients where anatomical landmarks are difficult to palpate, including pediatric, obese, muscular, or restless patients.
Useful as a training tool for medical students and healthcare professionals.
Provides radio-opaque markers for landmark identification during x-ray imaging, especially in cases of spinal deformity.
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