Medical tool for reduced penetration force
Inventors
Mulvihill, Maureen L. • Booth, David E. • Park, Brian M.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-8992439-B2
Publication Date
2015-03-31
Expiration Date
Abstract
A medical device is provided having reduced penetration force. The device includes a body having a central hollow channel and a piezoelectric transducer received within and secured to the body. The piezoelectric transducer has a hollow portion concentric with the central hollow channel. A tubular member is associated with and in communication with the piezoelectric transducer. The tubular member has at least one open end formed concentric with the central hollow channel and the hollow portion of the piezoelectric transducer, wherein the transducer is adapted for vibrating at a frequency to produce an oscillating displacement of the tubular member.
Core Innovation
The disclosed invention relates to a handheld medical sharps device that reduces penetration force by vibrating a needle or tubular sharps member axially at far-sonic or ultrasonic frequencies during actuation. Vibratory axial motion of the sharps member is used to reduce penetration force, including a comparative penetration-force graph showing vibrating versus non-vibrating operation.
The device body includes a central hollow channel and a piezoelectric transducer having a hollow portion that is concentric to the central hollow channel. A tubular member or open end communicates with a transducer cavity so that oscillating displacement of the tubular member occurs during actuation, with the tubular member forming an axially extending pathway to support passage of bodily tissues, bodily fluids, saline, and medicines.
In described constructions, the transducer includes a Langevin transducer with a central bore and piezoelectric ceramic rings, including a horn and rear mass. The description also states optional flextensional transducer variants, including an amplified piezoelectric actuator (APA) and cymbal transducer, and provides example medical configurations for clinical procedures using inner stylet, outer trocar, and related needle or plunger arrangements.
Claims Coverage
The partial content provides one independent claim. It covers a shared-fluidic-pathway device architecture that couples a Langevin transducer to a sharps member using axially extending central hollow channels, while routing a catheter through the shared pathway.
Langevin transducer with handle extending along entire axial length outward from piezoelectric ring
A Langevin transducer comprises a first central hollow channel axially extending throughout its length, and includes a handle that extends along an entire axial length of a piezoelectric ring and is located radially outward from the piezoelectric ring to cover the piezoelectric ring along the entire axial length.
Shared common fluidic pathway via first and second axially extending central hollow channels
A sharps member includes a second central hollow channel axially extending through at least a portion of its length, coupled to the Langevin transducer so that the Langevin transducer and the sharps member share a common fluidic pathway formed by the first and second central hollow channels to allow passage of bodily tissues, bodily fluids, saline, and medicines.
Catheter routed first through transducer internal cavity and then through sharps member central channel
A catheter is disposed first through the first central hollow channel and positioned within the piezoelectric ring and the axially extending handle that extends along the entire axial length of the piezoelectric ring radially outward from the entire piezoelectric ring, and the catheter is subsequently disposed through the second central hollow channel and out of the sharps member.
The independent claim is directed to an integrated architecture combining a Langevin transducer and a sharps member with a common fluidic pathway, including a catheter routing scheme that traverses the transducer and then exits through the sharps member central channel.
Stated Advantages
Reduces penetration force by vibrating the needle or tubular sharps member axially at far-sonic or ultrasonic frequencies.
Less tissue trauma or scarring.
Improved vessel access success.
Improved clinician control.
Documented Applications
Vascular entry introducers and catheterization introducers configured using the sharps device.
Epidural needle configuration including an epidural needle or plunger sealing arrangement.
Bone biopsy device configurations including inner stylet, outer cannula, or trocar tube assemblies.
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