Methods and apparatuses for fluoro-less or near fluoro-less percutaneous surgery access
Inventors
Baldwin, Dalton Duane • Yeo, Alexander • Martin, Jacob
Assignees
FACULTY PHYSICIANS AND SURGEONS OF LOMA LINDA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE • Faculty Physicians And Surgeons Of Loma Linda University School Of Medicine Loma Linda University • Loma Linda University
Publication Number
US-9351758-B2
Publication Date
2016-05-31
Expiration Date
2034-06-03
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Abstract
A needle access assembly and method for obtaining percutaneous needle access with little or no fluoroscopy. The method can include selecting a target for percutaneous access, directing a laser guide at a desired needle-insertion angle and in line with the selected target, aligning the needle access assembly with the laser, and inserting the needle into the target.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a needle access assembly and associated method for obtaining percutaneous needle access with little or no fluoroscopy. The method includes selecting a target for percutaneous access, directing a laser guide at a desired needle-insertion angle aligned with the target, aligning the needle access assembly with the laser, and inserting the needle into the target. The device is designed to visually confirm alignment by illuminating a hub only when proper alignment is achieved.
The problem addressed is that conventional percutaneous access techniques require continuous use of fluoroscopy, resulting in substantial radiation exposure to patients, surgeons, and staff, as well as challenges in accurate needle placement due to anatomical variability and target movement. Traditional approaches may also require the surgeon’s hands to be in the radiation beam or force the use of needle holders, thereby reducing tactile feedback.
This device and method pair a visual guidance system, such as a laser, with a specially designed needle assembly featuring an opaque cap, non-opaque body, and a reflective chamber. When properly aligned with the laser guide, the device illuminates, providing immediate feedback to the user, facilitating precise needle insertion with reduced or minimal radiation exposure. The system is adaptable for use with various image-guidance techniques and can be used in combination with ultrasound, CT, or MRI.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains two independent claims that cover the inventive aspects of a specialized needle access device and its method of use for reduced-fluoroscopy percutaneous access.
Needle access device with illumination feedback for alignment
A needle access device features a needle connected to a hub portion that comprises: - An opaque cap portion at the proximal end. - A non-opaque (translucent/transparent) body positioned between the cap and the needle, defining an inner illumination chamber with a translucent lateral wall. - A channel extending through the cap, having a length to width ratio such that the illumination chamber only lights up when a proximal light source (such as a laser) is aligned with the channel axis. - A reflective surface with convex curvature positioned at a distal portion of the inner chamber, configured so reflected light is visible to the user through the lateral wall only when the device is aligned with the light source. This structure provides direct visual feedback of alignment, ensuring accurate needle placement with minimal or no fluoroscopy.
Needle access device with channel-guided reflective illumination
The device comprises a needle connected to a hub, where: - The hub has an opaque cap portion and a non-opaque body with an interior illumination chamber. - A reflective surface with a proximal convex curvature is placed in the chamber. - A channel runs through the cap with its axis set so that only when a light source is aligned with the channel will illumination occur within the chamber via the reflective surface. This arrangement ensures that illuminated visual feedback is provided to the user only when the trajectory is correct, improving the accuracy and safety of percutaneous needle placement.
The inventive features are focused on a hub-illuminating, visually aligned needle access device using reflective surfaces and a controlled channel to provide accurate visual alignment for percutaneous surgeries with minimal fluoroscopy.
Stated Advantages
Significantly reduces radiation exposure to patients, surgeons, and staff compared to conventional fluoroscopy-based procedures.
Facilitates precise and accurate placement of needles for percutaneous access without requiring continuous fluoroscopy.
Provides visual confirmation of alignment, simplifying the procedure and reducing the risk of incorrect needle placement.
Documented Applications
Obtaining percutaneous access to the kidney for procedures such as renal stone surgery.
Placing probes into the kidney to treat renal cancer.
Placement of access into fluid collections for drainage of abscesses.
Insertion of tubes into spaces including pleural space, peritoneal cavity, bladder, lymphocele, and pericardial space for drainage.
Percutaneous surgical access training using a training model replicating anatomical conditions.
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