Needle with depth determination capability and method of use
First Claim
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1. A needle apparatus comprising:
- a needle covered by an electrically resistive layer, wherein the resistance of the resistive layer changes with the length of the resistive layer; and
an electrical trace electrically connected to the resistive layer and to a connector configured to be connected to a voltage source.
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Abstract
A needle apparatus capable of measuring the depth of the needle in tissue of a patient includes a linear resistive coating on the needle. Resistance of the resistive layer changes with the length of the resistive layer. The depth of the needle in tissue is determined by measuring the resistance of the length of the needle above the skin surface of the patient.
52 Citations
12 Claims
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1. A needle apparatus comprising:
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a needle covered by an electrically resistive layer, wherein the resistance of the resistive layer changes with the length of the resistive layer; and an electrical trace electrically connected to the resistive layer and to a connector configured to be connected to a voltage source. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A needle depth measuring system, comprising:
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a voltage source; a needle including an electrically resistive layer covering the needle, wherein the resistance of the resistive layer changes with the length of said resistive layer; and an electrical trace connecting the voltage source to the electrically resistive layer. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method of measuring a needle insertion depth, comprising:
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inserting a needle through a surface of skin of a subject; and determining the needle insertion depth by providing a voltage to a resistive layer on the needle, completing a circuit through a return electrode on the skin surface; and
measuring a resistance through the circuit. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12)
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Specification