EPIDURAL SPACE LOCATING DEVICE

• US 20110224623A1
• Filed: 09/11/2009
• Published: 09/15/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 09/12/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Héctor De Jesús Velez Rivera
• Original Assignee: Héctor De Jesús Velez Rivera
• Inventors: Velez Rivera, Héctor de Jesús
• Granted Patent: US 9,186,172 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 604/239
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/3401 Puncturing needles for the peridural or subarachnoid space or the plexus, e.g. for anaesthesia local anaesthesia A61M19/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/3403 Needle locating or guiding means guides for suture needles A61B17/0482; guiding or tracking by nuclear magnetic resonance G01R33/285
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00022 Sensing or detecting at the treatment site
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00115 with audible or visual output with imaging means A61B90/37, A61B34/20
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/064 for measuring force, pressure or mechanical tension

Abstract

An epidural space locating device is described, comprising a handle with a proximal end and a distal end; a hollow distal chamber attached to the handle distal end and being provided with a distal connector where a spinal needle is received to be introduced in the patient'"'"'s body, such that there is a fluid connection between the spinal needle and the distal chamber; the device also comprises a plunger running within the distal chamber from a starting position to a final position when there is a pressure loss within the distal chamber due to the spinal needle has reached the epidural space; the plunger is secured before using the device, which emits a warning signal at the time the epidural space has been reached.

Claims

1. An epidural space locating device, comprising:

a) a handle with a proximal end and a distal end;

b) a hollow distal chamber attached to the distal handle, and

provided with a distal connector wherein a spinal needle is received, which is introduced to the patient'"'"'s body, such that there is a fluid connection between the spinal needle and the distal chamber;

c) a pressure loss or drop detection system comprising a plunger running within the distal chamber from a starting position to a final position, when there is a pressure loss due to the spinal needle has reached the epidural space; and

signaling means to signal the pressure drop within the distal chamber and being connected to the plunger, such that said means generates a warning signal when the plunger moves towards its final position as the needle has reached the epidural space; and

,

d) means for securing the plunger in its starting position.

2. An epidural space locating device according to claim 1, wherein the plunger securing means comprises:

i) an annular disc provided around the plunger;

ii) a button provided on the handle and having a securing position and a releasing position, the button is provided with a lowering projection engaging on the disc to secure it; and

iii) elastic means pressing the disc against the tooth;

wherein, when moving the button to the released position, the projection withdraws from the plunger disc, such that when there is a pressure loss therein, it can moves within the distal chamber.

3. An epidural space locating device according to claim 2, wherein the button is pivotably mounted on the handle.

4. An epidural space locating device according to claim 2, wherein the elastic means is a spring.

5. An epidural space locating device according to claim 1, wherein the warning signal generated when the plunger moves towards its final position is a visual, tactile, or audio signal, or a combination thereof.

6. An epidural space locating device according to claim 1, wherein the signaling means comprises:

i) a moving compartment wherein an energy source is housed, the compartment being attached to the plunger, the compartment travels inside and outside the proximal end of the handle;

ii) a switch mounted on the compartment and closing once the piston has reached its final position; and

iii) a signal generating source mounted on the compartment and electrically connected to the energy source and switch, the signal generating source is activated when the switch closes to generate the warning signal indicating the epidural space has been reached.

7. An epidural space locating device according to claim 6, wherein the moving compartment is formed by an inner body attached to the plunger and a lid coupled to the inner body, wherein through the lid the warning signal is perceived.

8. An epidural space locating device according to claim 7, wherein the lid is transparent.

9. An epidural space locating device according to claim 6, wherein the warning signal is a visual, tactile or audio signal or a combination thereof.

10. An epidural space locating device according to claim 9, wherein the warning signal is a visual signal.

11. An epidural space locating device according to claim 10, wherein the generated visual signal is a light.

12. An epidural space locating device according to claim 11, wherein the light is emitted by a light emitting diode (LED).

13. An epidural space locating device according to claim 9, wherein the generated warning signal is a tactile signal.

14. An epidural space locating device according to claim 13, wherein the tactile signal is generated by a vibrating motor.

15. An epidural space locating device according to claim 9, wherein the generated signal is an audio signal.

16. An epidural space locating device according to claim 15, wherein the audio signal is a speaker emitting sounds.

17. An epidural space locating device according to claim 6, wherein the energy source is a battery.

18. An epidural space locating device according to claim 1, wherein the locating device is sterilized with gamma rays or ethylene oxide.

19. An epidural space locating device according to claim 1, wherein the locating device is disposable.

20. An epidural space locating device according to claim 1, wherein the locating device is reusable.

21. An epidural space locating device according to claim 1, wherein the distal connector of the distal chamber is a luer type connector.

22. An epidural space locating device according to claim 1, wherein the distal chamber is transparent.