Spinal Needle Force Monitoring During Lumbar Puncture Using Fibre Bragg Grating Force Device

IPTeL Tracking ID: MPS-IAP-2016-013

This invention relates to a novel system and method for real time dynamic monitoring of force experienced by a spinal needle during lumbar puncture procedure using fiber Bragg grating force device (FBGFD). This device has ability to evaluate the force on the spinal needle with nullification of the bending effect, provides an efficient force feedback mechanism which may significantly aid during lumbar puncture procedures.

BACKGROUND

In clinical practice, needle insertion procedures require puncturing of skin tissues. During lumbar puncture, the spinal needle traverses through different layers of tissues with varying degrees of stiffness which exerts varying resistances. In some critical cases, accidental puncture of vital organs may happen due to medical errors. At present there are several techniques to measure the position and imaging of needle, which includes mechanical actuators, needle insertion force measurement, haptic force measurement and epidural hardware/software simulators. These techniques suffer from limitations as they are complex systems and involve bulky sensors.

TECHNOLOGY

The technology involves measurement of real time dynamic force experienced by a tissue traversing member while traversing a tissue. It enables the user to achieve a better control on needle insertion and reduces the risk of injuries during tissue puncture. The system does not require the sensing components to be subjected to sterilization.