US 12,761,088 B2 · Force sensing device for monitoring insertion force of a medical device

Abstract

A force sensing device and monitoring system for use in medical procedures, featuring an air-based sensor to quantify force applied during insertion of a ureteral access sheath (UAS), catheter, or other medical instrument. The invention features a pneumatic syringe mechanism, wherein force is measured by compressing an occluded syringe, translating pressure changes into a measurable force output. Real-time feedback is provided via visual, tactile, or auditory indicators, signaling predefined force thresholds (e.g., 4 N, 6 N, and 8 N) to prevent excessive pressure and resultant tissue injury. The invention provides precise, cost-effective, and widely accessible force monitoring without reliance on electronics or Bluetooth® systems, in various surgical fields, including laparoscopy, robotic-assisted surgery, endoscopic procedures, and vascular catheterization, ensuring safe instrument deployment and minimizing complications. The sensor can be integrated into existing medical instruments via Luer-Lock or similar interface connections and may be disposable or reusable.

Claims17

Dependent claims

A force sensing device (100) for monitoring an insertion force of a medical device, the device comprising:

a) a tube (110) comprising a first end (111), a second end (112), a first lumen (115), and a second lumen (117);
each lumen disposed within the tube (110) and extending at least partially between the first end (111) and the second end (112);
wherein the first end (111) comprises an opening (118) and the second end (112) comprises an interface for attaching the medical device;
wherein the first lumen (115) is airtight,
b) a plunger (120) comprising a first plunger end (121) disposed through the opening (118) of the tube (110) and within the first lumen (115);
c) an outer casing (130) comprising a lumen (135), wherein at least a portion of the tube (110) and at least a portion of the plunger (120) are disposed within the lumen (135);
and
d) one or more visual indicators disposed on at least a portion of the second end (112) of the tube (110), the visual indicators being configured to indicate the applied force relating to the displacement of the plunger (120),
wherein an insertion force applied to the medical device and transmitted through the force sensing device (100) is sensed by detecting the displacement of the plunger (120) and the resulting compression of a fluid within the first lumen (115) of the tube (110) during insertion of a medical device attached to the force sensing device (100);
wherein the fluid is air or a liquid.

7 more elements

A method of monitoring an insertion force of a medical device, the method comprising:

a) attaching the medical device to a force sensing device (100) comprising:
i. a tube (110) comprising a first end (111), a second end (112), a first lumen (115), and a second lumen (117);
each lumen disposed within the tube (110) and extending at least partially between the first end (111) and the second end (112);
wherein the first end (111) comprises an opening (118) and the second end (112) comprises an interface for attaching the medical device;
wherein the first lumen (115) is essentially airtight,
ii. a plunger (120) comprising a first plunger end (121), disposed through the opening (118) of the tube (110) and within the first lumen (115);
iii. an outer casing (130) comprising a lumen (135), wherein at least a portion of the tube (110) and at least a portion of the plunger (120) are disposed within the lumen (135);
and
iv. one or more visual indicators disposed on at least a portion of the second end (112) of the tube (110), the visual indicators being configured to indicate the applied force relating to the displacement of the plunger (120);
wherein a distal end of the medical device is attached to the interface of the force sensing device (100),
b) inserting the medical device attached to the force sensing device (100) into a patient;
and
c) monitoring an insertion force of the medical device attached to the force sensing device (100) by detecting the displacement of the plunger (120) and the resulting compression of a fluid within the first lumen (115) of the tube (110), wherein as the plunger (120) of the force sensing device (100) is pushed towards the second end (112) of the tube (110) during the insertion of the medical device attached to the force sensing device (100) into the patient, the plunger (120) compresses the fluid within the first lumen (115) of the tube (110), wherein displacement of the plunger (120) varies continuously with changes in the insertion force;
wherein the fluid is air or a liquid.

11 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Force sensing device for monitoring insertion force of a medical device

Life of this patent

Force sensing device for monitoring insertion force of a medical device

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims17