Tactile sensing device for lumbar punctures
AssigneeTexas Medical Center
InventorsNicole C. Moskowitz, Jessica Traver, Xavier Garcia-Rojas, Yashar Ganjeh
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Tactile sensing devices, systems, and methods to image a target tissue location are disclosed. When force is applied to the tactile sensing device, voltage data is detected and visualized on a screen, indicating the target tissue location.
Claims119
A tactile sensing device for imaging a target tissue location in an individual in need thereof, comprising:
- a) a needle guide having a proximal opening and a distal opening, configured for guiding a needle towards the individual;
- and
- b) a sensor array comprising at least one sensor configured to detect applied pressure.
A tactile sensing device for imaging a target tissue location in an individual in need thereof, comprising:
- a) a needle guide cartridge comprising at least two needle guides, wherein each needle guide has a side opening and a distal opening, and each needle guide is configured for guiding a needle towards the individual;
- and
- b) a sensor array comprising at least one sensor configured to detect applied pressure.
A tactile sensing device for imaging a target tissue location in an individual in need thereof, comprising:
- a) a sensor array comprising at least one sensor configured to detect applied pressure;
- b) a display screen;
- and
- c) a marking tool to mark the target tissue location.
A tactile sensing device for imaging a target tissue location in an individual in need thereof, comprising:
- a) a sensor array comprising at least one sensor configured to detect applied pressure;
- b) a connection to a display screen;
- and
- c) a marking tool to mark the target tissue location.
A method for imaging a target tissue location in an individual in need thereof, comprising:
- a) placing a tactile sensing device on the individual;
- b) applying force to the tactile sensing device against the individual;
- and
- c) viewing an image of the target tissue location, obtained from voltage signals generated by the tactile sensing device, resulting from the application of force to the tactile sensing device against an individual, on a display screen.
A method for generating an image of a target tissue location in an individual in need thereof, comprising:
- a) collecting a plurality of voltage signals generated by a tactile sensing device, resulting from the application of force to the tactile sensing device against an individual;
- b) converting the voltage signals into a mathematical array;
- c) rescaling the mathematical array;
- and
- d) transforming the rescaled mathematical array into the image of a target tissue location of the individual.
A method for performing a lumbar puncture in an individual in need thereof, comprising:
- a) placing a tactile sensing device on a lumbar region of the individual;
- b) applying force to the tactile sensing device against the lumbar region;
- c) viewing an image of vertebral articulations on a display screen;
- wherein the image is generated by the tactile sensing device resulting from the application of force to the tactile sensing device against the lumbar region;
- d) localizing two spinous processes on the image;
- e) identifying a gap between a first spinous process and a second spinous process of the individual;
- f) using a needle guide to insert a needle between the first and second spinous processes of the individual and into a subarachnoid space;
- and
- g) collecting cerebrospinal fluid or administering a therapeutic agent.
The method of 103, wherein the therapeutic agent is an analgesic, an anesthetic, a chemotherapeutic agent, or a contrast agent or dye.
A method for administering a therapeutic agent to an epidural space of an individual in need thereof, comprising:
- a) placing a tactile sensing device on a lumbar region of the individual;
- b) applying force to the tactile sensing device against the lumbar region;
- c) viewing an image of vertebral articulations on a display screen;
- wherein the image is detected by the tactile sensing device resulting from the application of force to the tactile sensing device against the lumbar region;
- d) localizing two spinous processes on the image;
- e) identifying a gap between a first spinous process and a second spinous process of the individual;
- f) using a needle guide to insert a needle between the first and second spinous processes and into the epidural space of the individual;
- and
- g) injecting a therapeutic agent into the epidural space.
A method for guiding a first individual performing a lumbar puncture on a second individual in need thereof, comprising:
- a) placing a tactile sensing device on a lumbar region of the individual;
- b) applying force to the tactile sensing device against the lumbar region;
- c) viewing an image of vertebral articulations on a display screen, wherein the image is generated by the tactile sensing device resulting from the application of force to the tactile sensing device against the lumbar region;
- d) localizing two spinous processes on the image;
- e) identifying a gap between a first spinous process and a second spinous process of the individual;
- f) using a needle guide to insert a needle between the first and second spinous processes of the individual and into a subarachnoid space;
- and
- g) collecting cerebrospinal fluid or administering a therapeutic agent.
A method for guiding a first individual administering a therapeutic agent into an epidural space of a second individual in need thereof, comprising:
- a) placing a tactile sensing device on a lumbar region of the individual;
- b) applying force to the tactile sensing device against the lumbar region;
- c) viewing an image of vertebral articulations on a display screen, wherein the image is generated by the tactile sensing device resulting from the application of force to the tactile sensing device against the lumbar region;
- d) localizing two spinous processes on the image;
- e) identifying a gap between a first spinous process and a second spinous process of the individual;
- f) using a needle guide to insert a needle between the first and second spinous processes and into the epidural space of the individual;
- and
- g) injecting a therapeutic agent into the epidural space.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.