Apparatus and method for image guided insertion and removal of a cannula or needle

Abstract

A means for holding a selected cannula such that the cannula is controllably restricted in motion in all but one line, but still able to slide along the line relatively freely. The motion restricting force may be selectively varied, thereby allowing an unrestricted separation of the cannula and holding / guide device.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM [0001] This application is claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60 / 621,349 filed Oct. 22, 2004. [0002] This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to U.S. patent application filed Aug. 26, 2005 under U.S. Express Mail No. EV509173452US. [0003] This application claims priority to and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 119,355 filed Apr. 29, 2005, which claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60 / 566,127 filed Apr. 30, 2004. This application also claims priority to and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 701,955 filed Nov. 5, 2003, which in turn claims priority to and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 443,126 filed May 20, 2003. [0004] This application claims priority to and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 061,867 filed Feb. 17, 2005, which claims priority to U.S. provisional pa...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a magnetic system that helps position a needle or cannula in a patient's body for medical purposes. It allows the needle to be held in place and moved around in one direction only. This makes it easier to insert the needle into a blood vessel or other body cavity and release it once the placement is confirmed. The system uses a special holding device that restricts the movement of the needle, but allows it to slide along a certain line relatively freely. The force of the restricting force can be adjusted to allow for unrestricted separation of the needle and the holding device.

Problems solved by technology

Unsuccessful insertion and / or removal of a cannula, a needle, or other similar devices into vascular tissue may cause vascular wall damage that may lead to serious complications or even death.

The motion and force required to disengage the cannula from the guidance system may, however, contribute to a vessel wall injury, which may result in extravasation.

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