Flexible Stabilization Arm for Ultrasound Probes

BME 273 Oral Report

Group 7:

Brian Moraguez

Ashley Morgan

Ryan Murphy

Mentors:

Rajnish Gupta

Eric Briggs

Problem Statement

Localized pain management surgeries require the use of three hands: one to insert a needle next to the nerve, one to hold an ultrasound probe, and one to thread the catheter.

This procedure requires the use of an additional assistant to lend the extra hand.

This increases the risk of contamination and the costs of the procedure

Objectives

1- To research existing technologies in flexible stabilization arms and adapt a new idea around these existing one.

2 - To design a flexible arm with interlocking and flexible joints for use with ultrasound probes to aid in surgery

3 -To produce a working prototype for future modification and development

Design Requirements

Flexible and movable arm with little resistance when out of tension.

When in tension, the arm must be rigid enough to resist movement.

Light weight Durable Accurate and Precise

Current designs on market

Gorilla Pod Too much flexibility when rigid

Locking arm for organ manipulator (patent US 6,730,020 B2)

Cost benefit

Nurse - $30/hour = $30/one hour surgery 150 surgeries/year = $4,500 nurses salary OR room = $1500/hour

Trying to cut procedure time down

Approximate arm cost goal ≤ $1000

Design Solution

Current Work Built prototype flex arm Working on alternate handle design solution Testing the first flex arm design to determine

force necessary to maintain rigidity in flex arm Assessing issues with current design

Integrating a dial to apply tension vs. spring mechanism

Flex arm in rigid position

Testing tension

Future Work

Construct prototype handle Machine shop Need to measure force required to move the

rigid arm out of position while under tension Build mounting base for the arm to attach to the

handle Work with mentor to get funding Reinforce testing apparatus Remodel links

Gantt Chart

References

"M-TRAC Mechanical Holding Arm." AESCULAP. Braun. Web. 2 Dec. 2010. <http://www.aesculapusa.com/default.aspx?pageid=910>.

Bowens, C., R. K. Gupta, W. Y. O'Bryne, J. S. Schildcrout, Y. Shi, J. J. Hawkins, D. R. Michaels, and J. M. Berry. "Selective Local Anesthetic Placement Using Ultrasound Guidance and Neurostimulation for Infraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block." Anesth Analg. 5th ser. 1.110 (2010): 1480-485.

Gupta, Rajnish. "Utilizing a Heads up Display (HUD) Unit Can Improve Hand-eye Coordination When Performing Ultrasound Guided Regional Anesthesia." Reg Anesth Pain Med 88 (2010).

Questions?