Medical tool puncture warning method and apparatus
US10242548B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 23, 2017 |
| Grant date | Mar 26, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 23, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B17/3401
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A conduit puncture alert method and apparatus are provided for a medical instrument having a flexible conduit through which a medical procedure is performed. In one embodiment, the flexible conduit is inserted into a subject. A highest degree of curvature of the conduit within the subject is sensed. A warning signal is then provided upon a condition that a curvature is sensed that exceeds a predetermined limit reflective of a maximum curvature permissible for a selected tool to be inserted through the conduit while avoiding puncturing of the conduit by the selected tool. For example, the method can be conducted with respect to a bronchoscope during a bronchoscopic procedure where a needle tool is to be used and the warning is given with respect to that tool when a conduit curvature is sensed that exceeds a predetermined limit determined with respect to the needle tool.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.