Sensing cannula systems

US11547787B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• University of Pittsburgh—Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education · US
• UPMC · US

Inventors

• David Turer · Pittsburgh, US
• William W. Clark · Wexford, US
• April Lawrence · Pittsburgh, US
• Ehsan Qaium · Pittsburgh, US
• Joseph P. Rubin · Pittsburgh, US
• Cameron Dezfulian · Pittsburgh, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 10, 2019
• Grant date: Jan 10, 2023
• Expiry date: May 10, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61M2230/65
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Disclosed cannula systems can detect the tissue type within which the cannula tip is located in real time using electrodes adjacent the cannula tip. The sensing cannula system can differentiate when the cannula tip is in adipose tissue or muscle based on electrical impedance. The system can be used in fat grafting and liposuction procedures, for example. An operator can detect if the cannula tip enters muscle by watching for an indicator light or audible alarm that is automatically activated by the device based on a change in sensed impedance. The device may also stop the flow of fat through a pump halting injection into the sub-muscular space.