Patent ID: 8574195
Filing Date: 2013-11-05
Classification: A61B,A61M,G16H

Abstract:
1. A system for detecting tissue contact and penetration depth comprising: a needle with a first opening to and in fluid communication with a lumen of the needle and a second opening to and in fluid communication with the same lumen of the needle, said needle having the lumen extending between the first opening and the second opening, and the second opening including at least one aperture in the needle to the lumen located a predetermined distance from said first opening; a fluid pressure measurement assembly coupled with a portion of said needle to measure pressure of a fluid dispensed in said needle, said pressure measurement assembly configured to measure no significant change in pressure as compared to a first pressure that is the pressure of said fluid as said fluid is dispensed through said needle at a constant rate, a second pressure that is a significant increase in pressure as compared to the first pressure when said needle contacts said tissue and said first opening becomes occluded, and a third pressure that is a significant increase in pressure as compared to the second pressure when said needle penetrates said tissue and said aperture becomes occluded.