Device and method for identification of a target region

摘要

A method and apparatus are provided for locating a target region which is situated in a body of a subject, for example for the delivery of drugs. The system cooperates with a reservoir for receiving an injection fluid, a needle in fluid communication with the reservoir, and a sensor operable to detect a characteristic indicative of the fluid pressure in the needle. A signal generator supplies a success signal to an operator that indicates when the needle is present in the target region. A central controller controls the signal generator in response to signals received from the sensor.

主权项

1. An apparatus for locating a target region which is situated in a body of a subject, comprising:
a reservoir for receiving an injection fluid, wherein the reservoir comprises a connector for connecting the reservoir with a needle to be inserted into the body of the subject; a sensor for detecting a characteristic indicative of the fluid pressure in the needle; signal generator for supplying a true loss of pressure signal to an operator that indicates when the needle is present in the target region, wherein the true loss of pressure signal is acoustic, visual or tactile; a fluid controller configured to control the flow of fluid from the reservoir; a central controller connected with the sensor for receiving signals from the sensor and differentiating between a false loss of pressure and a true loss of pressure indicative of the needle being placed in a target area of interest, wherein the central controller is operable to control the signal generator; wherein the central controller differentiates between a false loss of pressure and a true loss of pressure by declaring a true loss of pressure only if two required conditions are both met, wherein the two required conditions are: (i) receipt of a signal from the sensor indicative of a first pressure threshold being exceeded; and (ii) receipt of a subsequent signal from the sensor indicative of the pressure falling below a second pressure threshold; wherein in response to determining a true loss of pressure, the central controller controls the signal generator to provide the true loss of pressure signal.