the Problem
An anesthesiologist has too many devices to control during nerve blocks and needs assistance.
the Solution
The operator controls the anesthetic injection with a foot pedal, thereby freeing both hands to simultaneously manipulate the ultrasound transducer and needle placement. This allows the provider to easily and efficiently complete the ultrasound guided PNB without a third or fourth hand to assist.
This award is for a hands free syringe (HFS) for nerve blocks. I worked on this device back in 2021 when I was employed at Concert Medical as a medical product designer. Concert sold this device to Medovate and the design has remained virtually unchanged. I was involved in all aspects of the design but was solely responsible for the pedal design. It was amazing to be a co-inventor on this patent but even more rewarding for the design to win an award.
the Outcome
This was an exciting project for me and this product was awarded a patent of which I am proud to be the co-inventor: Patent # PCT/US 2014030339. This product just received FDA approval and is in product launch. Anesthesiologists can now controlably administer and/or withdraw nerve block anesthesia fluid without the frustration and added expense of assisatance. In addition, the system has a pressure limiting feature, assuring constant flow and avoiding pressure that could harm the patient.