Design and development of an epidural needle puncture and retraction device

Abstract

Over 2 million epidural procedures are performed every year in the United States, but many result in complications caused by over puncture, where the needle punctures farther than the epidural space. A usable model of a previously developed flexure-based solution was made and utilized in designing a new epidural device which may reduce the risk of over-puncture. A clinical background of epidurals is presented, along with the usable model and new design. Prototypes were manufactured and tested to validate the model and fabrication method. Potential improvements and future steps are outlined. The proposed device has the potential to minimize epidural complications and the model may also be used to expand the number of applications of this flexure-based solution to over puncturing.