IP Library › Granted Patent US 8,308,740
Granted Patent B2
US 8,308,740 · App. 11/422,110 · Granted Nov 13, 2012

Needle stabilizer

View Patent ↗
Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Monitor This Case
Get email alerts when status or documents change.
Order Certified Copies
Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.
Order via The Patent Place →
Pre-filled with this patent's details
Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,308,740
App. No.
11/422,110
Granted
Nov 13, 2012
Kind
B2
Abstract

A stabilizing apparatus for stabilizing the position of a needle when penetrating the skin of a patient, the apparatus has a frame structure with a base for placement against the skin in the vicinity of an intended needle entry point. A flexible diaphragm is supported by the frame structure and is spaced apart from the base of the frame structure to be disposed at a position away from the skin. The flexible diaphragm is configured to releasably grip the shaft of the needle at a distance from the needle entry point.

Claims (17)

1. A stabilizing apparatus for stabilizing the position of a needle when penetrating the skin of a patient, the apparatus comprising:

a) a frame structure having a base with a contact surface having an adhesive for adhesive placement against the skin in the vicinity of an intended needle entry point; and

b) an unapertured flexible diaphragm supported by the frame structure and spaced apart from the base of the frame structure by a plurality of extending members that each extend from the base of the frame structure, to be disposed at a position away from the skin,

wherein the flexible diaphragm is configured to releasably grip a shaft of the needle at a distance from the needle entry point.

2. The stabilizing apparatus of claim 1 wherein the flexible diaphragm is formed from an elastomer.

3. The stabilizing apparatus of claim 1 wherein a membrane with a visual grid pattern extends across the base of the frame structure.

4. The stabilizing apparatus of claim 1 wherein the frame structure and the flexible diaphragm are formed from the same material.

5. The stabilizing apparatus of claim 1 wherein the frame structure is skeletal to allow visibility of the needle entry point.

6. The stabilizing apparatus of claim 1 wherein the frame structure is formed from a plastic.

7. The stabilizing apparatus of claim 1 wherein the flexible diaphragm is formed from a rubber material.

8. The stabilizing apparatus of claim 6 wherein the plastic is an acrylic.

9. The stabilizing apparatus of claim 1 wherein the frame structure forms a tripod extending from the base to the flexible diaphragm.

10. The stabilizing apparatus of claim 1 wherein the needle entry point lies within an area bounded by the base.

11. A method for stabilizing the position of a puncturing instrument comprising:

a) adhering a base portion of a frame structure to the skin of a patient in the vicinity of an intended entry point for the puncturing instrument;

b) inserting the puncturing instrument through an unapertured flexible diaphragm supported by the frame structure at a distance spaced apart from the skin by a plurality of extending members that each extend from the base of the frame structure; and,

c) penetrating the tip of the puncturing instrument beneath the skin of the patient at the entry point.

Continuity (1)
Related Publication 20080006551A1 · Jan 10, 2008