A Novel Tip Retraction Mechanism for Puncture Devices1

Abstract

Puncture access procedures are frequent in medicine but can lead to complications due to overpuncture. When tissue membranes yield under applied stress, the device suddenly accelerates forward into the patient. Factors contributing to greater acceleration and increased risk of overpuncture are identified. A novel flexurebased tipretraction mechanism is proposed and relevant analysis presented. A preload feature improves functionality and ease of use, and accompanying modified design equations are presented. Prototypes are tested to validate analysis and reliability. The proposed device has the potential to improve safety during puncture access procedures by actively opposing forward acceleration of the device upon breakthrough thus reducing overpuncture incidents.