We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us

Download Mobile App




Events

ATTENTION: Due to the COVID-19 PANDEMIC, many events are being rescheduled for a later date, converted into virtual venues, or altogether cancelled. Please check with the event organizer or website prior to planning for any forthcoming event.

Novel Device Eases the Pain of Injections

By HospiMedica International staff writers
Posted on 28 Apr 2015
Print article
Image: The Comfortably Numb device (Photo courtesy of Rice University).
Image: The Comfortably Numb device (Photo courtesy of Rice University).
A novel prototype device numbs the skin prior to an injection by producing a rapid chemical reaction that cools the patient’s skin.

Developed by a team of freshman engineering students at Rice University (Rice, Houston, TX, USA), the “Comfortably Numb” device consists of two sealed, separated chambers containing ammonium nitrate and water. A simple twisting motion moves the chambers into an alignment that allows the chemicals to flow together through the chamber, producing a rapid endothermic reaction. The device’s metal surface plate is then pressed against the skin, producing a numbing effect.

The functioning prototype of the device has been shown to produce a measurable numbing effect in just 60 seconds. The device was also designed as single-use rather than reusable, since cleaning it for each patient and resetting the chambers would be time-consuming and cumbersome. The design team is currently in the process of applying for a provisional patent for the device, and hopes to continue their work together in their spare time when they return to Rice as sophomores.

“We are targeting anyone who has to get an injection, which is nearly everyone. But the device is especially applicable to people who are more susceptible to pain, such as the elderly and children,” said design team member computer science major Greg Allison. “It’s intended for use during procedures where you have to get shots in more sensitive areas of the body, such as the face or the groin.”

“We looked into all sorts of methods for numbing, both quick and long-term, chemicals, using ice packs, which is similar to what we’re using now,” added team member mechanical engineering major Mike Hua. “We explored everything that surrounded the problem before we even began brainstorming. At the end of the day, what we’re creating is a self-contained device with a very cold contact surface, and there are many applications for that.”

Related Links:

Rice University


Gold Supplier
12-Channel ECG
CM1200B
New
Oxygen Therapy Hyperbaric Chamber
Sechrist 2800
New
CFM Device
EEGDigiTrack CFM/aEEG Devices
New
Laser Therapy Device
MODULAS VERUM

Print article
FIME - Informa

Channels

AI

view channel
Image: The AI tool can also tackle dangerous inequalities in heart attack diagnosis (Photo courtesy of Freepik)

AI Algorithm Integrates Cardiac Troponin Test Results with Clinical Data to Quickly Rule out Heart Attacks in Patients

The accepted standard for diagnosing myocardial infarction, or heart attack, involves assessing the blood for troponin levels. However, this approach applies the same benchmark for all patients, failing... Read more

Surgical Techniques

view channel
Image: The deployable electrodes are ideal for minimally invasive craniosurgery (Photo courtesy of EPFL)

Soft Robotic Electrode Offers Minimally Invasive Solution for Craniosurgery

Minimally invasive medical procedures offer numerous benefits to patients, including decreased tissue damage and shorter recovery periods. However, creating equipment that can pass through a small opening... Read more

Health IT

view channel
Image: First ever institution-specific model provides significant performance advantage over current population-derived models (Photo courtesy of Mount Sinai)

Machine Learning Model Improves Mortality Risk Prediction for Cardiac Surgery Patients

Machine learning algorithms have been deployed to create predictive models in various medical fields, with some demonstrating improved outcomes compared to their standard-of-care counterparts.... Read more

Point of Care

view channel
Image: IntelliSep is the first FDA-cleared diagnostic tool to assess cellular host response to aid in identifying ED patients with sepsis (Photo courtesy of Cytovale)

Rapid Microfluidic Test Demonstrates Efficacy as Diagnostic Aid to Improve Sepsis Triage in ED

Sepsis is the primary cause of mortality worldwide, accounting for over 350,000 fatalities annually in the United States alone, a figure that surpasses deaths from opioid overdoses, prostate cancer, and... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2023 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.