2018
Medulla Pro offers the world’s first real-time needle ultrasound-guided device that is accurate, easy to use, and safe. It drastically eliminates the traumatic incidents for the patients and cut down the procedural time significantly
The simple and practical device explores unique ultrasound deflection methodology for real-time, calibrated, accurate needle entry into the lumbar. It enhances the experience of the patient undergoing the procedure and improves the confidence of clinicians administering it.
Medulla Pro is developing the system in partnership with clinical advisors from the National Healthcare Group (one of the major health care clusters in Singapore) and Trendlines Innovation Labs.
Lumbar puncture is a well-established procedure. To date, physicians have relied on palpation and “blind” lumbar puncture, resulting in a high procedural failure rate of 20%–35% . Failure rates are significantly higher in difficult cases, such as obese patients and those with spinal deformities.
Ultrasound guidance is known to facilitate the performance of lumbar punctures by increasing success rates, decreasing needle redirections and traumatic taps, and shortening procedure time. However, existing ultrasound probes are less than optimal as they prevent direct needle-in-plane entry.