Measurement of Gripping Forces in the Technique of Dialysis Needling

Abstract

The manuscript describes the characterization of the dialysis needle puncture in terms of hand manipulation dynamics. The present study aimed to present gripping force features denoting expert or novice operation trends. Our method uniquely utilized tri-axis force sensors mounted on the body of the dialysis needle, which measures Three-dimensional force vectors of thumb side and index finger during the punctuation to the skin vessel model. Novice student volunteers and Clinical engineers who expertize dialysis treatment participated in our experiment. The results revealed that the skilled penetration concentrated vertical gripping forces, and smoothly connected to sheering force for the needle insertion. The proposed quantification expects to contribute to skill enhancement.