45-Degree Catheter Guide for Single-Point Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional catheter placement methods rely on guesswork and require multiple individuals to guide the catheter accurately, leading to inefficiencies and inaccuracies.
Innovation Solution
A catheter guide apparatus with a 45-degree angle formed by two interconnected portions, allowing for precise catheter insertion by defining a single insertion point on the patient's skin, ensuring the catheter is already on the correct path towards the target.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional catheter placement methods are used with multiple individuals guiding the catheter, then the catheter can be placed in the target location, but the process requires multiple individuals and continuous monitoring, reducing efficiency and increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The guide apparatus is designed to self-align with the target location using the patient's anatomy as a reference. The guide body engages with bony landmarks to automatically position the opening at the correct angle and location, eliminating the need for multiple individuals to manually guide and monitor the catheter placement process
Solution Approach 2:
The guide apparatus is pre-configured with a specific angle (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the opening, which is determined before the procedure based on the target location. This preliminary setup ensures that when the guide is positioned on the patient's body, the catheter is automatically oriented at the correct angle toward the target, eliminating the need for continuous monitoring during insertion
2Measurement precision
If conventional catheter placement methods are used with guesswork, then the catheter may reach the target location, but accuracy is reduced due to reliance on continuous monitoring and manual guidance
Solution Approach 1:
The guide apparatus is pre-configured with a specific angle (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the opening, which is determined before the procedure based on the target location. This preliminary setup ensures that when the guide is positioned on the patient's body, the catheter is automatically oriented at the correct angle toward the target, eliminating the need for continuous monitoring during insertion
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the manual mechanical guidance system (multiple individuals physically guiding the catheter) with a fixed geometric system. The guide apparatus uses predetermined angles and anatomical landmarks to mechanically ensure accurate positioning, eliminating guesswork and the need for continuous visual monitoring
3Ease of operation
If a 45-degree angle guide apparatus is used, then single-handed operation and improved accuracy are achieved, but the apparatus structure becomes more complex with multiple portions and openings
Solution Approach 1:
The guide apparatus combines multiple functions into a single integrated structure: the guide body positions the opening, the opening itself provides the 45-degree angle, and the opening also receives the catheter. This merging of positioning, angulation, and catheter reception functions into one structure enables single-handed operation despite the complex geometric requirements
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein are directed to an apparatus for guiding a catheter and a method of operating the same. The apparatus includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has a cylindrical body. The cylindrical body includes a first opening formed therethrough. The opening configured to receive a catheter. The second portion includes a body. The body includes a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface is substantially parallel to the bottom surface. The bottom surface is configured to contact a skin of a patient. The body includes a second opening formed therethrough. The second portion is coupled with the first portion such that a forty-five degree angle is formed therebetween. The first opening and the second opening form an uninterrupted opening through the apparatus.