Implantable Access Port Radiopaque Insert Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing percutaneous access technologies lack effective methods for identifying implanted access ports post-implantation, which can lead to complications such as misorientation or incorrect usage, and do not allow for easy replacement of internal components like catheters without surgical procedures.

Innovation Solution

The development of an access port with perceivable or identifiable features, such as unique geometries, radiopaque markers, and communication technologies, that can be detected through palpation, imaging, or communication technologies, allowing for post-implantation identification and enabling power injectable capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional access ports without radiopaque markers are used, then the device structure remains simple and manufacturing cost is low, but the ability to identify and locate the implanted port post-surgery is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveport identification capabilityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies radiopaque markers that appear as distinct radiographic densities on X-ray images, enabling visual identification of the port location and orientation. These markers create contrast differences that allow clinicians to locate and identify the implanted port without complex additional imaging equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

2Reliability

If access ports lack orientation indicators, then the device design is simpler, but misorientation and incorrect usage can occur leading to complications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrect port usageVSAvoidport structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates asymmetric orientation indicators including a triangular radiopaque marker with a vertex pointing in a specific direction, along with alphanumeric characters arranged in non-symmetric patterns. These asymmetric features provide clear directional information to ensure correct port orientation during surgical implantation and subsequent use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The orientation indicators are integrated within the port body structure, with radiopaque markers embedded in the port housing. This nesting approach incorporates identification and orientation features within the existing device geometry without requiring separate external components, thus improving reliability while minimizing additional complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of repair

If internal components like catheters cannot be replaced without surgery, then the initial implantation procedure is simpler, but long-term maintenance and component replacement require additional surgical interventions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent replacementVSAvoidaccess port system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the access port with modular components including a removable catheter hub and separable connection interfaces. This segmentation allows the catheter and other internal components to be independently accessed and replaced through percutaneous procedures without requiring removal of the entire port device, facilitating easier maintenance and component replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables safe and efficient identification and management of implanted access ports, reducing the risk of misorientation and allowing for non-surgical replacement of internal components, thereby improving patient safety and procedural efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the insert includes a radiopaque material sandwiched between a first portion and a second portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiopacity: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS11077291B2Implantable access port including a sandwiched radiopaque insert

Publication Date: 2021.08.03 BARD PERIPHERAL VASCULAR INC

AI summary

An access port for subcutaneous implantation is disclosed. The access port may include a body for capturing a septum for repeatedly inserting a needle therethrough into a cavity defined within the body. The access port may further include at least one feature structured and configured for identification of the access port subsequent to subcutaneous implantation. Methods of identifying a subcutaneously implanted access port are also disclosed. For example, a subcutaneously implanted access port may be provided and at least one feature of the subcutaneously implanted access port may be perceived. The subcutaneously implanted access port may be identified in response to perceiving the at least one feature. In one embodiment, an identification feature is included on a molded insert that is sandwiched between base and cap portions of the access port so as to be visible after implantation via x-ray imaging technology.