Adjustable Length Catheter with Sliding Manifold
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices, such as catheters, require a large inventory of different lengths to accommodate various patient and procedure needs, leading to increased expenses and expired devices that go unused due to limited shelf life.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable length catheter device with a manifold that can be slid along the shaft to separate the proximal portion into multiple segments, allowing for customization of length by removing end portions, enabling universal use similar to specific length devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large inventory of different length catheters is maintained to accommodate various patient and procedure needs, then the appropriate length device is available for each individual patient and procedure, but the expense of medical treatments increases and extensive inventory control is required
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into multiple segments or sections that can be independently adjusted. The catheter includes a shaft with multiple lumens and a manifold that can be positioned at different locations along the shaft, allowing the catheter to be configured in different lengths by selecting where to place the manifold and how to trim the proximal end portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter transitions from a fixed-length design to an adjustable-length design. The manifold can be longitudinally moved along the shaft to different positions, and the proximal end portions can be trimmed to different lengths, allowing the catheter to be dynamically adjusted to match specific patient and procedure requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large inventory of different length catheters is maintained, then the properly sized device is available for each procedure, but expired devices add to the expense of patient care
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is supplied with the manifold in a proximal position that allows for future adjustment. The catheter can be inserted into the patient with the manifold positioned to allow subsequent trimming of the proximal end portions to the exact length needed, enabling the device to be adjusted after insertion rather than requiring pre-configured lengths.
Solution Approach 2:
The length parameter of the catheter can be changed by moving the manifold to different positions along the shaft and trimming the proximal end portions to different lengths. This allows a single catheter design to serve multiple length requirements, reducing the need to discard expired devices from fixed-length inventories.
3Reliability
If the proximal end of the catheter is made long to allow for subcutaneous tunnel and proper placement, then the distal end can be properly placed within the vasculature, but the proximal end may get entangled and torn away from the implantation site
Solution Approach 1:
The proximal end length is made adjustable rather than fixed. After insertion, the manifold can be moved to different positions and the proximal end portions can be trimmed to the exact length needed for the specific procedure, allowing optimization of the balance between sufficient length for proper placement and avoiding excessive length that could cause entanglement.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable length catheter device, a kit and a method of providing the adjustable length catheter device to a patient are provided. The catheter device includes an elongate shaft having a proximal portion, a distal portion, a first lumen and a second lumen extending at least partially therethrough. The catheter device further includes a manifold operably connected to the shaft. The manifold is configured to longitudinally move along the shaft towards the distal portion for separating the proximal portion of the shaft into a first proximal shaft portion including the first lumen and a second proximal shaft portion including the second lumen.