Branching Internal Drain and External Circuit for Single-Access Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current percutaneous drainage technologies are limited to draining one site from one access, leading to increased complications and reduced patient comfort due to multiple drains, especially in patients with non-dilated ducts, and complications such as pain, leakage, and vascular injury.
Innovation Solution
A percutaneous drain system with a branching internal drain and modified external circuit that allows multiple drainage sites through a single insertion, featuring a catheter with side holes, branching drains, and a color-coded three-way stopcock to enhance fluid flow and patient comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple drains are placed to drain multiple sites, then drainage coverage is improved, but the number of complications and patient discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The internal drain is segmented into multiple branches that can be positioned at different locations within the body cavity. Each branch has side holes that can be opened independently to drain fluid from different sites, allowing one drain system to cover multiple drainage areas without requiring multiple separate drain insertions
Solution Approach 2:
The single percutaneous drain system is designed to perform multiple drainage functions simultaneously. The branching internal drain structure enables the same drain to serve multiple purposes by accessing different body cavities or regions through its branches, eliminating the need for multiple specialized drains
2Productivity
If multiple drains are inserted to drain multiple sites, then drainage effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and insertion burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple drainage functions that would traditionally require separate drain devices are merged into a single integrated drain system. The branching internal drain combines multiple drainage pathways within one device, reducing the total number of drains needed while maintaining comprehensive drainage coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The drain system extends into multiple spatial dimensions through its branching structure. Instead of placing multiple drains at different skin entry points, the single drain uses its branches to reach into different three-dimensional spaces within the body cavity, achieving multi-site drainage from one access point
3Ease of operation
If percutaneous puncturing is used to place drains, then drain placement is achieved, but vascular injury and bleeding risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
A guidewire serves as an intermediary tool during the drain placement procedure. The guidewire is first advanced through the target area under imaging guidance, and then the branching internal drain is advanced over the guidewire into position. This intermediary approach allows precise positioning while minimizing direct puncturing of vascular structures
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are systems and methods concerning percutaneous drains that allow for improved fluid flow and patient comfort. In particular, the systems herein comprise a branching internal drain and a modified external circuit configuration by which a single drain insertion site can be used to place a branching internal drain through the first drain into the contralateral liver lobe/other liver segments to promote drainage from other sites, place a branching internal drain parallel to the first drain to increase the inner diameter of the drain across the stricture (ureteric or biliary), and place a branching internal drain into a large abscess to promote drainage from multiple areas or loculations within the abscess.