Cannulation Site Selection Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for selecting cannulation sites during hemodialysis lack standardization and efficiency, leading to increased risk of vascular access failure and reduced healing time due to improper site rotation and angle guidance.

Innovation Solution

A cannulation site selection apparatus featuring a flexible member with markings for spacing and angle guidance, allowing for standardized site rotation and accurate cannulation site selection, along with a user interface for creating and implementing a site rotation plan based on patient-specific geometry and treatment data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If standardized cannulation site selection markings are implemented, then cannulation site rotation and healing time are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevascular access longevityVSAvoidapparatus marking complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible member is segmented into multiple distinct marking arrays, each serving a specific function: fist marking for localization, cannulation site selection markings for site rotation planning, and angle guide markings for insertion angle guidance. This segmentation allows each marking type to be optimized independently while working together as a integrated system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus enables preliminary planning of cannulation site rotation before actual cannulation occurs. By providing pre-calculated spacing markings that account for healing time requirements, the system allows users to plan the entire rotation schedule in advance, ensuring optimal healing intervals are maintained throughout treatment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If multiple cannulation site selection markings are provided for rotation planning, then site rotation standardization is improved, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecannulation site selection easeVSAvoidmarking array quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the flexible member provide different types of information tailored to specific needs: the fist marking provides localization reference, the cannulation site selection markings provide rotation planning guidance with specific spacing, and the angle guide markings provide insertion technique guidance. Each local area has optimized characteristics for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible member acts as an intermediary tool that translates complex rotation planning requirements into simple visual markings. Instead of requiring users to calculate healing intervals and spacing manually, the pre-marked distances serve as a mediator that directly indicates appropriate cannulation sites.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If angle guide markings are added to the apparatus, then cannulation angle accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecannulation angle precisionVSAvoidmarking types
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus merges multiple guidance functions into a single flexible member: site location identification, rotation planning with spacing markings, and angle guidance. By combining these functions in one integrated tool, the system avoids the need for multiple separate devices while providing comprehensive cannulation guidance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If the flexible member includes permanent markings that withstand sterilization, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemarking durabilityVSAvoidmarking application complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The markings are designed with specific material and application parameters that enable them to withstand repeated sterilization cycles. By controlling the ink composition, application method, and curing process parameters, the markings achieve permanent adhesion to the flexible member surface while maintaining visibility and precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3562424A1Cannulation site selection apparatuses
Publication Date: 2019.11.06 FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE HOLDINGS INC

AI summary

In one aspect, a cannulation site selection apparatus includes a flexible member, a first marking on the flexible member, and an array of cannulation site selection markings on the flexible member, wherein the array of cannulation site selection markings is positioned at a set distance from the fist marking, and wherein the cannulation site selection markings are spaced at set distances from one another.