Integrated Capillary-Dilator Structure for Safer Catheter Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The Seldinger technique for central venous catheter application requires multiple devices and is time-consuming and prone to vein wall injuries due to unintentional movements of cannulas and guide wires.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with a flexurally resilient capillary portion and dimensionally stable dilator portion, allowing for simplified catheter application by minimizing vein wall injuries through guided insertion and controlled puncture channel widening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the Seldinger technique is used with multiple separate devices (cannula, guide wire, dilator), then the catheter application can be performed, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cannula, guide wire, and dilator into a single integrated medical device. The cannula serves as the outer sheath, the guide wire is pre-positioned within it, and the dilator is integrated at the distal end, allowing all functions to be performed by one device rather than multiple separate devices
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device performs multiple functions simultaneously: the cannula provides venous access and supports the guide wire, the guide wire enables catheter advancement, and the dilator widens the puncture channel. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for sequential use of separate devices
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid cannula and guide wire are used in the Seldinger technique, then structural stability is maintained, but vein wall injuries occur due to unintentional movements
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies different material properties to different sections: the proximal cannula portion is rigid to maintain structural stability during insertion, while the distal portion is made flexible to conform to the vein and prevent wall injuries. This local differentiation of mechanical properties resolves the contradiction between stability and safety
3Manufacturing precision
If the dilator is pressed into the puncture channel to widen it, then the puncture channel is sufficiently widened, but the vein wall may be injured by the rigid dilator
Solution Approach 1:
The dilator is designed with a flexible distal section that allows it to conform to the vein wall geometry while widening the puncture channel. This flexibility prevents injury to the vein wall during the dilation process while still achieving sufficient channel widening for catheter insertion
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
Enhances efficiency and improves patient safety by preventing vein wall injuries and reducing the complexity of the catheter application process.
Implementation Method 1
The capillary portion has a flexurally resilient design
Implementation Method 2
The dilator portion has a dimensionally stable design
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device for use in catheter application has a longitudinal axis and a capillary portion that is elongate coaxially to the longitudinal axis between a proximal capillary end and a distal capillary end. The capillary portion has a flexurally resilient design and a capillary outside diameter. A dilator portion, which is elongate coaxially to the longitudinal axis between a proximal dilator end and a distal dilator end axially adjoining the proximal capillary end, has a dimensionally stable design and a dilator outside diameter that is larger than the capillary outside diameter at least in sections. A lumen, which is elongate coaxially to the longitudinal axis continuously between the proximal dilator end and the distal capillary end through the dilator portion and the capillary portion, is configured for receiving a cannula.