Catheter Access Sheath with Dual Security Channel

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for positioning an access sheath in urology, such as those used to access the kidney, are cumbersome and require multiple components and steps, increasing the risk to patients and prolonging procedure time.

Innovation Solution

A method and catheter design where the ureteral probe functions as both a working guide and a security guide, with a dual-channel structure allowing the access sheath to be advanced while the guide is released, reducing the number of components and steps through a peeling action mechanism, and a catheter with a security channel that facilitates the exit of the guide.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the traditional method with multiple guides and components is used, then the positioning of access sheath can be achieved, but the number of components and steps increases, prolonging procedure time and increasing patient risk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepatient safetyVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated device. The access sheath is designed with both a working channel and a security channel, allowing it to perform both working guide and security guide functions simultaneously. The ureteral probe is also designed to serve dual purposes as both a positioning tool and a dilator, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing procedural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The access sheath is designed as a multi-functional device that can accommodate both a working guide and a security guide within its structure. The ureteral probe serves multiple functions including positioning the guides and acting as a dilator. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed while maintaining all necessary functions for safe and effective procedure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the traditional method with multiple guides and components is used, then the positioning of access sheath can be achieved, but the number of positioning steps increases, prolonging procedure time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidprocedure time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple positioning steps into a single integrated process. The access sheath with dual channels allows simultaneous positioning of both working and security guides in one operation, rather than requiring separate steps for each guide. The ureteral probe performs both positioning and dilation in a single action, significantly reducing the number of procedural steps and time required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The access sheath is pre-configured with both working and security channels before the procedure begins. The ureteral probe is designed with pre-formed channels that guide the placement of both guides simultaneously. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for multiple sequential positioning steps, reducing procedure time while maintaining positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the traditional method with multiple guides and components is used, then the positioning of access sheath can be achieved, but the number of components increases, making the procedure more complex for operators

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidoperator complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of multiple separate guides into a single integrated access sheath structure. The working channel and security channel are both housed within the same sheath, allowing operators to manage both guides through a single device rather than coordinating multiple separate components. This integration significantly simplifies the operational complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The access sheath is designed as a universal device that performs multiple functions including housing both working and security guides, providing dilation capability, and enabling simultaneous positioning. The ureteral probe also serves multiple functions as both a positioning tool and dilator. This multi-functionality reduces the learning curve and operational complexity for operators of all experience levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This approach simplifies the positioning process, reduces the number of components and steps, making it safer and more efficient for both experienced and less experienced operators, while maintaining effective access to difficult-to-reach areas.

Implementation Method 1

the wall of the catheter extending between both holes of the security channel being arranged to open under the action of a peel strength directed from inside to outside the channel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPeeling action:

Data Source

PatentEP2633877B1A catheter-access sheath assembly for positioning an access sheath and a security guide
Publication Date: 2016.10.19 COLOPLAST AS
  • EP2633877B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2633877B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2633877B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a catheter-access sheath assembly for positioning an access sheath (1) and a security guide (3) next to the sheath for an intervention in a difficult-to-access area within the body, comprising, along the catheter (2), at least one security channel (61)for positioning a guide (3) , wherein the security channel is a channel extending between an outer hole (12) and an inner hole (11), the wall of the catheter extending between both holes of the security channel being arranged to open under the action of a peel strength directed from inside to outside the channel and the access sheath is a collapse resistant flexible tube.