Conductive Element Insertion into Catheter Lumen
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring kidney function in patients, particularly after surgeries, face challenges in accurately measuring oxygenation status due to the inaccessibility of the kidneys, and existing catheters are difficult to insert with sensing devices due to flexibility and friction issues.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a sensing device with a conductive element, such as an optical fiber or electrical wire, into a Foley catheter lumen, facilitated by an introducer and a rigid member, allows for accurate sensing of parameters like oxygen content in urine close to the kidneys, enabling better monitoring of kidney function without increasing catheter stiffness or discomfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensing device with conductive element is introduced into the catheter lumen, then measurement precision of oxygen content is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive element (optical fiber or electrical wire) is inserted through the catheter lumen, nesting the sensing component within the existing catheter structure. The introducer device further nests around the conductive element during insertion, creating a hierarchical assembly that enables sensing functionality without fundamentally redesigning the catheter.
Solution Approach 2:
The introducer acts as an intermediary device that facilitates the insertion of the conductive element into the catheter lumen. It provides a guided pathway and mechanical support during the insertion process, then is removed, leaving the conductive element in place. This mediator enables the integration of sensing capability without permanently complicating the catheter structure.
2Ease of operation
If the catheter is made stiffer to facilitate insertion with sensing device, then ease of operation is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive element is pre-loaded into the introducer device before insertion into the catheter. The introducer is then inserted into the catheter lumen, providing preliminary structural support and guidance. This preliminary action enables easier insertion of the sensing device without requiring the catheter itself to be stiffer, thereby maintaining patient comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The introducer serves as a temporary intermediary that provides the necessary stiffness and structural support during the insertion process. Once the conductive element is successfully positioned, the introducer is removed, leaving the flexible catheter in place. This mediator enables ease of operation during insertion without permanently increasing catheter stiffness that would cause patient discomfort.
3Ease of operation
If friction between conductive element and catheter wall is reduced, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of sensing device positioning may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The introducer acts as an intermediary that reduces friction between the conductive element and the catheter lumen wall during insertion. It provides a smoother, more compliant pathway that facilitates easier insertion. The introducer's inner surface is designed to minimize friction while maintaining adequate contact to guide the conductive element to the correct position, thus balancing ease of operation with positioning reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction characteristics are modified by changing the surface properties of the introducer and the interaction interface. The introducer material and surface treatment are selected to optimize the friction coefficient, enabling smooth insertion while maintaining sufficient control over the conductive element's position. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between ease of insertion and positioning reliability.
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 solution enables precise monitoring of kidney function by accurately measuring oxygen levels in urine, reducing the risk of acute kidney injury and improving patient care by facilitating early intervention.
Implementation Method 1
an optical fiber communicatively coupled to the sensor circuitry and the sensing element
Data Source
AI summary
Example assemblies and techniques for introducing a conductive element into a catheter are disclosed. An example assembly includes a sensing device configured to sense a parameter of interest in a fluid, the sensing device including sensor circuitry at a distal portion, a sensing element at a proximal portion, and a conductive element communicatively coupled to the sensor circuitry and the sensing element. The assembly includes an introducer defining an introducer lumen configured to receive at least a portion of the conductive element of the sensing device, the introducer being configured to be inserted into a catheter lumen of a catheter while the at least the portion of the conductive element is in the introducer lumen. The assembly further includes a rigid member mechanically coupled to the sensing device and configured to open a longitudinal surface of the introducer as the introducer is retracted relative to the sensing device.