Catheter Connection Assist Device Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
The connection process of catheters and patient lines in peritoneal dialysis systems is prone to contamination, leading to potential infections and discomfort due to exposure of connectors to ambient air during manual handling.
Innovation Solution
A connection assist device comprising a minicap catcher, catheter shield, and patient line shield that minimizes direct contact with the connectors, allowing secure connection while protecting the catheter and patient line from contamination, compatible with industrial male and female luer connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handling of catheter and patient line connectors is used, then the connection process is simple and quick, but the connectors are exposed to ambient air and prone to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a connection assist device that acts as an intermediary between the user's hands and the connectors. The device includes a catheter holder with a catheter connector receptacle and a patient line holder with a patient line connector receptacle, allowing the connectors to be manipulated and connected without direct finger contact, thus preventing contamination while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs drape material that forms flexible protective barriers covering the connectors and surrounding areas. The drape creates a controlled environment that prevents ambient air and contaminants from reaching the connectors during the connection process, while still allowing the necessary manipulation and connection actions to be performed
2Productivity
If connectors are exposed to ambient air during connection, then the connection can be performed quickly without additional equipment, but infections and discomfort may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary protective actions by positioning the catheter and patient line within holders and covering them with drape material before the connection process begins. The connectors are prepared and positioned in their respective receptacles with protective barriers already in place, allowing for quick connection while maintaining reliability through pre-established contamination prevention measures
Solution Approach 2:
The connection assist device serves as an intermediary system that enables rapid connection while maintaining infection prevention. The device structure with predefined receptacles and the drape material work together to facilitate quick connector alignment and connection without requiring the user to manually handle exposed connectors, thus achieving both speed and reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A connection assist device, which secures a connection of a catheter connector end to a patient line connector end, is provided. In one embodiment, the assist device includes a patient line shield, a catheter shield, and a minicap catcher. Each shield and catcher includes a first half and a second half. The patient line shied houses the patient line connector end. The catheter shield houses the catheter connector end. The minicap catcher is sized to receive a minicap initially protecting the catheter connector end. During use, the minicap catcher is inserted into the catheter shield and rotated to remove the minicap, after which the minicap connector is removed. The patient line shield is then inserted into the catheter shield housing to connect the catheter connector end to the patient line connector end.