Catheter Connector with Floating Sterilizing Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection devices for catheters, particularly peripheral venous catheters, do not adequately address the risk of sepsis caused by bacterial ingress, and existing solutions either have fixed flow-through elements or require complex replacement procedures.
Innovation Solution
A connection device with a displaceable flow-through element that provides a sterilizing effect over a longer distance, featuring a floating mounting system allowing adjustment based on flow rates and a shape adapted to minimize flow resistance, and incorporating materials with sterilizing properties like silver or copper for enhanced protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed flow-through element is used in the infusion channel, then the sterilizing effect is maintained, but the cleaning and replacement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The flow-through element is designed with a floating mounting that allows it to move dynamically within the infusion channel. It can be displaced longitudinally to different positions, enabling it to be moved to an accessible location for cleaning and replacement while maintaining its sterilizing function during infusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection device is divided into separable components: the main body with the infusion channel and the connector body that can be detached. The flow-through element is associated with the connector body, allowing the connector body to be removed and replaced independently to access and clean the flow-through element.
2Reliability
If the flow element is mounted close to the wall to maintain high sterilizing surface-to-volume ratio, then protection against sepsis is improved, but flow resistance increases at high flow rates
Solution Approach 1:
The flow-through element is mounted in a floating manner that allows automatic adjustment of its position relative to the infusion channel wall. At low flow rates, it remains close to the wall to maximize sterilizing surface contact. At high flow rates, the increased pressure automatically pushes it away from the wall, reducing flow resistance without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the infusion flow itself to automatically adjust the position of the flow-through element. The flow pressure serves as the actuating force that moves the element to the appropriate position, eliminating the need for external control mechanisms or manual adjustment.
3Device complexity
If the connector body is fixed to the main body, then the structure is simpler, but the flow element becomes inaccessible for cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device is divided into two separable parts: the main body containing the infusion channel and the connector body that can be detached. The flow-through element is positioned in the connector body, which can be removed from the main body to provide access to the flow-through element for cleaning and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector body serves as an intermediary component that houses the flow-through element and can be independently removed. This intermediate structure allows access to the flow-through element without requiring disassembly of the entire connection device or the main body.
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
The solution effectively increases the protective barrier against sepsis by maintaining a high sterilizing surface-to-volume ratio while ensuring low flow resistance, allowing for easy cleaning and replacement of the flow element, and providing a secure, liquid-tight connection.
Implementation Method 1
providing a sieve element made of silver which has numerous outlet openings and which is arranged in the infusion channel or at the end of the infusion channel as seen in the direction of infusion flow. The flow-through element designed as a sieve element represents a barrier for bacteria and/or fungi
Implementation Method 2
The floating mounting of the flow element, preferably in the main body, ensures that the distance between the outer wall of the flow element and the inner wall of the connector body infusion channel can change depending on the flow rate given in the infusion channel
Data Source
Figure 1~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a connecting device for a catheter, in particular a peripheral vein catheter, comprising a main body (1) with a main body infusion channel (2) and a flow element (7a, 7b, 7c) which has a sterilising action and extends in the form of a bag in the flow direction of the main body infusion channel (2), and is characterised in that a connecting body (10) having a connecting body infusion channel (16) is releasably fixed to the main body (1) and the flow element (7a, 7b, 7c) extends at least also in the connecting body infusion channel (16) and is movably mounted in the longitudinal direction of the main body infusion channel (2).