Catheter Console Port Indicators for Error-Free Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical catheterization systems face confusion and lack of immediate feedback when connecting catheters and other equipment to a console, leading to potential misconnection and incomplete setup during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A console system with ports featuring indicators that provide visual and mechanical cues to indicate which equipment should be connected for the specific procedure, reducing confusion and ensuring complete setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ports are provided on the console to accommodate various catheters and equipment, then the system's adaptability and functionality are improved, but the complexity of connecting equipment correctly increases and confusion arises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color coding to connectors and ports to indicate their function and compatibility. Different colors represent different types of connections (e.g., mapping catheters, ablation catheters, irrigation pumps), allowing users to quickly identify correct connections without complex documentation or training.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary indicator system that provides visual feedback about connection status. LEDs or other indicators on the console show whether a port is active, requires connection, or is already connected, serving as a mediator between the complex internal system state and the user's understanding.
2Reliability
If keyed connectors are used to prevent misconnection, then connection reliability is improved, but the ability to connect additional necessary equipment is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connector system into multiple families, each with unique keying characteristics. Instead of one universal keyed connector, there are several types of keyed connectors (e.g., for mapping, ablation, imaging) that can be combined in different configurations, allowing both prevention of misconnection and flexibility for different procedure requirements.
3Ease of operation
If color coding is used to reduce connection confusion, then ease of operation is improved, but immediate feedback when equipment is missing or misconnected is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms in the form of indicators (LEDs, display elements) that provide real-time information about connection status. These indicators show which ports are active, which equipment is properly connected, and which connections are missing or incorrect, giving immediate feedback to guide the user.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the console provides many connection ports for different procedures, then procedural versatility is improved, but the time required to setup and configure connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action through pre-configured connection schemes and automated port identification. The system can automatically detect which ports are being used based on the procedure type selected, and pre-configure the appropriate indicators and connection requirements, eliminating the need for manual setup of each connection.
Data Source
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AI summary
A console for performing a medical procedure has connection ports for electrically coupling equipment. Each connection port may have an associated indicator that signals whether a piece of equipment should be connected to the respective connection port. The indicators may be selectively activated depending on the procedure being performed with the console.