Catheter Control Assembly Inflatable Retention Element Pressure Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheter identification systems are cumbersome and costly, requiring magnets on catheters for Hall Effect sensor detection, and fail to determine if a catheter has been previously used, making it difficult for medical professionals to differentiate and manage catheters effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method and catheter control assembly that injects a fluid into the inflatable retention element of a catheter and measures pressure parameters to determine if the catheter has an inflatable retention element, if it has been used, and its size, without the need for additional magnets or retrofitting, using a catheter connector interface with a first lumen for the inflatable element and a second lumen for the main catheter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If magnets are attached to catheters for Hall Effect sensor detection, then catheter type identification is enabled, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the identification function from external additives (magnets) and places it within the catheter's existing structural components. The inflatable retention element itself serves as the identification medium, eliminating the need for separate magnet attachments while maintaining detection capability through pressure sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable retention element serves dual functions: (1) its primary medical function of retaining the catheter in position, and (2) its secondary function as an identification marker for the control assembly. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate identification components, reducing device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If magnets and Hall Effect sensors are used for catheter identification, then catheter type detection is possible, but the system cannot determine if a catheter has been previously used
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the retention element's characteristics before catheter use. By measuring pressure parameters during initial connection, the control assembly determines both the catheter type and whether the retention element has been previously inflated, capturing usage history information before the catheter is deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The control assembly continuously monitors pressure parameters in the retention element to provide feedback about catheter status. This feedback mechanism enables real-time detection of whether the catheter has been used by analyzing changes in the retention element's physical characteristics after inflation.
3Device complexity
If manual tracking of catheter types is used, then no additional hardware is required, but medical professionals cannot efficiently differentiate and manage catheters
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter system performs self-identification through the retention element's inherent physical properties. When connected to the control assembly, the catheter automatically provides identification information through pressure parameter measurements, eliminating the need for manual tracking while enabling efficient automated catheter management.
4Ease of manufacture
If the existing catheter structure is used without modifications, then manufacturing is simple, but catheter identification and usage tracking are not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the identification function with the existing retention element structure. The retention element, which is already part of the catheter's standard design, is utilized as the identification medium by measuring its pressure parameters, thereby achieving catheter identification without requiring any structural modifications or additional manufacturing steps.
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
Enables automatic determination of catheter properties, ensuring proper usage and preventing reuse of contaminated catheters, by analyzing pressure parameters to differentiate between new and used inflatable retention elements and catheter types, thereby improving catheter management and safety.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a pressure parameter related to the pressure in the first lumen
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and catheter control assemblies for determining a functional parameter of a catheter are described. One example method includes connecting the catheter to a catheter connector interface that includes a first lumen configured to be in fluid communication with an inflatable retention element of the catheter and a second lumen configured to be in fluid communication with a main lumen of the catheter. The method further includes injecting a fluid into the first lumen during a predetermined period of time, measuring a pressure parameter related to the pressure in the first lumen, and determining, based on the measured pressure parameter, a functional parameter of the catheter.