Catheter Coupler Aligns Lumen Axis to Prevent Kinking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current catheter systems face challenges in securely aligning and inserting catheters into delivery sheaths, leading to potential strain on the catheter and increased risk of kinking or insertion complications, which can compromise the integrity of the catheter and hinder smooth operation during medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A delivery sheath coupler system featuring a cylindrical shaft with a coupling member that aligns the axis of the lumen with the insertion port, including features like a flared proximal portion to prevent over-insertion and secure engagement mechanisms such as threading, snap-fit, or bayonet-style connections, ensuring proper alignment and secure attachment of the catheter within the sheath.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a catheter is inserted into a delivery sheath without a coupling member, then the insertion process is simpler, but the catheter may become strained or kinked due to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
A coupling member is introduced as an intermediary component between the catheter and delivery sheath. This coupling member includes a coupling portion that engages with the delivery sheath and a shaft portion that receives the catheter, ensuring proper alignment and preventing strain or kinking during insertion while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Reliability
If a coupling member is added to align the catheter with the delivery sheath, then catheter alignment and integrity are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member is segmented into distinct functional portions: a coupling portion for engaging with the delivery sheath and a shaft portion for receiving the catheter. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity. The coupling member can be implemented as a single integrated component or assembled from separate parts, providing flexibility without excessive complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the lumen axis is not aligned with the insertion port axis, then insertion is easier, but the catheter is more prone to kinking and complications
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member is designed with features that preliminarily establish proper alignment before the catheter is fully inserted. The coupling portion engages with the delivery sheath first, positioning the shaft portion and subsequently the catheter along the correct axis, thereby preventing kinking and insertion complications before they can occur.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A delivery sheath to catheter coupler includes a cylindrical shaft and a coupling member. The cylindrical shaft extends along an axis and is configured for longitudinal alignment with an insertion port of a catheter delivery sheath. The cylindrical shaft includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end along the axis. The lumen is sized to receive an end effector of a catheter. The coupling member is attached to the cylindrical shaft and is configured for selective securement to the catheter delivery sheath. The coupling member is configured to align the axis of the lumen with a longitudinal axis of the insertion port when the coupling member is selectively secured to the catheter delivery sheath.