Catheter Diffusion Hole Array Reduces Jet Velocity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current rapid infusion therapies using traditional catheter geometries result in increased backpressure, fluid acceleration, and high exit velocities, leading to potential vein damage and system failure during high-flow medical procedures.

Innovation Solution

The development of an intravenous catheter with a tapered tip featuring a plurality of diffusion holes, arranged in a staggered array, to divert fluid flow and reduce pressure and jet velocity, while maintaining high infusion rates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional catheter geometries with tapered tips are used for rapid infusion, then high infusion flow rates can be achieved, but backpressure increases and exit jet velocity becomes excessively high causing vein damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfusion flow rateVSAvoidvein damage from high jet velocity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The catheter tip is segmented into multiple diffusion holes instead of a single opening, distributing the fluid flow across numerous smaller channels. This segmentation reduces the exit velocity at each hole while maintaining the total flow rate, preventing vein damage from high-speed jets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a traditional single-dimension tapered tip to a multi-dimensional diffusion hole array. By creating holes at various angles and orientations (including upstream-facing holes), the fluid flow is redirected in multiple directions, reducing axial velocity and preventing direct high-speed impact on vein walls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If traditional catheter geometries are used for rapid infusion, then high flow rates are achieved, but system pressure increases leading to potential system failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfusion flow rateVSAvoidsystem backpressure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the geometric parameters of the catheter tip by creating diffusion holes with specific diameters, angles, and distributions. These parameter changes optimize the flow characteristics, reducing pressure buildup while maintaining high flow rates through the diffusion hole array.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If a tapered catheter tip is used to accelerate fluid flow, then infusion efficiency is improved, but recoil force shifts the catheter tip within the vein causing displacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfusion efficiencyVSAvoidcatheter tip position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The diffusion holes are arranged asymmetrically with respect to the catheter axis, with upstream-facing holes positioned to counteract recoil forces. This asymmetric arrangement creates a more balanced force distribution, reducing catheter tip displacement while maintaining infusion efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

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 reduces jet velocity by 36% and decreases system pressure by nearly 30%, enhancing safety and efficiency during rapid infusion procedures without compromising flow rates.

Implementation Method 1

a tip portion modified to include a plurality of diffusion holes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentUS10166364B2Systems and methods for improving catheter hole array efficiency

Publication Date: 2019.01.01 BECTON DICKINSON & CO

AI summary

Systems and methods for manufacturing a peripheral catheter having a plurality of diffusion holes.