Splitable Catheter Docking Station for Hands-Free Introducer Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for inserting central venous catheters are complex, requiring multiple components and steps, and necessitate the clinician to maintain a grasp of the introducer during the procedure, posing risks and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A two-step rapid insertion central catheter (RICC) system comprising an introducer placement system and a docking station that allows the introducer to be maintained in place, coupled with a catheter placement system that simplifies the process by enabling the clinician to release the introducer, utilizing a guidewire hub to prevent embolisms and collapsible sterile barriers to maintain sterility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If current methods for inserting central venous catheters are used, then the procedure can be completed, but the process is complex requiring multiple components and steps, and the clinician must maintain a grasp of the introducer during the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The docking station serves as an intermediary device that receives and secures the introducer hub, allowing the clinician to release the introducer during the procedure. The docking station acts as a mediator between the introducer placement system and the catheter placement system, enabling hands-free operation and simplifying the procedural steps.
2Productivity
If the clinician maintains a grasp of the introducer during the procedure, then control is maintained, but the process becomes more complex and less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The function of holding and securing the introducer is extracted from the clinician's hands and transferred to the docking station. The docking station is specifically designed to receive and secure the introducer hub, allowing the clinician to release the introducer and perform other tasks without compromising control or security of the device.
3Reliability
If a guidewire hub is used to prevent embolisms, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guidewire hub is merged with the docking station, combining multiple functions into a single integrated device. The guidewire hub includes a receptacle for receiving the introducer hub and a guidewire guide that directs the guidewire, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining safety functions.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2E
AI summary
A two-step rapid insertion central catheter ("RICC") system (100) that can include an introducer placement system (100), a docking station (200) and a catheter placement system (300). The introducer placement system can place an introducer (150) within a vasculature, which is supported by a docking station that detaches from a distal end of the introducer placement system. A catheter placement system can be configured to couple with the docking station, and a catheter can be advanced through the introducer into the vasculature. The introducer can then be split and retracted before the catheter placement system disengages the docking station. The docking station can be configured to split and disengage from the catheter. The RICC system can include a guidewire hub to prevent guidewire embolisms, collapsible sterile barriers to prevent contamination, and locking features to prevent premature advancement of guidewires, dilators and the like.