Kink-Resistant Catheter Extension Set for Blood Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Peripheral intravenous catheters often experience flow restrictions due to kinking, blockages, and hemolysis, leading to inadequate and unsuitable blood samples for testing.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a kink-resistant catheter system with a diffuser tip and antimicrobial coating, along with a blood sampling device capable of collecting both small and large blood samples, optimized for efficient blood draw and reduced hemolysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If peripheral intravenous catheters are used for blood sampling, then blood can be obtained through existing IV access, but flow restrictions occur due to kinking and blockages
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter system is divided into multiple functional segments: the indwelling catheter portion remains in the vein, while a separate extension set with blood sampling port allows blood withdrawal without disturbing the catheter position. This segmentation prevents kinking at the sampling site while maintaining reliable blood flow from the vein.
Solution Approach 2:
An extension set acts as an intermediary between the indwelling catheter and the blood sampling syringe. This intermediate component provides a dedicated blood sampling port that eliminates the need to manipulate the catheter itself during blood draws, thereby preventing kinking and blockages while enabling blood sampling functionality.
2Productivity
If blood is withdrawn through existing peripheral intravenous catheters, then blood samples can be obtained, but substantial hemolysis occurs making samples unsuitable for testing
Solution Approach 1:
The extension set serves as an intermediary that provides a optimized blood sampling pathway separate from the infusion catheter. This intermediate component is specifically designed with appropriate lumen dimensions and flow characteristics that minimize shear stress on red blood cells, thereby reducing hemolysis while maintaining efficient blood sample acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension set modifies the flow parameters by providing a larger, smoother lumen compared to the narrow catheter tip. This parameter change in the flow path geometry reduces turbulence and shear forces during blood withdrawal, minimizing hemolysis while maintaining adequate blood flow rate for sample collection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If catheters are used for both fluid injection and blood sampling, then multi-functionality is achieved, but the catheter design becomes compromised for optimal blood draw performance
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into two distinct functional components: the indwelling catheter optimized for fluid injection and the extension set optimized for blood sampling. This segmentation allows each component to be independently optimized for its specific function, with the extension set providing the appropriate lumen size and flow characteristics for blood draw while the catheter remains optimized for infusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension set provides universal multi-functionality by enabling both blood sampling and continued fluid injection through the same IV access. The extension set's design allows it to interface with both syringes for blood withdrawal and infusion bags for fluid administration, making the system universally functional while maintaining optimal performance for each specific task.
Data Source
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AI summary
An intravenous system can be optimized to improve blood draw success and reduce hemolysis within the blood sample. Multiple optimizations can be made to an intravenous system, such as a peripheral intravenous catheter, to enhance the system's ability to provide blood samples having sufficient quality for many different tests. These optimizations can include features which enable an intravenous system, such as a peripheral intravenous catheter, to continue to perform efficiently when used to obtain blood samples even after the system has been placed within the patient's vasculature for a substantial duration of time. Also, these optimizations can include features for optimizing the fluid path and flow characteristics during blood withdrawal to minimize the amount of hemolysis that may be caused during withdrawal. Further, these optimizations can include features for integrating blood acquisition and dispense capabilities within the system.