Catheter Extraction Tool with Integrated Cutting Head
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Solution Overview
Problem
The removal of implanted cuffed catheters is complicated by the formation of scar tissue around the cuff, requiring surgical dissection and traction, which can be time-consuming and traumatic for the patient.
Innovation Solution
A tissue dissection device with a removal head featuring obliquely extending cutting edges and a blunt tip is advanced over the catheter to dissect the cuff from surrounding tissue, allowing for the catheter to be removed as a single piece without the need for surgical incisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If surgical dissection is used to remove the catheter and cuff from scar tissue, then the catheter can be removed, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and requires skilled surgical instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the cutting function from traditional surgical instruments and integrates it directly into the catheter extraction device. The cutting element is built into the extraction device itself, allowing simultaneous dissection and extraction in a single motion, eliminating the need for separate surgical dissection steps and reducing overall procedure time.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple functions (extraction and cutting) into a single integrated device. The catheter extraction device combines the retrieval mechanism with an integrated cutting element, allowing the provider to perform both dissection of scar tissue and extraction of the catheter-cuff assembly in one continuous action, thereby reducing the number of steps and time required.
2Reliability
If surgical dissection is performed to remove the catheter, then complete removal is achieved, but the procedure becomes more complex and requires multiple surgical instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter extraction device is designed as a multi-functional universal tool that can perform both cutting through scar tissue and extraction of the catheter-cuff assembly. This single device replaces multiple specialized surgical instruments (scissors, scalpels, hemostats), simplifying the procedural workflow while maintaining complete removal capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting function is extracted from separate surgical instruments and integrated directly into the extraction device. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple instruments and skilled surgical manipulation, allowing providers to achieve complete catheter removal with a single streamlined device.
3Reliability
If traditional extraction methods are used, then the catheter can be removed, but the procedure causes trauma to the patient and requires surgical dissection
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex manual surgical dissection mechanics with an integrated mechanical cutting system built into the extraction device. The cutting element systematically divides scar tissue attachments while the extraction mechanism simultaneously retrieves the catheter, reducing the need for forceful manual manipulation and minimizing patient trauma.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting element is positioned to preemptively divide scar tissue attachments before the extraction force is applied. This preliminary cutting action prevents the need for forceful pulling and manual dissection during extraction, thereby reducing trauma to surrounding tissues while ensuring complete catheter removal.
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 device facilitates the efficient and less invasive removal of cuffed catheters, reducing procedure time, minimizing trauma to the patient, and allowing for removal by non-surgeons in various medical settings.
Implementation Method 1
A tissue dissection device with a removal head featuring obliquely extending cutting edges is advanced over the catheter to dissect the cuff from surrounding tissue
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter extraction tool has a head that can be placed in position to significantly surround a diameter of a catheter. The head is shaped to have a low enough profile above the catheter to allow the head to be slid down the catheter and into a subdermal region in which the catheter is subdermal with respect to a patient. The head of the catheter extraction tool is expanded sufficiently to slide the head over a catheter cuff located in the subdermal region. After the head of the catheter extraction tool slides over the catheter cuff, the head is contracted to engage the catheter so that a user can pull the catheter out of the patient using the catheter extraction tool.