Catheter Fluid Storage Unit for Bubble-Free In-Line Priming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheter systems require pre-filled syringes or IV drip chambers for priming, which can introduce contamination risks and are cumbersome, and do not ensure bubble-free fluid pathways during catheterization.
Innovation Solution
A fluid storage unit with a reservoir, barrier, and actuator is integrated into the catheter system, allowing for in-line priming by breaching the barrier to facilitate fluid communication and compression for bubble-free fluid flow through the catheter assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pre-filled syringes or IV drip chambers are used for catheter priming, then fluid can be delivered to prime the catheter, but contamination risks increase and the system becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fluid storage reservoir, barrier, and actuator into an integrated fluid storage unit that is directly coupled to the catheter assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate pre-filled syringes or drip chambers, reducing contamination risks while maintaining ease of operation through a unified, self-contained priming system.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid storage unit is designed to be self-contained with an integrated actuator that can breach the barrier to release fluid directly into the catheter lumen. This self-service design eliminates the need for external syringes or drip chambers, reducing contamination opportunities while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If pre-filled syringes or IV drip chambers are used for priming, then fluid delivery is possible, but the system becomes cumbersome and mobility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the reservoir, barrier, and actuator into a single integrated fluid storage unit that couples directly to the catheter, the patent eliminates the need for separate priming devices. This integration reduces device complexity and improves mobility while maintaining the ability to deliver fluid for priming.
3Reliability
If a barrier is introduced to prevent contamination, then fluid communication can be controlled, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier acts as an intermediary element between the reservoir and the catheter lumen. It controls fluid communication by being breached by the actuator, allowing fluid to pass only when intended. This simple intermediary mechanism ensures fluid pathway integrity without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
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
Enables efficient, contamination-free priming of catheters before insertion, ensuring a bubble-free fluid pathway and reducing the need for pre-filled syringes or drip chambers, enhancing mobility and flexibility during catheterization.
Implementation Method 1
the actuator may include a hollow spike... the barrier may be breached by the actuator
Implementation Method 2
the fluid storage unit may be compressible towards an axis of the fluid storage unit aligned with the actuator... in response to squeezing of the fluid storage unit, the fluid may flow from the reservoir into the lumen of the catheter hub
Implementation Method 3
the barrier may include a membrane, which may be hydrophobic... the hydrophobicity of the membrane may prevent the fluid from leaking out of the reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter system may include a catheter assembly, a fluid storage unit, and fluid. The catheter assembly may include a catheter hub, a catheter, an extension tube, and an adapter. The catheter hub may include a distal end, a proximal end, a lumen extending between the distal end and the proximal end, and a side port. The catheter may extend distally from the distal end of the catheter hub. A distal end of the extension tube may be coupled to the side port. The adapter may be coupled to a proximal end of the extension tube. The fluid storage unit may be coupled to the adapter and may include a reservoir, a barrier, and an actuator. The fluid may be disposed within the reservoir. In response to breach of the barrier by the actuator, the reservoir may be in fluid communication with the lumen of the catheter hub.