Catheter Flush Device With Pump-Driven Occlusion Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Catheters used for prolonged periods are susceptible to occlusions due to debris, leading to complications such as infection and increased manual flushing risks, which can disrupt infusion therapy and increase infection risk.

Innovation Solution

A flush device with a housing, connectors, conduits, and a pump that facilitates automatic and continuous flushing of catheters, reducing occlusions by providing a controlled fluid flow through a vascular access device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual flushing is performed to prevent catheter occlusion, then occlusion risk is reduced, but adherence to flushing protocols varies across clinicians leading to inconsistent outcomes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveocclusion prevention consistencyVSAvoidmanual flushing adherence

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic flushing operation where the pump and control unit perform the flushing function autonomously based on programmed parameters, eliminating dependence on clinician adherence to manual protocols while maintaining consistent occlusion prevention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical flushing action is replaced with an automated pump-driven fluid delivery system controlled by a microprocessor, transforming the manual process into an automated electronic control system that ensures protocol consistency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If thrombolytic agent is used to break up occlusion, then catheter patency is restored, but installation interrupts infusion therapy and increases cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecatheter patencyVSAvoidinfusion therapy continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary flushing actions at scheduled intervals before occlusion occurs, maintaining catheter patency proactively and preventing the need for therapeutic thrombolytic intervention that would interrupt infusion therapy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The automatic pump delivers continuous or periodic flushing to maintain uninterrupted catheter patency, ensuring both occlusion prevention and continuous infusion therapy without the need to stop for thrombolytic administration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If manual flushing frequency is increased to prevent occlusion, then occlusion risk decreases, but infection risk increases due to more frequent manual interventions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveocclusion preventionVSAvoidinfection risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The automated pump system performs flushing operations without requiring repeated manual access to the catheter hub, eliminating the infection risk associated with frequent manual interventions while maintaining effective occlusion prevention through programmable flushing schedules

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If automatic flushing system is implemented, then occlusion prevention consistency improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflushing protocol consistencyVSAvoidautomatic flushing system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system integrates multiple functions (flushing delivery, blood sampling, infusion connection) into a single multi-functional device that can interface with existing catheter hubs and various medical devices, reducing the need for separate specialized equipment and minimizing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 effectively prevents catheter occlusions by continuous or periodic flushing, minimizing manual intervention and reducing infection risks while maintaining infusion therapy continuity.

Implementation Method 1

the pump may be configured to pump fluid from the fluid reservoir, through the second conduit, and into the first conduit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPump: Pump

Implementation Method 2

the one-way valve may be configured to prevent fluid from flowing beyond the one-way valve toward the fluid reservoir

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOne-way valve: Valve

Data Source

PatentUS12427295B2Catheter flush device, system, and methods

Publication Date: 2025.09.30 BECTON DICKINSON & CO

AI summary

A flush device may be used to flush a catheter system. The flush device may include a housing, a proximal connector coupled to the housing, and a distal connector coupled to the housing. The flush device may include a first conduit disposed within the housing and extending between the proximal connector and the distal connector. The flush device may include a second conduit disposed within the housing and in fluid communication with the first conduit. The flush device may include a fluid reservoir, which may be disposed within the housing of the flush device. The flush device may include a pump that pumps fluid from the fluid reservoir, through the second conduit, and into the first conduit. The device may include a one-way valve, which may prevent fluid from flowing beyond the one-way valve toward the fluid reservoir.