Catheter Forward Arm Distal Grip Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing intravascular catheter insertion methods are prone to accidental withdrawal and lack stability, especially with long catheters, due to the need for complex hand maneuvers and the absence of a forward grip, leading to increased complications and discomfort for both patients and medical personnel.

Innovation Solution

A catheter insertion system featuring a forward arm attached to the IV catheter, allowing for controlled, aseptic insertion with a distal grip that reduces the risk of accidental pullout by enabling the cannula to be inserted without moving the inserting hand, and a needle holder unit with side arms for secure handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a longer catheter (7-10cm) is used to reduce complications and phlebitis, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because the grip is far from the insertion site

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereduction of complications and phlebitisVSAvoidstability of operator during insertion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a forward arm that extends distally from the catheter hub, projecting forward toward the insertion site. This adds a new spatial dimension for gripping, allowing the operator to hold the catheter near the insertion point rather than only at the proximal hub, thereby improving stability during insertion of long catheters

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If manual holding of the catheter insertion system is used during puncturing, then ease of operation is maintained, but reliability deteriorates due to accidental pullout and loss of insertion location

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual handling capabilityVSAvoidprevention of accidental pullout

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The forward arm is pre-positioned on the catheter before insertion, extending toward the insertion site. This preliminary positioning allows the operator to establish a stable grip near the insertion point before puncture occurs, preventing accidental pullout during the critical puncturing and insertion phases

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If complex hand maneuvers are required for catheter insertion, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in insertion techniqueVSAvoidcomplexity of hand maneuvers

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The catheter system is segmented into distinct functional parts: the catheter hub, the forward arm, and the cannula. The forward arm acts as a separate manipulative element that simplifies the insertion process by providing a dedicated gripping point, reducing the need for complex coordinated hand maneuvers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3177343B1Apparatus for inserting a catheter tube

Publication Date: 2021.09.29 BULLPUP SCI

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 1E~2A

AI summary

The present invention relates to a catheter insertion system and method. The system comprises an IV catheter comprising a distal cannula attached to a proximal hollow hub; a forward arm attachably connected to a proximal portion of said IV catheter or element connected thereto, and extending distally therefrom; and a needle configured to pass through and protrude from the cannula.