Catheter Hub With Compliant Insert Reducing Cavity Volume
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices, such as catheters, face challenges with particle agglomeration and blockage due to large hub cavity volumes and steep transition angles, which affect injection efficiency and require additional assistance for embolic coil delivery.
Innovation Solution
A hub assembly with a compliant insert reducing the cavity volume and featuring a tapered strain relief and texturized lumen to enhance friction and retention, along with a clamping mechanism for secure device positioning, minimizes particle agglomeration and facilitates one-handed embolic coil delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If a large hub cavity volume is used, then the hub can accommodate larger components, but particle agglomeration and blockage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hub is divided into multiple cavities of varying sizes, with larger cavities positioned proximally and smaller cavities positioned distally. This segmentation allows the hub to accommodate larger components while minimizing the volume where particle agglomeration occurs, as the smaller distal cavities reduce the space available for particles to aggregate.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the hub are designed with different cavity volumes tailored to their specific functions. The proximal region has larger cavities for component accommodation, while the distal region has smaller cavities to reduce particle agglomeration risk. This local differentiation optimizes both component housing and particle management.
2Ease of manufacture
If steep transition angles are used in the hub, then manufacturing is simplified, but particle agglomeration and blockage are exacerbated
Solution Approach 1:
The hub features varying transition angles at different locations. Steeper transition angles are used in regions where particle flow is less critical, simplifying manufacturing in those areas. Gentler transition angles are applied in regions where particle flow occurs, reducing particle agglomeration while maintaining overall manufacturing feasibility.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a compliant insert material is used, then the hub can reduce cavity volume and improve particle flow, but the structural strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hub is constructed as a composite structure with an inner compliant insert and an outer rigid shell. The compliant insert material (e.g., silicone or thermoplastic elastomer) reduces cavity volume and improves particle flow, while the outer rigid shell provides the necessary structural strength and durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The compliant insert is nested within the rigid outer shell, creating a layered structure where each material performs its optimal function. The inner compliant layer manages particle flow and cavity volume, while the outer rigid layer provides structural support.
4Reliability
If additional assistance is required for embolic coil delivery, then delivery control is improved, but procedural complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hub design enables self-contained embolic coil delivery through its optimized cavity structure. The varying cavity volumes and transition angles facilitate automatic coil progression and release, eliminating the need for additional assistance while maintaining reliable delivery control.
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 solution reduces particle agglomeration, enhances injection efficiency, and allows for single-handed embolic coil delivery without assistance, improving procedural ease and reducing the risk of device damage.
Implementation Method 1
texturized lumen to enhance friction and retention
Implementation Method 2
insert may be formed from a second material more compliant than the first material
Data Source
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AI summary
A hub assembly for connection to a medical device. The hub assembly may comprises an outer component having a proximal end, a distal end, and a cavity extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The hub assembly may further include an insert having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end positioned at least in part within the cavity of the outer component. The insert may have a lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end thereof. The outer component may be formed from a first material and the insert may be formed from a second material different from the first material.