Catheter Hub Assembly Suture Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheters with anchor structures, such as the pigtail loop, can inadvertently be released from a patient if the suture thread becomes loosened or unsecured, leading to unintended withdrawal of the catheter.
Innovation Solution
A catheter hub assembly with a hub knob and hub body that includes suture holes, a locking member, and limit members to securely position the suture wire, allowing for alignment and offset configurations to maintain the catheter in a pigtail configuration and prevent accidental straightening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the suture thread is tied or locked to prevent pigtail loop straightening, then the catheter remains anchored, but the suture thread may become loosened or unsecured causing inadvertent catheter withdrawal
Solution Approach 1:
The hub assembly is divided into separate components: a hub body with a first suture hole and a movable hub knob with a second suture hole. This segmentation allows independent manipulation of each component to secure the suture wire reliably.
Solution Approach 2:
The hub knob is designed to be movable relative to the hub body, transitioning between positions that align or offset the suture holes. This dynamic positioning allows the system to adapt between different states of suture wire tension and security.
2Ease of operation
If the suture holes are aligned to allow suture wire passage, then the catheter can be introduced, but the suture wire cannot be securely locked in position
Solution Approach 1:
The hub knob can be moved between positions that align the suture holes for easy wire passage during introduction, and positions that offset the holes to create a locking mechanism that secures the wire in place during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The hub knob acts as an intermediary component between the hub body and the suture wire, providing both alignment and locking functions through its movable positioning relative to the hub body.
3Reliability
If the hub knob is made movable to allow alignment and offset positions, then the suture wire can be secured, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hub assembly is segmented into a hub body and a separate movable hub knob, allowing the locking function to be added without redesigning the entire hub structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A single movable hub knob provides both alignment and locking capabilities through its position changes, consolidating multiple functions into one dynamic component rather than requiring multiple separate mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter hub assembly comprising a hub body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a shaft having a first suture hole, a collar and a snap ring; a hub knob having a second suture hole and rotatably coupled to the hub body; and a hub cap having a snap rut wherein the snap ring fits into the snap rut. In one embodiment, the hub body includes a lock element; the hub knob includes a first tab element and a second tab element; and the hub cap includes a groove; wherein the first tab element engages the lock element; and wherein the second tab element engages the groove. In another embodiment, the hub cap includes a lock element comprising a resilient tab and a catch; the hub knob includes a catch tab; wherein the catch tab engages the catch of the lock element.