Unified Catheter Insertion Tool with Integrated Guidewire Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current catheter placement devices require multiple steps and tools for needle insertion, guidewire advancement, and catheter insertion, which can be cumbersome and increase the risk of procedural errors.

Innovation Solution

A unified insertion tool that integrates needle insertion, guidewire advancement, and catheter insertion into a single device, featuring a housing with a hollow needle, a pre-disposed guidewire, and advancement assemblies for both the guidewire and catheter, allowing for simultaneous and controlled advancement without hand relocation during the procedure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple separate tools are used for needle insertion, guidewire advancement, and catheter insertion, then each function can be performed with a dedicated device, but the procedural complexity increases and user control is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocedural safetyVSAvoidnumber of separate tools
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines needle insertion, guidewire advancement, and catheter insertion functions into a single integrated insertion tool. The device includes a hollow needle with a guidewire pre-disposed within it, and a catheter pre-disposed over the needle, all controlled from a single handle assembly. This merging eliminates the need to switch between multiple separate tools during the procedure, reducing procedural complexity while maintaining safety through integrated control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The insertion tool is designed as a multi-functional device that performs needle insertion, guidewire advancement, and catheter insertion through a single unified system. The handle assembly includes separate advancement assemblies for each component (needle, guidewire, catheter), allowing all functions to be controlled from one device without requiring multiple specialized tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If separate advancement steps are required for each component, then precise control of each element is achieved, but the procedure becomes more time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser controlVSAvoidprocedural time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The advancement assemblies are designed to be selectively actuated in any sequence desired by the operator. The handle includes independent advancement mechanisms for the needle, guidewire, and catheter that can be activated dynamically during the procedure. This dynamic control allows the operator to advance components in the most efficient sequence for each specific case, reducing procedural time while maintaining precise control over each element's positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If hand relocation is required between different tools, then each tool can be optimized for its specific function, but procedural efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocedural efficiencyVSAvoidhand movement
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By consolidating all advancement functions into a single handle assembly, the patent eliminates the need for the operator to relocate their hand between multiple separate tools. The handle includes all necessary control mechanisms for advancing the needle, guidewire, and catheter within easy reach of the operator's fingers, maintaining procedural efficiency through continuous hand positioning on one device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3677294A1Catheter placement device including guidewire and catheter control elements
Publication Date: 2020.07.08 CR BARD INC
  • EP3677294A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3677294A1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3677294A1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

An insertion tool for inserting a catheter into a body of a patient, comprising a housing in which at least a portion of the catheter is initially disposed; a needle distally extending from the housing, at least a portion of the catheter pre-disposed over the needle; a guidewire; a guidewire advancement assembly for selectively distally advancing the distal end of the guidewire out a distal opening of the needle in preparation for distal advancement of the catheter; and a catheter advancement assembly for selectively advancing the catheter in a distal direction, the catheter advancement assembly including a handle assembly, at least one of the guidewire advancement assembly and the handle assembly configured to prevent advancement of the catheter until distal advancement of the guidewire is performed.