Percutaneous Catheter Coupling with Magnetic Failure-Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Percutaneous devices often experience dislodgement due to external forces, leading to complications such as tissue damage, interruption in drainage, and the need for repeated procedures, which can cause patient discomfort and increase healthcare costs.
Innovation Solution
A percutaneous system with a failure-release mechanism that automatically disconnects the catheter connection when a predetermined force is applied, incorporating magnets for secure coupling and a retainer to secure the catheter to the patient's skin, reducing the risk of dislodgement and incorporating a one-way valve to prevent fluid flow after disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a percutaneous device is securely connected to prevent dislodgement, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is divided into separate components: a first coupling attached to the catheter, a second coupling attached to the drainage bag, and a failure-release mechanism that connects them. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall reliability through the failure-release feature that prevents complete dislodgement.
Solution Approach 2:
The failure-release mechanism acts as an intermediary between the catheter and drainage bag connections. It includes a one-way valve and magnetic coupling that mediates the connection, allowing controlled separation under excessive force while maintaining normal drainage function.
2Reliability
If a failure-release mechanism is added to protect against dislodgement, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The failure-release mechanism is designed to automatically activate and separate the catheter from the drainage bag when excessive force is applied, without requiring external intervention. The one-way valve and magnetic coupling work together to self-regulate the connection based on applied force thresholds.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic coupling strength is designed to change based on the force applied to the system. Under normal conditions, the magnetic attraction maintains secure connection. When excessive force is applied, the magnetic coupling fails to hold, automatically triggering the failure-release mechanism.
3Reliability
If a retainer is used to secure the catheter to the patient's skin, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is pre-configured with a specific geometry that matches the catheter shape, and the arcuate surface with textured pattern is pre-designed to provide optimal friction. This preliminary design ensures that once applied, the retainer automatically secures the catheter without requiring continuous adjustment or complex manipulation during patient care.
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 system significantly reduces accidental catheter removals, minimizes interruptions in patient therapy, decreases the need for repeat procedures, and enhances patient comfort by providing a secure and reliable drainage solution.
Implementation Method 1
The failure-release can include a set of magnets, including a first magnet attached to the first coupling and a second magnet attached to the second coupling. The first and second magnets can be removably coupled via a magnetic attraction therebetween.
Implementation Method 2
The first coupling can include a one-way valve and the second coupling can include a stem configured to extend into the first coupling to open the one-way valve.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for a coupling a percutaneous device. The system can include a first coupling that can be configured to connect to a first catheter extending through a percutaneous opening in a patient, a second coupling that can be configured to connect to a second catheter to fluidly connect to the first catheter, and a failure-release that can be configured to automatically disconnect the fluid connection between the first catheter and the second catheter upon the system receiving a force at or above a predetermined threshold to protect the percutaneous opening in the patient from the force.