Fluid Dispensing Catheter Plug for Controlled Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical instruments lack the capability for controlled delivery of fluids to remote locations beyond the distal tip of a bronchoscope during procedures, particularly in pulmonary medicine.
Innovation Solution
A fluid dispensing catheter with a cylindrical plug and a flat surface that partially occludes the passage, allowing controlled fluid flow, featuring a proximal portion for external manipulation to expel fluid from the distal portion, which includes a tip with a cap and inner wall defining a channel for secure attachment and controlled fluid release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a catheter with open passage is used for fluid delivery, then fluid can flow freely to the target site, but the clinician cannot control the fluid flow rate and delivery timing
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into distinct functional segments: a proximal portion for manipulation, a distal portion for fluid delivery, and a plug component with controlled aperture. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component - the plug can be designed specifically for flow control while the catheter body maintains simplicity for navigation.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug acts as an intermediary component between the fluid source and the target site. By positioning the plug within the passage and providing external manipulation capability, it mediates the fluid flow - allowing the clinician to control delivery without directly manipulating the catheter position or using complex pumping mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If a plug is added to control fluid flow, then fluid delivery can be controlled, but the passage becomes partially occluded reducing flow capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The plug is designed with a localized aperture rather than completely blocking the passage. This local quality approach - creating a controlled opening in an otherwise occluding structure - allows the clinician to achieve flow control through the aperture while maintaining the ability to deliver sufficient fluid volume by adjusting aperture size and position within the passage.
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
Enables precise and controlled delivery of fluids to target locations within the body, facilitating therapeutic and diagnostic procedures by allowing clinicians to manage fluid flow from the catheter's distal portion through external manipulation of the proximal portion.
Implementation Method 1
The gap is sized such that flow of fluid from the passage through the gap is reduced and controllable by a clinician interfacing with the proximal portion of the catheter which is remote from the target
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid dispensing catheter includes an inner member defining a first passage and an outer member defining a second passage. The inner member is disposed within the second passage. The fluid dispensing catheter also includes a plug having a proximal section positioned within the first passage and a distal section extending distally from the proximal section. The distal section is positioned outside of the first passage and within the second passage.