Selective-Permeability Catheter Probe for IV Occlusion Bypass
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Solution Overview
Problem
IV catheter devices often become occluded, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to the need for replacement, as existing solutions like rigid tubing can also become occluded and form separate pathways that are prone to thrombosis.
Innovation Solution
A probe with a selectively permeable distal end is integrated into the catheter device, allowing controlled fluid flow and occlusion bypass or removal, minimizing the risk of the probe becoming occluded by manipulating its permeability through a probe actuator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid tubing is inserted through the catheter to bypass occlusion, then fluid flow is restored, but the tubing becomes occluded with thrombus as it is pushed through and beyond the occlusion
Solution Approach 1:
The distal end of the probe is made selectively permeable, allowing it to filter and interact with thrombus material in a controlled manner. This permeability enables the probe to maintain patency by allowing selective passage of fluids while managing thrombus formation, addressing the contradiction between restoring flow and avoiding thrombus occlusion
Solution Approach 2:
The probe's permeability parameter is made variable through the probe actuator, allowing dynamic adjustment between open and closed states. This enables the system to adapt to different operational conditions - remaining closed during insertion to minimize thrombus capture, then opening to restore fluid flow while managing thrombus interaction
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the probe remains closed to minimize occlusion risk, then thrombus formation is reduced, but fluid flow control is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The probe transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one with variable permeability controlled by the probe actuator. This allows the probe to change its state between closed (minimizing occlusion) and open (enabling fluid flow), resolving the contradiction between minimizing occlusion risk and maintaining operational control
3Reliability
If a separate fluid pathway is created to bypass occlusion, then catheter function is restored, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe integrates multiple functions - it serves as both a catheter extension and a thrombus management device with selectively permeable distal end. By combining these functions into a single integrated component rather than separate devices, the solution restores fluid pathway functionality while managing complexity
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 probe's selective permeability ensures minimal occlusion risk and controlled fluid flow, maintaining catheter functionality and reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Implementation Method 1
the probe having a selectively permeable distal end
Data Source
AI summary
An intravenous catheter device can have a probe with a selectively permeable distal end. The probe can be inserted through a catheter while the catheter is positioned intravenously to facilitate fluid flow into or out from the catheter such as by removing an occlusion or repositioning the catheter. Due to its selective permeability, the distal end of the probe can minimize the likelihood of the probe becoming occluded while it is inserted intravenously and may provide control over the rate of fluid flow into or out from the catheter.