Catheter System Segmentation for Blood Collection Contamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Intravenous catheters face challenges in blood collection due to contamination of samples with priming fluid, blood residue at the catheter adapter, and increased risk of blood exposure, particularly when using existing flashback mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A catheter system with a translucent catheter featuring a flashback notch and venting capabilities, along with a needle shield and wedge mechanism, reduces contamination by minimizing contact between priming fluid and blood, and enhances visibility of flashback for accurate placement, while incorporating a clip to secure the introducer needle and prevent needle sticks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If blood collection is performed through the catheter adapter using existing flashback mechanisms, then blood samples can be collected, but the samples become contaminated with priming fluid and blood residue remains at the catheter adapter
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the blood collection pathway into separate segments: the introducer needle with its own lumen is separated from the catheter adapter and catheter lumen. Blood is collected through the introducer needle directly into the blood collection device, while the catheter lumen is used exclusively for priming fluid infusion. This segmentation prevents mixing between blood samples and priming fluid, eliminating contamination while allowing both functions to occur independently.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the catheter adapter is used for both priming fluid infusion and blood collection, then both functions are integrated, but blood residue remains at the proximal end of the catheter adapter after flushing
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates blood collection from the catheter adapter by routing blood through the introducer needle directly to the blood collection device. The catheter adapter is then dedicated solely to priming fluid infusion, eliminating the mixed-use problem that caused blood residue accumulation. This functional segmentation allows complete flushing of the catheter lumen without leaving blood residue at the adapter.
Solution Approach 2:
The blood collection function is extracted from the catheter adapter and relocated to the introducer needle pathway. By removing the blood collection function from the adapter, the adapter can be completely flushed of any blood residue and dedicated to priming fluid only, eliminating the source of contamination and residue accumulation.
3Ease of operation
If the catheter adapter and catheter are used for blood collection, then blood can be accessed, but the risk of blood exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary isolation of the blood collection pathway by using the introducer needle, which maintains a sealed connection to the blood collection device throughout the procedure. The catheter adapter and catheter remain connected to the priming fluid source, creating separate sealed pathways. This preliminary separation minimizes the number of connection points where blood exposure could occur, reducing risk while maintaining ease of operation.
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 improves first-stick success and reduces contamination risks by ensuring blood samples are collected without priming fluid interference and minimizes needle exposure hazards, enhancing safety and efficiency in blood collection procedures.
Implementation Method 1
where the intravenous catheter is at least partially transparent, the user may visualize a small amount of blood 'flashback'
Implementation Method 2
The vacuum in the VACUTAINER tube may cause the blood sample to be drawn, through at least a portion of the catheter and then the introducer needle
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A catheter system may include a catheter assembly, which may include a catheter adapter and a catheter extending distally from the catheter adapter. The catheter system may include a needle assembly, which may include a needle hub and an introducer needle extending distally from the needle hub. The introducer needle may extend through the catheter. The needle assembly may also include an extension tube, which may include a distal end integrated with the needle hub and a proximal end integrated with a cannula hub. A cannula may extend proximally from the cannula hub. An elastomeric sheath may be coupled to the cannula hub, and a proximal end of the cannula may be enveloped within the elastomeric sheath. In response to the blood collection tube pushing the elastomeric sheath distally, the cannula may pierce the elastomeric sheath, and the cannula may insert into the blood collection tube.