Angled Catheter Stabilization Platform with Blunt Cannula
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheter stabilization platforms do not effectively support catheter assemblies at the optimal insertion angle, which can lead to instability and complications during fluid infusion or blood withdrawal.
Innovation Solution
A catheter attachment platform with an upper surface angled to match the insertion angle of the catheter, featuring a snap feature for secure coupling and a blunt cannula for straight instrument insertion, which supports the catheter assembly and maintains stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a catheter assembly is supported at a non-optimal angle, then the device structure is simpler, but stability and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The platform incorporates a specifically angled upper surface (e.g., 30 degrees) at the location where the catheter assembly contacts it, while the rest of the platform maintains a standard structure. This localized angular feature provides the necessary stability without requiring complete redesign of the entire device, thus improving reliability while limiting complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform is pre-configured with the optimal insertion angle built into its upper surface before use. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex adjustment mechanisms during the procedure, as the catheter assembly automatically assumes the correct angle when placed on the platform, thereby enhancing stability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Reliability
If the upper surface is angled to match insertion angle, then catheter stability improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The platform design specifies a standard angle parameter (e.g., 30 degrees) for the upper surface that matches typical catheter insertion angles. By establishing this as a fixed design parameter rather than an adjustable feature, the patent simplifies manufacturing while maintaining the necessary precision for clinical effectiveness.
3Ease of operation
If a blunt cannula is added for straight instrument insertion, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blunt cannula is integrated with the platform structure, forming a unified component rather than a separate attachment. The cannula emerges directly from the platform's upper surface, combining the support function of the platform with the guidance function of the cannula into a single structural element, thereby improving ease of operation while minimizing complexity increase.
4Reliability
If multiple snap features are included for secure coupling, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is divided into modular snap features that can be selectively positioned on the platform. Rather than using a single complex coupling system, multiple simpler snap features are distributed across the platform surface, allowing secure attachment of the catheter assembly at optimal locations while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
An attachment for a catheter assembly may include a platform, which may include an upper surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface may be configured to contact skin of a patient. At least a portion of the upper surface may be configured to support the catheter assembly. The upper surface may support the catheter assembly at an angle with respect to skin of the patient that is approximately equal to an insertion angle of a catheter of the catheter assembly. The attachment may include snap feature coupled to the upper surface of the platform. The attachment may include a blunt cannula extending distally from the snap feature. The blunt cannula and the portion of the upper surface may provide a generally straight pathway for an instrument inserted distally through the attachment into the catheter assembly.