Catheter Support Cannula Assembly for Buckling Prevention

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drainage/infusion catheters face challenges during percutaneous placement due to inadequate support and straightening, leading to potential damage from buckling or puncturing, particularly when using stiffening cannulas with diameters that do not fit properly within the catheter tip or body.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a catheter with a tapered tip and a support cannula that fits within the catheter's lumen, providing support to maintain the catheter in a non-stretched configuration and prevent buckling, while a needle aids in percutaneous placement by dilating the tissue puncture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a large gauge stiffening cannula is used to support the catheter body, then the catheter body is better supported, but the cannula cannot fit within the tapered tip of the catheter

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecatheter supportVSAvoidcannula fit within catheter tip

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support cannula is divided into two distinct segments: a first cannula segment with a larger outer diameter for supporting the catheter body, and a second cannula segment with a smaller outer diameter that fits within the tapered tip. This segmentation allows each segment to be optimized for its specific function while working together as a unified support structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the support cannula have different diameters tailored to the specific requirements of different catheter regions. The larger diameter first segment provides robust support where the catheter body requires it, while the smaller diameter second segment accommodates the narrower tapered tip geometry, ensuring proper fit and support throughout the entire catheter length.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If a small gauge stiffening cannula is used to fit within the catheter tip, then the cannula fits within the tapered tip, but the catheter body is not fully supported

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecannula fit within catheter tipVSAvoidcatheter support

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The support cannula is divided into two distinct segments: a first cannula segment with a larger outer diameter for supporting the catheter body, and a second cannula segment with a smaller outer diameter that fits within the tapered tip. This segmentation allows each segment to be optimized for its specific function while working together as a unified support structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the support cannula have different diameters tailored to the specific requirements of different catheter regions. The larger diameter first segment provides robust support where the catheter body requires it, while the smaller diameter second segment accommodates the narrower tapered tip geometry, ensuring proper fit and support throughout the entire catheter length.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If the catheter is inserted without adequate support, then the insertion process is simpler, but the catheter may buckle or puncture during insertion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion simplicityVSAvoidcatheter integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support cannula is pre-inserted into the catheter before the catheter is inserted into the patient's body. This preliminary action of providing internal support ensures the catheter maintains its structural integrity and resists buckling or puncturing during the insertion process, while the support cannula itself guides the insertion path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The support cannula acts as an intermediary element between the insertion tool and the catheter. It provides the necessary mechanical support and guidance during insertion, protecting the catheter from damage while enabling smooth passage through tissue, and is subsequently removed after the catheter is properly positioned.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9468462B2Catheter and support cannula assembly

Publication Date: 2016.10.18 COOK MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

A system may include a catheter and a support cannula within the catheter. The catheter may include a tapered tip and a body extending proximally therefrom. The catheter tip may have a smaller inner diameter than the catheter body. The support cannula may include a tip disposed within the catheter tip such that the support cannula tip does not extend distally beyond the catheter distal end and a support segment extending proximally from the support cannula tip and disposed within the catheter body such that the catheter body remains in a non-stretched configuration. An outer diameter of the cannula tip may correspond to the inner diameter of the catheter tip. An outer diameter of the support segment may correspond to the inner diameter of the catheter body. The support segment may extend proximally to at least a proximal end of a perforated segment of the catheter body.