Catheter Suture Locking Mechanism with One-Handed Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical catheter anchoring systems require special tools for locking and unlocking, often lead to leakage issues due to suture positioning, and are cumbersome to operate, especially when trying to unlock them.
Innovation Solution
A flexible filament locking mechanism with a permanently mounted locking slide that can be unlocked with a latch and moved distally, using a resilient elastomeric cover and seal sleeve to ensure a leak-proof seal and facilitate one-handed operation, eliminating the need for special tools and reducing the risk of leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stopcock-type locking mechanism is used to capture the suture, then the suture can be locked and unlocked, but a special key device is required which may be lost and requires additional tools for operation
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-operating through a latch and sliding component that can be actuated by the user without requiring external key devices or special tools. The mechanism locks and unlocks through direct manipulation of the catheter components themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is extracted from the catheter body and integrated into a separate, accessible latch mechanism that can be independently operated. This allows the locking action to be performed without requiring the user to manipulate complex internal structures or lose track of key components.
2Ease of operation
If the suture exits the catheter through the proximal housing, then the suture can be accessed, but it frequently crosses the threaded interface causing leakage and contamination risks
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediary sealing structure is introduced between the suture path and the threaded interface. This intermediate component prevents the suture from directly crossing the threaded connection point, thereby eliminating leakage paths and contamination risks while maintaining suture accessibility.
3Reliability
If complex clamping structures or hinged levers with cam features are used, then the suture can be restrained, but the system requires special tools and is cumbersome to unlock
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a latch element for securing, a sliding element for actuation, and a resilient element for biasing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining reliable restraint without requiring complex cam mechanisms or special tools.
4Ease of operation
If the suture is positioned to exit through the proximal housing, then the control portion can be accessed, but it interferes with the threaded interface to the collection device
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediary sealing structure serves as a mediator that separates the suture control portion path from the threaded interface. This allows the control portion to be accessible for operation while preventing interference with the threaded connection to the collection device, maintaining both accessibility and interface sealing reliability.
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 solution provides a reliable, leak-proof, and easy-to-use catheter locking system that can be operated with one hand, ensuring a secure seal without the need for additional tools and minimizing contamination risks, while being economical to manufacture and having a low profile.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient elastomeric cover on the sidewall contour and over the port, with a seal sleeve encircling the cover and the housing. The flexible filament which emerges from the open port passes through the cover and the interface established between the cover and the seal sleeve. The interface established between the elastomeric cover and the seal sleeve ensures a particularly effective fluid seal along the flexible filament.
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible filament locking mechanism including spaced first and second toothed sections each having a plurality of opposing teeth, a filament-receiving region between the opposing teeth, a flexible filament or suture extending through the filament-receiving region, and means for moving the teeth of the toothed sections into and out of engagement to lock and unlock the flexible filament in place between the opposing teeth.