Catheter Tip Dilation Structure for Precise Skin Insertion Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current catheter insertion techniques require manual dilation using separate instruments, leading to increased complexity, time, infection risk, and undesired tissue deflection, often resulting in over-dilation.
Innovation Solution
A catheter with a distal section featuring a tapered junction and dilation structures, such as protrusions or helices, that dilate the skin insertion site minimally and accurately, reducing the need for additional instruments and minimizing tissue deflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual dilation using separate instruments is used, then dilation of the tissue can be achieved, but device complexity increases and procedure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the dilation function with the catheter insertion device by integrating dilation structures (protrusions or helices) directly onto the catheter shaft. This eliminates the need for separate dilation instruments, reducing device complexity while maintaining effective tissue dilation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the insertion device and the dilation device. The dilation structures are built-in features of the catheter itself, allowing a single device to accomplish both insertion and dilation tasks that traditionally required separate instruments.
2Reliability
If manual dilation using separate instruments is used, then dilation of the tissue can be achieved, but procedure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dilation structures are pre-integrated onto the catheter before insertion. As the catheter is inserted, the dilation action occurs simultaneously and automatically as part of the insertion process itself, eliminating the need for separate dilation steps and reducing overall procedure time.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging the dilation function into the insertion device, the patent enables both actions to occur in a single continuous motion, eliminating the time required to introduce, position, and remove separate dilation instruments.
3Reliability
If manual dilation using separate instruments is used, then dilation of the tissue can be achieved, but infection risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces the number of instrument introductions and removals by integrating dilation structures onto the catheter. This minimizes the number of times the insertion site is exposed to potential contaminants, thereby reducing infection risk while maintaining effective dilation.
4Reliability
If hardened component and skin nick are used to relieve tension, then tissue dilation can be achieved, but tissue deflection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dilation structures are designed with specific local geometries (protrusions or helices) that apply dilation forces in a controlled manner. These structures are positioned and shaped to dilate tissue locally without causing excessive deflection or displacement of surrounding tissues.
5Ease of operation
If increased pushing forces are used, then catheter insertion can be achieved, but over-dilation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The dilation structures (protrusions or helices) are designed with specific geometries that control the distribution and magnitude of dilation forces. This localized control prevents over-dilation while maintaining ease of insertion, as the structures guide the forces applied during catheter advancement.
Solution Approach 2:
The dilation structures are designed to engage and dilate tissue dynamically during the insertion process. The helical or protrusion-based designs allow for progressive dilation as the catheter advances, providing controlled dilation that adapts to tissue resistance rather than applying excessive force.
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 allows for precise and efficient dilation of the skin insertion site, enhancing catheter fit and reducing complications like infection and over-dilation.
Implementation Method 1
the helix includes beveled or chamfered edges
Implementation Method 2
one or more dilation structures configured to dilate the skin insertion site
Implementation Method 3
the proximal face defines a cutting edge extending longitudinally through a midline of the proximal face
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a catheter, which in some embodiments includes a distal section configured to enter a skin insertion site. The distal section can include a tapered junction having one or more dilation structures configured to dilate the skin insertion site. The distal section can further include a distal portion extending from a distal end of the tapered junction, the distal portion having a diameter smaller than a proximal portion of the catheter. In combination, the tapered junction, the one or more dilation structures, and the specific actions of the user urging the catheter into the insertion site can result in an improved fit of the catheter in the insertion site.