Catheter Tip Element Dynamic Rigidity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Catheters, especially those with stiff tips, can cause irritation and damage to the bladder mucosa due to friction when left in place for extended periods, leading to pain, chronic injuries, and increased risk of sepsis from urinary fluid entering the bloodstream.
Innovation Solution
A catheter with a flexible tip element that can change configurations from a stiffer insertion configuration to a less rigid or retracted configuration to minimize contact with the bladder wall, achieved through design features such as deformable sections, internal pressure adjustments, and a retraction mechanism, allowing the tip to be partially or completely withdrawn into the catheter tube.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the catheter tip is made stiff to facilitate insertion through the urethra and prostate, then the insertion capability is improved, but the catheter tip causes friction and irritation to the bladder mucosa when left in place for extended periods
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter tip is designed to be dynamically changeable between two states: a first configuration with increased rigidity for easy insertion through the urethra and prostate, and a second configuration with reduced rigidity to minimize friction against the bladder mucosa. This dynamic adaptation allows the catheter to have different mechanical properties at different stages of use, resolving the contradiction between insertion capability and mucosal protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigidity parameter of the catheter tip is made changeable through the application of internal pressure via a pressure supply device. By controlling the internal pressure, the catheter tip transitions between stiff and flexible states, enabling it to perform insertion functions when needed and reducing harmful friction when left in place, thus resolving the technical contradiction.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the catheter tip remains in the bladder for longer periods to maintain continuous drainage, then the drainage function is improved, but the risk of mucosal damage and scarring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter tip dynamically changes its rigidity based on the operational phase: stiff during insertion and flexible during prolonged retention. This dynamic property allows the catheter to maintain continuous drainage for extended periods while minimizing the risk of mucosal damage through reduced friction, thereby improving both drainage duration and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the rigidity parameter of the catheter tip through internal pressure control, the system enables prolonged drainage while reducing harmful friction against the bladder wall. This parameter change allows the catheter to remain in place for extended periods without causing mucosal damage or scarring, resolving the contradiction between drainage duration and reliability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the catheter tip is made flexible to reduce friction against the bladder wall, then the comfort and safety are improved, but the insertion capability through the urethra and prostate is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter tip is designed with dynamic rigidity control, being stiff during insertion to facilitate passage through the urethra and prostate, and becoming flexible during retention to reduce friction against the bladder wall. This dynamic adaptation allows the catheter to have optimal properties for each operational phase, resolving the contradiction between insertion capability and friction reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigidity parameter of the catheter tip is changed through internal pressure application, transitioning from stiff to flexible states. This parameter change enables the catheter to maintain low friction during prolonged use while preserving insertion capability when needed, thus resolving the technical contradiction between comfort/safety and ease of operation.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a suprapubic catheter is used to avoid friction problems, then the friction and irritation are reduced, but the number of contraindications and patient acceptance issues increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transurethral catheter is equipped with a dynamically controllable rigidity system that allows it to function as a low-friction catheter during retention, eliminating the need for suprapubic placement. This dynamic property expands adaptability by enabling transurethral catheters to perform the function previously requiring suprapubic access, thereby improving patient acceptance and reducing contraindications while maintaining comfort and safety.
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 reduces the risk of friction and irritation, minimizing the risk of mucosal damage and scarring, while maintaining the necessary rigidity for insertion, thus enhancing patient comfort and safety by minimizing the risk of sepsis.
Implementation Method 1
The appropriate rigidity can be achieved, among other things, by the material of the catheter tip element itself and/or pretensioning mechanisms, such as by subjecting the catheter tip element to a positive internal pressure
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a catheter (1, 1', 1") comprising: a flexible catheter tube (2) with an insertion-side opening (21) at an insertion-side end of the catheter tube (2) and a catheter tip element (3, 3', 3") configured such that the catheter tip element (3, 3', 3") transitions from a first configuration in which the catheter tip element (3, 3', 3") projects at least partially from or away from the insertion-side opening (21) in a direction away from the catheter tube (2) and has a suitable stiffness for insertion of the catheter (1, 1', 1") to a second configuration in which a projection of the catheter tip element (3, 3', 3") formed by the protruding catheter tip element (3, 3', 3") relative to the insertion-side opening (21) is at least partially eliminated and/or has a lower It exhibits stiffness that is transferable compared to the first configuration.