Catheter Valve System Preventing Fluid Backflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current catheter systems lack effective mechanisms to control fluid flow and prevent backflow, leading to unsanitary conditions during insertion and handling, as bodily fluids often escape before the catheter is securely connected to a fluid source.
Innovation Solution
A catheter assembly with an internal valve system that includes a biased valve with elastic leg extensions, which transitions between closed and open configurations based on the insertion and removal of a luer device, preventing fluid backflow until the catheter is properly connected, and featuring secondary valves to enhance sealing and prevent prolapse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a catheter is inserted into a vessel without a valve system, then the catheter can be easily inserted and positioned, but bodily fluids escape through the catheter causing unsanitary conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is pre-configured in a closed state during catheter insertion, allowing the catheter to be easily positioned while preventing fluid escape. The valve remains closed until the adapter is properly connected, at which point it automatically opens to allow fluid flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve acts as an intermediary component between the catheter and the adapter, controlling fluid flow based on the connection state. It mediates between the need for easy insertion and the need to prevent contamination by automatically transitioning between closed and open states.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a valve system is added to control fluid flow, then fluid backflow is prevented and sterile access is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system is self-actuating and automatically transitions between closed and open states based on the mechanical connection with the adapter. The elastic leg extensions provide self-biasing, and the actuating body automatically opens the valve when inserted, eliminating the need for external control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical valve control systems with an elastomeric valve design that uses material elasticity and geometric configuration to achieve automatic opening and closing. The valve wall's elastic properties and the actuating body's geometry substitute for traditional mechanical actuators and control systems.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the valve remains closed during insertion, then fluid backflow is prevented, but the period between insertion and adapter coupling causes bodily fluids to escape
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is inserted with the valve already in a closed state, preparing the system to prevent fluid escape during the critical period before adapter coupling. The valve remains closed during this intermediate time, and only opens automatically when the adapter is properly connected and secured.
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 valve system effectively maintains a sterile access site by preventing fluid backflow and ensuring controlled fluid flow, reducing the risk of bloodborne pathogen exposure and contamination during medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the plurality of leg extensions being elastically compressible; where in the closed configuration at least a distal portion of the valve actuating body is positioned within the valve such that the actuating body lumen is in fluid communication with the valve lumen, and where the shoulder of the actuating body is adjacent to the leg extensions; wherein insertion of the luer device into the interior cavity of the catheter hub causes advancement of the actuating body in a distal direction compressing the plurality of leg extensions
Implementation Method 2
the valve wall being biased in a closed configuration such that adjacent interior surfaces of the valve wall contact to block flow through the valve lumen and prevent fluid backflow in a proximal direction through the valve lumen
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to methods and devices to facilitate positioning of a catheter into a vessel and selectively controlling flow of fluids through the catheter until desired using one or more valves.