Catheter Vent Plug with Semi-Annular Cannula for Blood Flashback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheter systems face challenges in efficiently visualizing blood flashback for verifying proper placement of the introducer needle and PIVC in the vasculature, which can hinder accurate placement confirmation.
Innovation Solution
A catheter system design featuring a vent plug with a semi-annular cannula and a thinner needle hub that facilitates rapid blood flow and visualization by creating a gap above the introducer needle, allowing air to escape while blood is visible, enabling quick confirmation of needle placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a traditional catheter system with a closed cannula is used, then the structure is simple and complete, but blood flashback visualization is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cannula is divided into an occluded portion and a non-occluded portion. The non-occluded portion allows blood flashback to be visualized while the occluded portion maintains structural integrity. This segmentation enables blood flow visualization without requiring a completely open cannula structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the cannula have different properties: the occluded portion prevents unwanted flow while the non-occluded portion allows blood flashback visualization. This local differentiation of properties enables both structural completeness and visualization capability.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the needle hub is made thicker for structural strength, then the device is more durable, but blood flashback visualization is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The needle hub incorporates a window or transparent portion at the specific location where blood flashback visualization is needed, while maintaining thicker walls in other areas for structural strength. This local differentiation allows visualization without compromising overall structural integrity.
3Productivity
If the catheter system uses a fully occluded cannula, then fluid containment is maintained, but air cannot escape and blood flow is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The cannula is segmented into occluded and non-occluded portions. The non-occluded portion allows air to escape and blood to flow freely, while the occluded portion maintains fluid containment. This segmentation resolves the conflict between fluid containment and air/blood flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-occluded portion of the cannula acts as an intermediary pathway that allows air and blood to pass through while the occluded portions maintain containment. This intermediary structure enables controlled flow without compromising containment integrity.
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
Enhances the visibility of blood exiting the introducer needle, allowing for rapid verification of proper needle placement, thereby ensuring accurate positioning of the PIVC for future blood withdrawal and fluid infusion.
Implementation Method 1
The wall may include a vent membrane, which may pass air but not blood
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter system may include a catheter assembly, which may include a catheter adapter and a catheter. The catheter system may also include a needle assembly, which may include a needle hub and an introducer needle. A proximal end of the introducer needle may be secured within the needle hub, and a distal end of the introducer needle may extend beyond a distal end of the catheter. The catheter system may include a vent plug. A distal end of the vent plug may include a male luer adapter, which may include a cannula and a collar surrounding the cannula. The cannula may include a cavity to receive blood flowing proximally through the introducer needle. A proximal end of the cavity may be formed by a wall extending across the cannula and disposed within the needle hub. The cannula may be inserted into the proximal end of the needle hub.