Central Venous Access via Remote Catheter Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Central venous access procedures face complications such as bleeding, pneumothorax, and long-term venous occlusion due to the deep location of central veins, making it difficult to accurately puncture and maintain access, especially when veins become occluded.
Innovation Solution
The method involves intravascular navigation of a catheter system with specialized devices to create a tissue track from a remote entry point to a desired exit point near the clavicle, using a sharp needle wire to dissect a path and prepare the site for access or re-access of the central venous system, allowing for precise placement of access ports or pacing leads near occlusions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a large gauge needle is used to directly puncture the skin and central veins, then central venous access can be obtained, but the risk of bleeding and pneumothorax increases due to inability to accurately locate the vein
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by first accessing the vein remotely (e.g., via femoral vein access) and then navigating a catheter system through the venous system to reach the target location near the clavicle. This mediator catheter system allows precise positioning without direct blind puncture, eliminating the harmful effects of inaccurate needle placement while still achieving central venous access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by first establishing remote venous access and navigating the catheter system to the target area before attempting to create the final access track. This preliminary positioning allows the operator to verify correct placement and plan the exit point accurately, preventing harmful complications from premature or blind puncture attempts.
2Ease of operation
If repeated central venous access procedures are performed, then access can be obtained when veins are available, but venous occlusion occurs due to thrombus formation around catheters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the dimensional approach by creating an extra-vascular tissue track that exits through the skin near the clavicle rather than maintaining a traditional intra-venous catheter. This dimensional change allows access to be maintained through soft tissue outside the vein, bypassing the thrombus formation problem within the venous system while still enabling central venous access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the access pathway into distinct components: a vascular segment for catheter placement and an extra-vascular tissue track segment for the access route. This segmentation allows the catheter to remain within the vein for proper positioning while the access track through the tissue can be independently managed, reducing the risk of venous occlusion from repeated procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If all four upper body central veins become occluded, then no central venous access remains, but the patient faces life-threatening access crisis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal access method that can be applied to any patient regardless of the status of traditional central veins. By using remote access combined with extra-vascular tissue tracking, the system can access the venous system even when all four upper body central veins are occluded, providing a multi-functional solution that works for both patent and occluded vein scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary catheter system that can navigate through alternative venous pathways (such as from the femoral vein) to reach the target location. This mediator approach bypasses the need for direct access to the four upper body central veins, providing a reliable access route even when all traditional veins are occluded and preventing life-threatening access crises.
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter system and method of use for re-establishing venous access near an occluded vessel.