Clamshell Cathlock With Elastic Sleeve For Secure Infusion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in securing a catheter to a port stem effectively, particularly in a wetted, confined subcutaneous environment, where misplacement and slippage can occur due to varying catheter lengths and pressures, leading to reduced treatment efficacy and potential trauma.
Innovation Solution
A clamshell cathlock device with a hingedly coupled body and a sleeve that transitions between open and closed positions, featuring a locking mechanism and an elastically deformable sleeve to provide a secure, leak-proof connection, allowing for precise alignment and pressure resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a catheter is secured to a port stem using traditional methods, then the connection may be simple to establish, but the connection is prone to slippage and misplacement under high-pressure infusion
Solution Approach 1:
The cathlock device employs a dynamic clamshell mechanism that transitions between open and closed states. The hinged body allows the catheter to be inserted when open, then closes to secure the catheter firmly. This dynamic transformation enables the device to adapt from a permissive state during insertion to a restrictive state during infusion, resolving the contradiction between ease of connection and connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cathlock utilizes parameter changes in the form of mechanical state transformation. The body transitions from an open configuration with larger dimensions that accommodate catheter insertion to a closed configuration with reduced dimensions that firmly grip the catheter. This parameter change enables the device to provide both easy insertion and secure retention under high-pressure conditions.
2Reliability
If the cathlock body is designed to tightly secure the catheter, then the connection becomes leak-proof, but the insertion and manipulation becomes more difficult in confined subcutaneous environment
Solution Approach 1:
The hinged clamshell design allows the cathlock to be manipulated in an open state during insertion, making it easier to handle in the confined subcutaneous environment. Once the catheter is in place, the body closes to create a tight, leak-proof seal. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by providing ease of operation during insertion and reliability during infusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The cathlock is designed to be opened beforehand to facilitate easy insertion of the catheter into the confined subcutaneous space. After the catheter is properly positioned, the body closes to establish the leak-proof connection. This preliminary opening action resolves the contradiction between ease of manipulation and leak-proof sealing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the catheter length is varied to accommodate different patient anatomy, then the treatment efficacy is improved, but the securing mechanism must accommodate varying lengths and positions
Solution Approach 1:
The cathlock device is designed as a universal securing mechanism that can accommodate catheters of varying lengths and positions. The clamshell body with its hinged design and internal cavity can securely hold catheters regardless of their specific length or insertion depth. This universality resolves the contradiction by maintaining securing reliability across different catheter configurations and patient anatomies.
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 cathlock system ensures a reliable, leak-proof connection that maintains catheter position, prevents misplacement, and allows for high-pressure infusion without causing trauma, addressing the issues of varying catheter lengths and pressures.
Implementation Method 1
the sleeve defines a lumen having a first inner diameter that is equal to the outer diameter of the catheter and is elastically deformable to a second inner diameter that is less than the first inner diameter
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a clamshell carhlock device and methods thereof. The cathlock includes a first portion hingedly coupled to a second portion and rotatable through a plane extending perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis. A user can apply opposing, radially inward, “pinching” force to transition the cathlock to the closed position, mitigating applying any pressure directly to the patient. The cathlock further includes a compliant sleeve coupled to an inner surface thereof and configured to slidably engage the cathlock with the catheter in both the open and closed positions. The sleeve can engage the catheter in an interference fit to allow a user to position the cathlock along the catheter and for the cathlock to remain in place until repositioned.