Collapsible Drainage Valve for Reflux Isolation in Dependent Loops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dependent loops in drainage tubes can trap fluid, leading to pooling, reflux, and increased risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) and hospital-acquired infections (HAI).
Innovation Solution
A drainage control system featuring a tubular body with a collapsible tube within its lumen, where the collapsible tube can be collapsed to occlude the lumen, and an occlusion fluid pump to exert a force on the collapsible tube, preventing fluid flow and isolating the drainage tube from the patient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If positive pressure is applied to the drainage tube to push trapped fluid toward the collection container, then fluid flow is improved, but patient safety deteriorates due to potential pressure transmission to the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage tube is segmented into a proximal portion and a distal portion by the occlusion balloon. When the balloon is inflated, it creates a physical barrier that segments the fluid column, allowing pressure to be applied to the distal portion (pushing fluid toward the collection container) without transmitting that pressure to the proximal portion (patient side). This segmentation enables independent pressure control on either side of the balloon.
2Productivity
If vacuum pressure is applied to the drainage tube to pull trapped fluid toward the collection container, then fluid flow is improved, but patient safety deteriorates due to potential vacuum transmission to the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The occlusion balloon segments the drainage tube into two isolated zones. When vacuum pressure is applied to the distal portion to pull trapped fluid toward the collection container, the inflated balloon acts as a seal that prevents vacuum transmission to the proximal portion. This allows effective fluid retrieval without compromising patient safety.
3Productivity
If dependent loops are formed in the drainage tube, then fluid drainage is facilitated, but fluid pooling and reflux occur leading to increased infection risk
Solution Approach 1:
The occlusion balloon serves as an intermediary barrier between the patient side and the collection container side. When inflated, it prevents retrograde flow (reflux) of fluid from the collection container back toward the patient, even when dependent loops are present in the drainage tube. This eliminates the infection risk associated with fluid pooling while maintaining the drainage benefits of dependent loops.
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 system effectively prevents fluid pooling and reflux, reducing the risk of infections and ensuring safer drainage procedures by isolating pressures applied to the drainage tube from the patient.
Implementation Method 1
an occlusion fluid pump coupled to the occlusion side port, such that flow of fluid through the occlusion port exerts a force on the outside surface of the collapsible tube causing the collapsible tube to collapse
Implementation Method 2
the air flow through the occlusion port defines an air jet exiting the occlusion port, producing a dynamic pressure defined by the velocity of the air jet impinging on the collapsible tube
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a drainage control system including, a tubular body with a tubular body lumen extending from a distal end to a proximal end and a collapsible tube disposed within the tubular body lumen, the collapsible tube including a collapsible tube lumen extending from a distal end to a proximal end of the collapsible tube. The collapsible tube can be attached to the tubular body, such that fluid flow through the tubular body lumen flows through the collapsible tube lumen. The tubular body can include a valve that is actuatable between a first configuration wherein fluid flow is allowed through the tubular body lumen and a second configuration wherein fluid flow is prevented through the tubular body lumen. An airflow source can be coupled to the valve such that pressure from the airflow source actuates the valve.