Conductive Tip Catheter with Varying Pitch Coil
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Solution Overview
Problem
Peripheral nerve block catheters face tissue growth issues at openings, restricting anesthetic flow and causing tissue and nerve damage during extended use, as existing catheters do not effectively prevent tissue growth.
Innovation Solution
A conductive tip catheter with a flexible tubular member and an electrically conductive metallic coil having regions with varying pitches, coupled to a conductive tip and safety ribbon, to prevent tissue growth and ensure effective anesthesia delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a peripheral nerve block catheter is inserted into the nerve location for an extended period of time, then post-operative pain treatment can be provided, but tissue growth occurs at openings of the catheter which restricts flow of anesthetic and results in tissue and nerve damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies electrical stimulation through the conductive coil to prevent tissue growth at the catheter openings. The harmful tissue growth is counteracted by applying electrical current that inhibits tissue proliferation, thereby maintaining patentency of the catheter openings during extended insertion periods for post-operative pain management
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conductor is included in the catheter to allow nerve stimulation, then electrical impulse delivery is enabled, but tissue growth may occur between exposed coils on the device
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive coil serves dual purposes: it provides necessary electrical stimulation for nerve block and simultaneously prevents tissue growth between the coil turns through electrical current application. The same conductor that enables versatility also acts as a barrier against harmful tissue proliferation
3Productivity
If tissue growth restricts flow of anesthetic from the catheter, then catheter function is compromised, but removing the catheter causes tissue and nerve damage
Solution Approach 1:
Electrical stimulation through the conductive coil prevents tissue growth that would otherwise restrict anesthetic flow. This maintains catheter productivity throughout extended use while preventing the formation of tissue barriers that would cause damage during catheter removal
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 catheter design prevents tissue growth, maintains anesthetic flow, and reduces the risk of nerve damage during extended procedures by using a metallic coil with varying pitches and a conductive tip for effective anesthesia delivery.
Implementation Method 1
These catheters sometimes include a conductor to allow nerve stimulation by electrical impulses
Data Source
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AI summary
A conductive tip catheter includes a flexible tubular member defining a lumen that extends between a proximal end and a distal end. The conductive tip catheter also includes an electrically conductive metallic coil at least partially located within the lumen of the flexible tubular member. The electrically conductive metallic coil includes a first region located at a distal end of the metallic coil having a first pitch, a second region proximal to the first region having a second pitch that is greater than the first pitch, and a third region proximal to the second region having a third pitch that is different from the first pitch and the second pitch. A conductive tip is located at the distal end of the flexible tubular member, and the conductive tip defines a tip lumen in fluid communication with the lumen.