CSF Collection Tube Filament Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current spinal tap procedure for collecting cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) faces challenges such as unpredictable fluid dripping, missed droplets, increased risk of patient movement, and prolonged procedure duration, which can lead to misdiagnosis and adverse patient outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A CSF collection tube with a flexible filament element that projects through the open end, allowing for efficient fluid collection by minimizing waste and accommodating various patient positions, combined with a kit that includes a spinal needle and sterilization tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional test tube is used for CSF collection, then the device is simple and easy to manufacture, but CSF droplets are sometimes missed or run down the outside of the tube instead of into the tube
Solution Approach 1:
A filament element is introduced as an intermediary component between the spinal needle hub and the collection tube. The filament acts as a guide and channel for CSF droplets, directing them into the tube opening rather than allowing them to miss or run down the outside surface. This mediator ensures reliable droplet transfer without requiring complex tube structures.
2Reliability
If the proximal end of spinal needle includes a hub where CSF collects before forming droplets, then the hub mass of fluid exacerbates the unpredictability of CSF drop formation, but removing the hub eliminates the collection function
Solution Approach 1:
The filament element serves as an intermediary that connects the needle hub to the collection tube, creating a controlled fluid pathway. This allows the hub to maintain its collection function while the filament provides a predictable channel for droplet formation and transfer, eliminating the unpredictability without removing the hub structure.
3Reliability
If the collection tube is held beneath the proximal end of the spinal needle, then the difficulty in maintaining the tube position causes unpredictable dripping, but improving tube positioning stability requires additional support structures
Solution Approach 1:
The filament element acts as a positioning intermediary that extends from the needle hub into the collection tube. This filament provides a physical guide and anchor point, stabilizing the tube position relative to the needle without requiring additional support structures. The filament ensures consistent droplet collection by maintaining proper alignment throughout the procedure.
4Measurement precision
If multiple test tubes are used to collect adequate amounts of CSF, then the procedure duration increases and patient movement risk increases, but collecting adequate CSF is necessary for accurate diagnosis
Solution Approach 1:
The filament element provides an efficient, reliable droplet transfer mechanism that enables adequate CSF collection in fewer tubes and shorter time. By ensuring consistent and predictable droplet collection through the filament guide, the procedure can be completed faster without compromising diagnosis accuracy, thereby reducing patient exposure time and movement risk.
Data Source
AI summary
A cerebrospinal fluid (“CSF”) collection tube includes a bottom end portion and a tubular sidewall portion. The tubular sidewall portion has a first end and a second end, the first end being sealed to the bottom end portion and the second end defining an open end portion of the CSF collection tube. The CSF collection tube further includes a filament element that is attached to an interior surface of the tubular sidewall portion and projects through the open end portion of the CSF collection tube. The CSF collection tube may further include a removeable cap.