Decompression Needle Assembly with Scalpel Tip and One-Way Valve

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing needle decompression techniques for treating tension pneumothorax are prone to complications such as improper placement, blockage, kinking, and lung injury, and are unsuitable for minimally experienced providers in dynamic or austere settings.

Innovation Solution

A decompression needle assembly comprising a catheter with a resilient tapered tip and lateral fenestrations, a hub body with a one-way valve, and a needle with a scalpel tip, designed for improved insertion characteristics, reduced blockage risk, and enhanced usability in stressful environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If traditional needle decompression techniques are used, then the procedure can be performed with simple equipment, but the risk of complications such as improper placement, blockage, kinking, and lung injury increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment simplicityVSAvoidcomplication risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The catheter is divided into multiple functional segments: a resilient tapered tip for safe insertion, lateral fenestrations for drainage, and a hub body with integrated one-way valve. This segmentation allows each component to address specific complications independently while maintaining overall system simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient tapered tip acts as a cushioning element that prevents lung injury during insertion by deforming upon contact with lung tissue. The one-way valve provides beforehand protection against catheter blockage by allowing air to escape while preventing backflow that could cause obstruction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Ease of operation

If traditional needle decompression techniques are used, then the procedure requires minimal training, but the difficulty of performing the procedure correctly increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprovider experience requirementVSAvoidinsertion precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The catheter incorporates localized features with specific properties: the tapered tip has different mechanical properties than the main body to facilitate safe insertion, while the hub body contains the one-way valve mechanism. This local differentiation guides the provider through the procedure without requiring extensive training

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The one-way valve in the hub body automatically regulates airflow without requiring provider intervention or complex manual operations. The catheter self-regulates the decompression process, reducing the skill level needed for successful implementation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If a simple catheter design is used, then the device is easier to manufacture, but the risk of catheter blockage and kinking increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecatheter manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidcatheter blockage and kinking

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The catheter is segmented into a resilient tapered tip, a mid-section with lateral fenestrations, and a hub body with one-way valve. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall manufacturing simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The one-way valve in the hub body provides beforehand protection against blockage by preventing backflow of fluid or tissue into the catheter. The lateral fenestrations are positioned to avoid kinking while maintaining drainage effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 decompression needle assembly reduces the risk of complications during needle decompression, facilitates easier insertion and fluid drainage, and is suitable for use by minimally experienced providers in dynamic or austere settings.

Implementation Method 1

The hub body may include a one-way valve that allows air to escape through the catheter, but prevents backflow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOne-way valve mechanism: Valve

Implementation Method 2

The catheter may include a resilient tapered tip

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250058089A1Decompression needle assembly

Publication Date: 2025.02.20 NORTH AMERICAN RESCUE LLC

AI summary

A decompression needle assembly may include a catheter, a hub body, and a needle. The catheter may extend between a proximal catheter end (PCE) and a tapered distal catheter end (TDCE). The catheter may define a longitudinal opening at the TDCE. The hub body may be disposed on the catheter at the PCE. The needle may extend between a distal needle end (DNE) and a proximal needle end (PNE). The needle may be selectively received through the hub body and the catheter, the needle having a scalpel tip defined at the DNE.