Double-Needle Catheter Placement for Rapid Vein Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheter placement systems face difficulties in accessing veins for intravenous administration of blood products in hypovolemic patients, leading to potential delays that can be fatal, especially when large bore needles are required.
Innovation Solution
A catheter placement system comprising an inner needle assembly, outer needle assembly, and catheter assembly, where the inner needle is surrounded by the outer needle, with a stopper and reception cavity design to prevent rotation, allowing for aligned bevels and efficient vein entry, followed by vein inflation and catheter insertion using a syringe port for fluid infusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a large bore needle (16-18 gauge) is used for rapid blood product administration, then the speed of fluid infusion is improved, but the difficulty of vein access increases significantly in hypovolemic patients
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a nested structure where a smaller gauge inner needle (20-22 gauge) is positioned inside a larger gauge outer needle (16-18 gauge). The inner needle is inserted first to access the vein, and once positioned, the outer needle is advanced over it to provide the large bore access needed for rapid blood product administration. This nesting approach allows the benefits of both small and large gauge needles to be combined in a single access procedure.
2Reliability
If multiple punctures are made in the vein to achieve access, then the probability of successful access is improved, but the vein becomes damaged and leaking (blown), preventing further use
Solution Approach 1:
The device allows for preliminary vein access using the inner needle to establish a stable puncture site. Once the inner needle is properly positioned in the vein, the outer needle is then advanced over it in a single motion to achieve the final large bore access. This preliminary positioning ensures that the vein is accessed correctly the first time, eliminating the need for multiple puncture attempts that would damage the vein.
3Loss of time
If a single large bore needle is inserted directly into the vein, then the catheter placement time is reduced, but the alignment and control of the needle bevel becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The inner needle serves as an intermediary guide for the outer needle. The inner needle is first inserted to establish proper vein access and positioning. The outer needle is then advanced over the inner needle, using it as a track or guide. This intermediary approach ensures that the outer needle follows the same path and maintains proper bevel alignment, making the process as controlled as inserting a smaller needle while achieving large bore access.
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
Facilitates rapid and successful vein access, even in hypovolemic patients, ensuring aligned needle bevels and preventing vein perforation, thus simplifying the process and enhancing the chances of successful catheter placement.
Implementation Method 1
infusing liquid through the tube and inner needle to inflate the vein
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter positioning system has an inner needle assembly, an outer needle assembly and a catheter assembly. The inner needle assembly has an inner needle, a stopper connected the inner needle, and a tube connected to the stopper. The outer needle assembly has an outer needle connected to a chamber. The outer needle is arranged concentrically with the inner needle so as to surround the inner needle. The catheter assembly has an internal catheter and an access hub. The catheter is arranged concentrically over the outer needle. The catheter is placed in a vein by piercing the vein with the inner needle, infusing liquid through the tube and inner needle to inflate the vein, sliding the outer needle into the vein over the inner needle, sliding the catheter into the vein over the outer needle, and then removing the first and second needles together, leaving the catheter in the vein.