Drainage Catheter Locking Assembly for Secure Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drainage catheters face issues with accidental removal and infection due to the distal end being pulled into the abdominal cavity, and existing locking mechanisms are bulky, preventing use with smaller access sheaths.
Innovation Solution
A locking assembly with a first protruding element and a collar that securely engages the tension member, allowing for longitudinal sliding to lock the distal end of the catheter into a desired configuration, suitable for use with 30 French access sheaths, utilizing O-rings made of butadiene or butyl rubber for secure sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lockable connector with resilient material sleeve is used to secure the catheter, then the catheter is locked in place preventing accidental removal, but the locking mechanism becomes bulky and cannot be used with smaller access sheaths
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a collar that slides along the catheter, protruding elements that engage with the catheter body, and a tension member system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, resulting in a compact overall structure that fits within smaller access sheaths while maintaining reliable locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism components are nested within each other - the protruding elements are positioned within the collar structure, and the entire locking assembly is contained within the catheter profile. This nesting approach minimizes the external dimensions of the locking mechanism, enabling use with smaller access sheaths without compromising the locking capability.
2Ease of operation
If the catheter is made flexible for patient comfort, then patient comfort is improved, but the catheter can be easily pulled out by movement of the body
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is engaged after catheter insertion to secure the catheter in place. The collar is positioned to engage the protruding elements, creating a mechanical lock that prevents body movement from dislodging the catheter. This preliminary locking action maintains catheter position while allowing the catheter material itself to remain flexible for patient comfort.
Data Source
AI summary
A drainage catheter includes an elongated tubular member and a locking assembly. The locking assembly includes a first protruding element and a collar. The first protruding element is disposed proximal to a port in the tubular member through which a proximal portion of a tension member may exit. The collar is coaxially disposed about the tubular member and has a second protruding element projecting from an interior surface of the collar. The collar is configured for longitudinal sliding movement relative to the tubular member such that the collar may be moved along the tubular member toward the proximal end of the tubular member thereby interacting with the first protruding element and securing the proximal portion of the tension member between the first protruding element and the collar.