Drainage Device with Dilution Lumens for Clot Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thoracic catheters often experience blockages due to blood clotting, leading to inadequate drainage and complications such as Retained Blood Syndrome, with existing methods being inefficient and reactive rather than proactive in preventing clot formation.
Innovation Solution
A blockage-resistant drainage device with a cylindrical shaft featuring an inner lumen and outer lumens, where dilution fluids like anticoagulants are transmitted through the outer lumens to the inner lumen via eyelets, reducing clotting by mixing with blood as it enters, and a variable vacuum source for suction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If vacuum powered chest tubes are used to drain blood from the chest cavity, then drainage efficiency is improved, but blood clots inside the tube and causes occlusion over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-coating the inner surface of the chest tube with heparin before insertion. This anticoagulant layer is applied in advance to prevent blood clotting as blood enters the tube, addressing the clotting problem before it occurs during drainage operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses heparin as an intermediary substance that mediates between the blood and the tube surface. The heparin coating acts as a protective intermediary layer that prevents direct contact between blood and the foreign surface of the tube, thereby preventing clot formation while allowing drainage to proceed.
2Productivity
If chest tubes are inserted to drain blood, then fluid removal is improved, but clot formation occurs due to contact with foreign surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The heparin coating serves as an intermediary substance that prevents direct interaction between blood and the tube surface. This intermediary layer eliminates the harmful clotting effect caused by foreign surface contact while preserving the drainage function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameter of the tube surface by applying a heparin coating. This modifies the surface properties to be anticoagulant, transforming the tube from a clot-promoting surface to a clot-resistant surface while maintaining drainage capability.
3Ease of repair
If reactive techniques like milking or stripping are used to clear clogs, then blockage removal is attempted, but these methods are time-consuming and lack efficacy
Solution Approach 1:
The heparin coating is applied in advance to prevent clot formation before it occurs. This preliminary protective measure eliminates the need for reactive clearance techniques, saving time and energy by preventing the problem rather than attempting to solve it after blockage detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The heparin-coated tube is self-protecting against clot formation. The anticoagulant property is built into the tube itself, making it self-service in preventing occlusion without requiring external intervention or manual clearance techniques.
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 device effectively prevents blockages by diluting blood with anticoagulants, ensuring continuous and efficient drainage, reducing the risk of complications like Retained Blood Syndrome and improving patient outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
the anticoagulant solution dilutes the blood to reduce the likelihood of clot formation
Implementation Method 2
a vacuum source that generates a negative pressure that draws fluid into the drainage device
Data Source
AI summary
In various embodiments, a drainage device includes an inner lumen configured for draining fluid from a target site and one or more outer lumens for transmitting dilution fluid to the inner lumen. According to one embodiment, the drainage device includes one or more eyelets and/or a distal opening through which the fluid from the target site enters the inner lumen. In one or more embodiments, the dilution fluid is transmitted to the inner lumen through one or more ports that may output the dilution fluid directly into the inner lumen or into the eyelet. According to one embodiment, as the fluid from the target site flows through the drainage device, the dilution fluid reduces clotting processes such that formation of blockages within the inner lumen is prevented or at least reduced. In some embodiments, the dilution fluid is substituted with, or provided in addition to, pharmaceutical solutions or other infusions.