Dual-Path KVO Infusion Flow Control for Catheter Patency

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing IV infusion sets lack a simple and effective way to set a specific Keep Vein Open (KVO) rate, leading to occlusions and increased clinician time and in-patient costs due to clotting and catheter-related infections.

Innovation Solution

A KVO infusion flow control device with a flow controller that allows rapid setting of gravity IV infusion rates to KVO without interacting with other IV set components, featuring a full flow tube and a KVO flow tube, controlled by a pinch clamp or switch mechanism to maintain consistent fluid flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If typical flushing and locking methods (tPA, Heparin locks) are used to prevent catheter occlusion, then catheter patency is maintained, but clinician time and in-patient costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecatheter patencyVSAvoidclinician time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The IV infusion set automatically maintains catheter patency through its own integrated flow control mechanism without requiring external flushing or locking interventions by clinicians. The device self-regulates fluid flow to prevent occlusion, eliminating the need for repeated clinician actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The device pre-establishes a controlled minimum fluid flow rate through the KVO flow tube before occlusion can occur, proactively preventing catheter blockage rather than requiring reactive flushing or locking procedures after occlusion develops.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If typical flushing and locking methods are used to prevent catheter occlusion, then catheter patency is maintained, but in-patient costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecatheter patencyVSAvoidin-patient costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The IV infusion set automatically maintains catheter patency through its own integrated flow control mechanism without requiring external flushing or locking interventions by clinicians. The device self-regulates fluid flow to prevent occlusion, eliminating the need for repeated clinician actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The device pre-establishes a controlled minimum fluid flow rate through the KVO flow tube before occlusion can occur, proactively preventing catheter blockage rather than requiring reactive flushing or locking procedures after occlusion develops.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If a single flow controller is used to control fluid flow through the full flow tube, then flow control is simplified, but the ability to maintain KVO flow independently is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow control simplicityVSAvoidKVO flow consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fluid flow path is divided into two separate channels: a full flow tube for high-volume infusion and a KVO flow tube for minimum continuous flow. Each tube can be independently controlled, allowing the single flow controller to manage overall flow while the KVO tube maintains its dedicated function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts between full flow and KVO flow modes through the single flow controller, which can occlude the full flow tube to redirect fluid through the KVO flow tube, providing flexible flow control while maintaining reliable KVO functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Reduces occlusions, maintains IV line functionality, minimizes blood clots and drug precipitates, and simplifies clinician tasks by providing intuitive, single-handed operation for setting between full open and KVO flow rates.

Implementation Method 1

a flow control orifice disposed within the second inlet port... the flow control orifice is sized and shaped to provide a predetermined KVO fluid flow rate into the outlet tube connector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow restriction through orifice: Pressure Drop

Implementation Method 2

The flow controller is a pinch clamp... a first position of the control member is configured to engage the full open orifice with a fluid flow path to provide full fluid flow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical occlusion of fluid tube: Pressure Drop

Implementation Method 3

set gravity IV infusion rates to KVO... provide full fluid flow through the full flow tube into the outlet tube connector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity-driven fluid flow: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS12364812B2Keep vein open infusion flow control device

Publication Date: 2025.07.22 CAREFUSION 303 INC

AI summary

Keep vein open (KVO) infusion flow control devices are provided. The KVO infusion flow control device couples to intravenous (IV) tubing and includes a flow controller that provides a full open fluid flow rate through an outlet portion of the IV tubing when the flow controller is in an open position, and a KVO fluid flow rate through the outlet portion of the IV tubing when the flow controller is in a KVO position. Visual indicators are disposed on the KVO infusion flow control device.