Fluid Flow Switching Device for Three-Way Bladder Catheter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cystolusis in urology, such as three-way bladder catheter management, lead to frequent interruptions of the sterile hydraulic circuit, increasing the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and biological risks for operators, while being costly and cumbersome, especially when cystoclysis is performed multiple times a day.
Innovation Solution
A fluid flow switching device that allows continuous connection to the three-way bladder catheter, urine collection device, washing liquid supplying system, and suction device, enabling cystoclysis and cystolusis without disconnecting the circuit, reducing the risk of UTIs and biological exposure, and minimizing material and disposal costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual cystolusis is performed by disconnecting and reconnecting the sterile circuit multiple times, then the catheter can be cleared of coagula and obstructions, but the risk of urinary tract infections increases and the procedure becomes costly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
A four-way connector serves as an intermediary device that allows multiple distal conduits to be connected to a single proximal conduit maintaining the closed sterile circuit. The connector includes a proximal hydraulic branch with a single proximal opening and multiple distal openings, enabling the catheter to switch between irrigation and suction modes without disconnecting from the sterile system, thus preventing UTI while clearing obstructions
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is segmented into distinct hydraulic pathways: a proximal hydraulic branch for irrigation fluid input, and multiple distal hydraulic branches for different functions (irrigation output, suction, and auxiliary functions). This segmentation allows independent control of each pathway while maintaining the integrity of the closed sterile circuit throughout the procedure
2Reliability
If frequent cystolusis procedures are performed to clear coagula, then catheter patency is maintained, but operational costs and material disposal costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The reusable four-way connector acts as a permanent intermediary in the sterile circuit, eliminating the need for repeated disconnection and reconnection of disposable components. The connector remains in place throughout multiple cystolusis procedures, allowing coagula clearance without consuming additional disposable materials or breaking sterile barriers that would require replacement of protective equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers and maintains the sterile circuit integrity throughout the procedure rather than discarding and re-establishing it. The closed circuit with the permanent connector allows multiple irrigation-suction cycles to be performed without breaking sterility, thereby recovering the value of the initial sterile setup and avoiding repeated disposal of contaminated materials
3Reliability
If manual cystolusis is performed with frequent disconnection and reconnection, then the catheter can be des-obstructed, but the procedure time and operator exposure to biological risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The four-way connector serves as a permanent intermediary that enables rapid switching between irrigation and suction functions without requiring disconnection of the sterile circuit. The connector's design with multiple distal openings allows the operator to simply change the connection configuration rather than disconnecting and reconnecting components, dramatically reducing procedure time while maintaining catheter patency
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static connection requiring disconnection to a dynamic configuration where the connector can rapidly switch between different hydraulic pathways. The connector allows the circuit to adapt its flow configuration on-demand, enabling quick alternation between irrigation mode and suction mode without physical reconnection, thus reducing procedure time while maintaining sterility
Data Source
AI summary
Flow switching device for catheterization with a three way catheter comprising: a housing having an internal cylindrical surface, in which four openings are obtained which are arranged the one after the other one, angularly separated by an angle between 80° and 90°, from three of which a conduct originates; a hydraulic bifurcation originating from the remaining fourth opening and which provides distally other two conducts; and switching means comprising: another cylindrical surface, which is outer, holed and introducible in the housing to close at least two openings; an internal greater hydraulic pipeline which connects a first couple of holes, obtained in the other surface and spaced of an angle between 170° and 190°, an internal smaller hydraulic pipeline which is internal; lateral and which connects another couple of holes obtained in the other cylindrical surface; wherein the openings and the holes are configured to allow two configurations in which the greater pipeline connects only two not consecutive openings and the smaller one does not connect any opening; and two configurations in which the smaller pipeline connects only two consecutive openings and the greater one does not connect any opening.