Focal Pressure Applicator for Central Line Bleeding Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for managing bleeding at central venous catheter (CVC) sites, such as sandbags and pressure dressings, are ineffective and pose risks, including discomfort, infection, and resource inefficiencies, as they apply non-focal or circumferential pressure, failing to directly address bleeding and requiring extensive staff and resource allocation.

Innovation Solution

A medical device applying focal pressure to the bleeding vessel using a plunger mechanism with a pressure pad, which can be rotated to engage and disengage, providing controlled pressure between 15 mm Hg and 45 mm Hg, specifically designed to compress veins and arteries to initiate clotting and stop bleeding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If sandbags are used to apply pressure to stop bleeding, then bleeding control is achieved, but patient discomfort increases and the device may be displaced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebleeding controlVSAvoidpatient discomfort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device applies pressure locally and focally directly at the bleeding site through a pressure interface, rather than using distributed pressure from sandbags. This concentrates the force where needed while reducing overall pressure application area, thereby controlling bleeding effectively while minimizing patient discomfort and preventing displacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If pressure dressings are used to stop bleeding, then bleeding control is achieved, but direct visualization of the puncture site is blocked leading to delayed infection assessment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebleeding controlVSAvoidpuncture site visualization
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The device is designed as a segmented system with a base portion that provides pressure and a separate transparent drape portion that covers the puncture site. This segmentation allows the pressure application function and the visualization function to operate independently, maintaining bleeding control while enabling continuous visual monitoring of the site for infection or complications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If circumferential pressure is applied to stop bleeding, then bleeding control is achieved, but blood flow to the limbs is affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebleeding controlVSAvoidblood flow restriction
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device applies pressure in a focal, localized manner directly at the puncture site rather than circumferentially around the limb. The pressure interface is designed to concentrate force at the specific bleeding location, achieving hemostasis without restricting blood flow to the surrounding limb tissues, thereby eliminating the harmful effect of blood flow restriction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Reliability

If frequent dressing changes are performed to manage bleeding, then bleeding control is improved, but hospital material consumption increases and infection risk rises

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebleeding controlVSAvoidhospital material consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The device provides continuous, sustained pressure at the bleeding site through its pressure interface and securing mechanism, maintaining hemostasis without interruption. This continuous action eliminates the need for frequent dressing changes, thereby reducing hospital material consumption and minimizing opportunities for infection while ensuring reliable bleeding control throughout the healing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 reduces or stops bleeding at CVC sites, minimizing blood loss, infection risk, and resource consumption, allowing for quicker patient care and reducing staff burden by enabling efficient bleeding control without the need for continuous staff presence or excessive dressing changes.

Implementation Method 1

The plunger may include a spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20210085336A1Focal Pressure Applicator to Cease Bleeding
Publication Date: 2021.03.25 RUSH UNIV MEDICAL CENT
  • US20210085336A1 patent drawing
  • US20210085336A1 patent drawing
  • US20210085336A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a device and method for reducing or stopping the flow of blood in a patient. The patient may be treated with an intravenous line, such as a central line. The device may have a plunger including a pressure pad that applies pressure to the bleeding vein to reduce or stop the flow of blood in an engaged position of the plunger.