Disposable Heating Cuff for Venous Catheterization Vasodilation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing heaters for venous catheterization are inefficient in achieving rapid vasodilation due to suboptimal heat transfer, risk of thermal injury, and complexity, particularly in patients like infants, children, and those with darker skin or undergoing chemotherapy, where veins are constricted, and current methods like wet towels and electric heating pads are either ineffective or pose risks.

Innovation Solution

A disposable heating cuff with a flexible heating element enclosed between water-resistant layers, optimized for conductive heat transfer, featuring adjustable temperature settings and a timer to prevent thermal injury, designed to conform to the patient's extremity for efficient and safe vasodilation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If electric heating pads are used to heat the skin, then the skin is warmed to aid vasodilation, but the heating pads may not be hot enough to achieve rapid vasodilation and are difficult to wrap snugly around the forearm

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverate of vasodilationVSAvoidease of wrapping and contact maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The heating device uses a flexible cuff made of thin film material that can be easily wrapped snugly around the forearm, maintaining good contact with the skin surface. This flexible structure allows the heating element to conform to the patient's anatomy, ensuring efficient heat transfer while being simple to apply and remove.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The heating device enables rapid vasodilation by adjusting the temperature parameter to higher levels than traditional heating pads, achieving clinically effective vasodilation in a shorter time frame while maintaining safety through controlled heating parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Speed

If heating temperature is increased to achieve rapid vasodilation, then vasodilation effectiveness is improved, but the risk of thermal injury increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverate of vasodilationVSAvoidrisk of thermal burn

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The heating device incorporates temperature sensing and control mechanisms that continuously monitor the heating process and provide feedback to maintain safe temperature levels. This feedback system prevents overheating and thermal injury while still delivering sufficient heat to achieve rapid vasodilation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The heating device applies heat in controlled periodic cycles rather than continuous high-temperature exposure, allowing brief intervals that prevent thermal accumulation and reduce burn risk while maintaining effective vasodilation over the treatment period.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Temperature

If forced air is blown directly onto the patient to warm the arm, then warming is achieved, but the direct contact of warm air with skin increases the risk of thermal burns and the equipment is noisy and energy-inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveskin temperatureVSAvoidrisk of thermal burn

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the forced air mechanical system with a direct contact conduction heating system. The heating element is embedded in a flexible cuff that contacts the skin directly, transferring heat through conduction rather than convection. This eliminates the need for noisy blowers and energy-inefficient air heating while providing controlled, safe warmth.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If a loose fitting mitt is used for heating, then the heating device can be applied easily, but it does not optimize conductive heat transfer to the skin because it does not conform to the skin

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of applicationVSAvoidheat transfer efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 heating cuff achieves rapid and effective vasodilation with minimized risk of thermal burns by optimizing heat transfer and reducing heating time, enhancing the practicality and safety of venous catheterization procedures.

Implementation Method 1

A heating element is enclosed between a first water-resistant layer and a second water-resistant layer... optimized for conductive heat transfer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConductive heat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS7825356B2Heater for assisting in venous catheterization

Publication Date: 2010.11.02 AUGUSTINE BIOMEDICAL AND DESIGN LLC

AI summary

Certain embodiments pertain to a heater for warming a patient's extremity in order to cause vasodilation for facilitating venous catheterization.