Implantable Vascular Access Device with Funnelling Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current haemodialysis methods using arteriovenous fistulas are plagued by patient discomfort, risk of infection, need for specialized personnel, and prolonged treatment times due to the use of sharp needles and complex vascular access devices that require frequent operations and are costly.
Innovation Solution
A vascular access device that is permanently implantable, allowing for hydraulic connection between veins and arteries, using a single-use cannula system that reduces needle insertion trauma and allows for easier access with a non-cutting cannula, enabling simpler and more efficient haemodialysis procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If sharp fistula needles are used for frequent insertion into the arteriovenous fistula, then blood collection and injection can be achieved, but patient discomfort, pain, and trauma to the FAV wall increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the vascular access function into two separate components: a permanent implantable device with funnelling channels that remains in the FAV, and a removable collection/injection device that connects to it. This segmentation allows the permanent device to handle the trauma of frequent needle insertions while the removable device provides comfortable access for blood collection and injection.
Solution Approach 2:
The funnelling channels are pre-formed in the permanent device during a single surgical implantation procedure. This preliminary action creates ready-made access pathways that eliminate the need for repeated sharp needle insertions into the FAV wall during subsequent haemodialysis sessions, thereby reducing patient trauma and discomfort.
2Manufacturing precision
If the funnelling channel device is used to guide fistula needles, then insertion points are standardized, but the risk of crossing the vein from side to side and damage to the FAV remains
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of guiding sharp needles through the FAV wall (traditional approach), the invention inverts the approach by having the cannula with non-cutting tip pass through the permanent device's funnelling channels. The cannula enters from the opposite direction and connects to the internal lumen, eliminating the risk of FAV wall damage while maintaining precise insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The permanent device with funnelling channels acts as an intermediary between the external cannula and the FAV lumen. It provides a protected pathway that guides the cannula safely into the vessel without exposing the FAV wall to direct needle trauma, thereby maintaining vessel integrity while enabling precise access.
3Productivity
If metal fistula needles with cutting tips are used, then blood flow access is achieved, but the risk of infection and complications in patients with vein fragility increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the critical parameter of the access device from a sharp metal needle with cutting tip to a cannula with a non-cutting tip. This parameter change eliminates the cutting action that causes trauma and infection risk, while the cannula's flexibility and the funnelling channel design maintain effective blood flow access.
Solution Approach 2:
The collection and injection device with the cannula is designed as a disposable single-use component that connects to the permanent implantable device. This disposable design eliminates the need for repeated sterilization and handling of sharp needles, thereby reducing infection risk while maintaining blood flow access efficiency.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the Buttonhole method is used to create subcutaneous channels, then needle insertion trauma is reduced, but specialized personnel and complex procedures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The permanent device with funnelling channels is implanted during a single surgical procedure, performing the complex channel-creation action in advance. This preliminary action eliminates the need for repeated specialized procedures to create Buttonhole channels, as the funnelling channels are pre-formed and ready for simple cannula insertion during routine haemodialysis sessions.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1E
Figure 2A~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a vascular access device for haemodialysis permanently implantable in a patient having a pre-existing arteriovenous fistula or, alternatively, in a vein, an artery or between a vein and an artery, to create an artificial arteriovenous fistula and a vascular access healing device and a sterile package containing a single-use device of collecting and/or injecting blood usable in combination with the vascular access device.